I know that if I stare into Cookie's eyes, she'll bow her head and doesn't look me in the eyes anymore.
If I'm angry with her, I look into her eyes, tell her to go into her basket with a deep voice and than I go over to kiss her on her head because she looks sooooo sad and it breaks my heart. Most probably no advice (hehe).

I also think that we should be the alpha dog in the household. I notice how Cookie takes control over my husband when I'm not there. Entering the house first, having him to pet her. She won't do it when I'm there and I always have this feeling that she feels more comfy when I'm there because she knows where she's at. With my husband it's a constant battle for both of them.
In dog obedience we were told to lower our voice and speak clearly when we ask something from our dogs.