Beni is scared of new things that move on their own. For example, if I leave a jacket on the couch and it starts slipping off the couch, he'll have a cow. If he's licking the yogurt container and it starts to wobble a bit he'll jump a little. But he has gotten a little better about it. Our Petsmart trainer suggested rolling things away from him and having him chase it, and he likes that, and I think it has made him more confident. He also really likes chasing/herding the soccer ball, when at first he was really scared of it. I think he's fearful of those new things, but once he gets used to it he's better the second time around. He will come and sniff new things, but very cautiously, and the instant it starts moving on it's own he does a mini-spaz. :P

Beni also loves people and is getting to love dogs. He's fine with dogs his size (he had a meetup with Roger and they instantly took a liking to each other) but bigger ones he's a little intimidated of at first, and then after a few minutes he gets more comfortable. It's that first greeting sniff. If the other dog goes too fast he'll sometimes bare his teeth a little and then after they play more then he's fine.

Hope you're having fun with Brando! He's such a nice looking dog!