lab/border collie fear of flying insects

Question
Hi!  
My husband and I have a greyhound and a lab/border collie mix.  Our
border/collie mix, Drake we have had since he was a puppy. In the past year
Drake was stung on his shoulder by a bee.  Ever since this happened last
spring he is very frightened of any flying insect.  When he even sees a shadow
of one inside or outside he freaks out.  He has anxiety response which is
running around the house panting and will not relax all day.  What is your
suggestion?  I have thought about some all natural calming medicine.

Answer
This is a very difficult fear to address since it's a fight/flight mechanism.  All natural calming medication may be just the thing to start with, but the dog may need a prescription medication while you are working through his strong conditioned fear response.  First, the dog needs to be calmer overall; then you need to train a strong alternative behavior.  Drake's response to the command for this behavior must be extremely well conditioned or he won't be able to engage his ability to focus, even with a calming medication.  Because of his alleged mix (as reported, I can't see the dog so I can't comment), his prey drive must be quite high (combined Lab and Greyhound should produce a strong chase instinct.)  Use play training to capture and shape a very strong "catch it" (as in see, chase, get, NOT necessarily fetch) to your command (use a unique word.)  Here's a link:
http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/obedience.html

This sort of training capitalizes on the dog's prey drive response and it is also very much fun for both the dog and the trainer (as well as observers.)  Start slowly (very short sessions) and give it a few weeks to really develop.  Meanwhile, the dog should be at least somewhat calmer on the alternative meds or the prescription meds.  As the weeks pass and he begins to lose the strong fight/flight conditioned response, he will be acquiring another conditioned response to your command.  You will KNOW when he has really "got it" and you will also know if the medication is working.  As soon as these things come together, any time you suspect the dog is beginning to alert to a signal stimulus (the shadow of the dreaded bug), interrupt it BEFORE he gets heavily engaged.  You will essentially be redirecting his attention and energy.  If you find that you can't handle this alone, find a certified applied animal behaviorist.  Ask your veterinarian for referral, or contact the veterinary college in your geographical area, or check this site which is supposed to have verified educational and professional credentials:
http://www.iaabc.org/