PS: If you have been warned that the dog is afraid of men, you should not have even been within biting range. Out of all the bites I've gotten from dogs, every one was a result of my failure to appropriately read and interpret the dog's communications to me.

I'm linking you to some good handouts on reading body language and managing defensive fear, as well as desnsitizing dogs to objects of fear. You can look around on that website for more information applicable to your specific situation.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...S=0&C=0&A=1391

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...S=0&C=0&A=2400

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...S=0&C=0&A=1405

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...S=0&C=0&A=1811

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...S=0&C=0&A=1612