One of the hardest - and yet easiest - ways to get past Tyson’s defences is by winning over his pets.
He puts a lot of faith into their judgement of a person when he’s doubting himself and noticing Lily or Bobby consistently getting between him and another person is a guaranteed way to make him turn tail.
The bond he shares with his animals is invaluable and he knows that it has saved his life multiple times, but Tyson is also aware that it leaves a blind spot in his guard. It’s one that he’s aware of and watching for, but also one that Tyson can easily stumble into.
Simply having his pets around lowers Tyson’s guard and makes him more malleable.