[JoanneF]

Agreed. He said himself reactivity is rooted in fear- adding pain/disconfort to the stress that's already there is not going to fix this. It might suppress the behaviour for the dog to avoid the consequent pain but it won't do anything to address the underlying root cause.

stay as far away from "Positive Only" Trainers as you possible can

Yet, you use and recomment a positive method - positive punishment. Maybe you don't know as much as you think you do.

I will hunt down and end anyone who butts into this thread and says that pinch collars are cruel

That says a lot. When you only have a hammer, every problem becomes a nail.

 

[JoanneF]

I'd say you want to give him the treats while he is aware of the other dog, you are trying to create something called a positive conditioned emotional response (Google +CER if you want to know more). This means his response changes from 'oh no, scary dog' to 'woohoo, another dog means treats'.

And, if he is already stressed you are right, you are too close. The sweet spot is where he is aware of the other dog but not actually showing a reaction to it.