The best part about mistakes is that we learn and grow from them At least you recognize at what point and what you did that helped reinforce Joey's fear. That is a critical first step that most people forget or skip over.

You and Joey sound an awful lot like this lady's Maltese mix I helped. He was fearful as a puppy and his mom picked him up and soothed him whenever he showed fear or aggression. As a result, he was extremely stressed in new situations and had a 15 foot threshold. As soon as I came close than 15 feet, he would react. In a 1.5 hour session, though, that dog was within inches of both Giselle, Ivy, and me. And he didn't say a peep. So it CAN be done, and it can be done positively! Just gotta find a good trainer

FYI: SF SPCA graduates are usually some of the best in their trade, and there are a few in NC
http://www.sfspca.org/academy/referr...ml#other_state