I'm sorry but that's a load of bull. Have you actually ever dealt with a dog who is suffering from pure sheer fear? The OP has been advised to get a professional behaviourist to assess the dog which is the only advise they should listen to. THEN it can be assessed if the dog is taking the micky or terrified. 'Knowing you are the master' will do absolutely nothing for a dog that is terrified, my bitch is trained to an extreamly high level but when she hears a firework she knows NOTHING except the fear. She will burrow herself under the sofa, and for 25kg of dog that's quiet a task. Nothing and noone can reach her when her mind is shut down by fear. The dog needs quiet, time and certainly not some twit who thinks he's lord and master putting extra pressure on.