what does the incident with the dog reveal about atticus? 2 characteristics

Jem and Scout felt their dad was boring, rather old and dull compared to other dads. They of course loved him but their mind wasn't really open to another side of him until he killed the dog. They learned that there was more to their dad than books and common sense. Heck Tate proceeds to tell an astonished Jem that his dad is the best shot in Maycomb but Atticus quiets him, he thinks there are other things to be proud of:

"Didn't you know your daddy's-"

"Hush, Heck," said Atticus, "let's go back to town."

*this is in chapter 10, my page numbers likely will not match yours.