i'm upset when he misbehaves even if there are extenuating circumstances, like his sutured ear, and a boisterous young dog, or an over-familiar strange girl who wants a hug for photo. i want to not worry about him going and scaring someone. i try to decrease the variables by teaching him to be gentle and tolerant, by introducing him to as many dogs,and people, as i can. the trainers work by eliminating all the variables. i don't want to do that, too much is lost, too many good experiences eliminated by fear of bad ones. so i have to accept that sometimes copper will overreact because he's afraid and sensitive about his ear, or because a stranger assumes instant easy familiarity. he has his fears, and his likes and dislikes, sometimes he's mellow, and sometimes he's passionate. i'm the same way. some days are a bit tired and frazzled (and it Is monday). sometimes we go a little bit crazy.