The first issue you described with the fireworks, there's not much you or any trainer can do about. The reaction is based on your dog's genetics and he doesn't tolerate well this kind of stimulus. There are many dogs who have this sensitivity to fireworks, gun shots, cars backfiring, thunder etc. This is why when we select puppies we test them for gun shyness. I wouldn't talk to him softly or pet him when this happens. Just calmly provide access for him to a place where he can feel secure like you mentioned. With enough time he may get better or not. Try to foresee situations of fireworks or thunderstorms and make sure he has access to his secure place. The other thing you talked about is a control issue. You already know how your dog is going to react when it sees another dog in the distance so it's up to you to allow it to go into that situation or to stop it. To stop it you need to have control of your dog. In that situation I would give an "out" command which means get the object of your attention out of your mind and "come" command which means come back to me. To achieve this control you need to do obedience training. For this there is no need to send your dog away. You can do it yourself with someone who knows what they're doing instructing you. Being a sight hound (a hunting dog) his behavior of running after something he sees in the distance, exaggerated as you say, doesn't surprise me. I think it would be natural for that breed.