The gang leader edges back a mite to save a bit of personal space for himself because whoaaaa dude, easy, we just met (besides, what if he tries licking him again?? Punch him in the jowl, obviously). "Name's Mondo Oowada. Can't say I know what to make of you, but... nice meetin' you I guess."

Once you go human, it's hard to see you as a dog again. But he is a dog. How does this work?? How should Mondo be feeling right now? It's pretty obvious he doesn't know yet. Honestly, it felt like he was living in some kind of folktale where mythic animals could take on human guises.