I got a little confused, as you stated the dog wants nothing to do with the cat, then you say your afraid the dog will hurt the cat.
I'm not flaming I just want to know how the dog is acting so we can help you.

Sorry if I missed a post, I tried to look back a bit but couldn't find any info.
How old is the cat?
How old is the dog?

what breed is the dog?

how long have you been trying to get them together?

Forcing the dog towards the cat & will will only do what you said it did, is make the dog fear you (or whomever is forcing the dog to do it).

Let them make frineds on their own.

good luck.