Can you train a dog to tolerate or even like other dogs?

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

I have a male chihuahua, he adores people, he will happily walk past another dog but if one sniffs him he gets scared and tries to get away, if the other dog persists he gets aggressive.

Is there a way to train him to not mind another dog sniffing him? I am finding myself having to avoid heavily dog populated areas which limits our walks somewhat.

I should also add, he's not been castrated, would this help matters if he were? He's not aggressive unless repetitively sniffed by another dog, male or female.

Small dogs rightfully tend to be afraid of other dogs hurting them. I’d start by socializing off leash with other small dogs.
My well socialized Tibetan will not tolerate being mounted. He’ll stand his ground and make it clear that’s not cool.
Please remember while on a lead, dogs can be frightened by the fact they can’t run away or move about as necessary. Off lead small group socialization is very important.

If he is aggressive through fear then I believe castration can make it worse. He may just not like other dogs (especially over friendly ones) and prefer his own space so l’d be asking people to respect that space and keeps their dogs away as a start.

But agree with pp, if you can find a few less full on dogs that he can socialise happily with that might help.

I think it would be more sensible to train him to actively ignore and walk past other dogs at heel.

Bella our rescue came to us as disliking all dogs, now some nine months later, she is happy to spend days with Eric either here or at exh's she can ignore many dogs we meet regularly on our walks and there are a few that she is happy to greet and play with as well. There are still some she growls at no matter how often she sees them though but I see it as a work in progress (today she ignored a lab that she always growls at so progress today even)