This dog's bark really is worse than its bite - yapping at a bigger pooch from the safety of a gate even though it was open.

The black and white mongrel named Tam was becoming aggressive toward the Golden Retriever outside his family's home in Sisaket, Thailand, on July 6.

Proving that the mutt had no intention of coming to blows, he stayed rooted behind the metal bars - despite being able to reach the other dog with just a couple of steps to the side.

Hilariously, when Tam's owner fully opened the sliding gate he stopped barking. The dog's mouth stayed open but no sound came out as he came face-to-face with the larger Golden Retriever named Namchok.

Pet owner Tassanawalai Surabood said: 'I thought my dog looked funny when he tried to be angry. My neighbour's dog didn't even realise he was being threatened by Tam.

'The gate was open but Tam continued to express his anger. He didn't really want to fight. He was just acting tough. He became more timid when I opened the gate.'

Despite his apparent fury, Tam restrains himself from actually trying to bite the retriever.