never mind about frequent urination/have new question about anxiety

Question
Hey Dave, I just wrote you about my puppy and her frequent urination problem.  You don't have to answer that I got ahold of my vet (finally) and said she probebly has a bladder infection.  I am taking her in this afernoon.  I just freeked out a litte bit for a moment.

But I do have another question about my male shelti Chandelr who is 7.  When he was a puppy he had anxiety seperation and got very excited very easily.  We got him a crate (which helped tremendously) and as he got older he has calmed down alot.  The problem is riding in the car.  When he gets in the car he begins to panic.  He shakes all over and pants really heavy.  My question is how can I teach him to calm down.  He was really my sisters dog and she raised him for the first several years of his life.  She did not train him very well in alot of areas.  He still has a cow when someone comes to the door, things like that.  How can I make him calmer to teach him things.  I want to be able to take him places with me and the new puppy but it may be hopless.   Any suggestions?

Thanks
Delina

Answer
Hi Delina,

Anxiety is a weird thing.  (By the way: you are correct, I am not a veternarian- I do financing for a living).  

What I can suggest is if he is scared of the car try to put a travel crate in there and put him in it with his usual bedding.  Take him to the park and play, or wherever he goes make it fun at the other end.  He has to associate car rides with things other than the vet or whatever trauma is percieved in relation to the car.

As for people at the door... let me remind you that the Sheltie is bred to herd and protect the flock.  Your home is his charge and any/all threats will be barked at.  Keep that in mind when you calm him down that he is doing his job.  

Did you use any kind of leash training?  If so: when you expect someone to come over put him on the leash and calm him down before and as they come to the door.  Use treats for reinforcement.  If necessary get a bark collar-either static shock or citronella is fine-and use it during controlled times when you can be there.  For Lily I would also recomend teaching "DON'T BARK" with some hand signal to reinforce when she should listen to you.  This is much more effective when they are young.

It could be worse, Possum-my oldest- thinks that vaccum cleaners, blenders, electric can openers, mixers and cameras are his mortal enemy and must be stopped.  We literally have to close him in our large master closet when we vaccum.  

I hope that answers your questions!

'sneezes
Dave