Wow - Thank you very much for your comment and shared experience!
I agree with you as the time passes it might get harder and harder to get rid of the fear. And it's always a process. Some events or circumstances may speed it up but as well slow it down. I think your friend's brother slightly opened the door of the other side of fear (of no fear) to you.
But now when you have passed and overcome that first and strongest barrier, it would be up to you how much further you want to go in that "out of fear" direction by allowing yourself each time when you are going to visit your friend another one small step ahead in understanding dogs behavior while at the same time remaining calm and being aware you are the one who may control the situation. 😉😊
As I said, it's a process with hundreds of small steps.