I'm assuming your trainer will say they are mean and cruel and not to use one. Or they will scare you like some do by saying you might make the situation worse. I just gave you a video and can give you more on how to use one properly...it's not hard....it doesn't hurt the dog....it's safer than a regular collar or even choke collar. I've never seen a dog become more aggressive or fearful from using one...but I have seen them become more balanced.
If you are that anxious and fearful (not just about the prong, forget the prong) it's no wonder your dog is anxious and fearful too. It's not aggressive. I'd bet my life savings on it.
Remember, you are in control. If you are anxious he will be anxious. He is new to you so it will take some time to really trust each other. You have lots of communication that still needs to happen. Any way you can drive somewhere with less people around? Walking is a great communication tool and can really help to establish who is in control. Walking in a place that has less of his triggers (strangers) and will create more distance from his fear would be a huge benefit to rehabbing him. If he is scared, having people all over the place is not going to help. You need to change the way he thinks about people and it is going to be hard to do if he is being flooded by his trigger. Was he not a city dog before?
well... i live in a rural peaceful area (theoretically) but with this justice system I could as well live in a ghetto - doesn't really matter.
The scumbag that broke into our house and attacked us just got away with a suspended conviction today. And kisses in the meaningful parts.
My mastiffs will be put down in they bite anyone: that's the law. They won't get a "suspended sentence". I am not allowed a gun for protection. Police reached my house in 20 minutes. All I seem to be allowed to do is be a victim and then ask for counselling and write pathetic statements - it surely helps... If you try to save your ass you become outlaw. And there isn't anyone else to save it, anyway.
Rant over.
And yes, I have muzzles and crates in the house to protect my pups from protecting me. Not really necessary with the girls yet, even if Luna will be a damn good dog!