Abner explodes in anger not because the accusation is necessarily false, but because he feels his immense service to Ish-bosheth should make him immune to criticism. Commentators explain his retort, "Am I a dog's head?", as him saying, "After all I've done for you, you treat me like a worthless traitor?" His reaction reveals a deep-seated pride and a sense that his good deeds should excuse his faults.