As many people in this group have already described, we need to work with the dog at its own comfort level. Some have used the term "sub-threshold."

Described here is a way to help change a dog's emotional response to another dog or dogs. You could use classical conditioning for systematic desensitization and counter conditioning (D/SS). 

Over the years, people have found many different ways to train dogs. Most of us over a given age will admit to having used command-based training methods with our dogs.  Some of us did so for years. Many dogs were taught successfully.But there are other ways to teach our dogs.

This short article is by Mary McCready, an experienced dog owner/trainer who rehabilitates many dogs. In her regular life, she's a cognitive psychologist. We're grateful to her for the perspectives and clarity she has brought to our understanding. BDB.