This is great info!
We've been in intensive training and have consulted the vet quite a bit since we rescued him 18 months ago he has improved, but not to the point where he's a comfortable dog. I like to say he thinks he's living in Beirut or a war zone, because anything he sees or hears is potentially "deadly" and he responds in a life or death manner. Neighbors he knows can't come over and let him out when we're gone, and even if we're home he's anxious and afraid when neighbors or family comes over, even people he knows well. He barks frantically (with the little break in the voice or yodel with the bark indicating a bit of panic) even at his pack, our family unit, until he can see/touch/smell us. This is the dog that doesn't eat most days also, and we're sure it is anxiety causing that, too, since over 18 months we've tried every food, canine and human, with little improvement.
The vet says he's got some sort of chemical imbalance in his brain, and though we definitely work on building his confidence daily (seek and find games, nosework, agility, recall, extended/out of sight sit/stays, etc., etc.) we've been told he'll always be anxious, and meds may help. I'm going to look into some of the things suggested above but I may also obtain some alprazolam to have on hand for times when I know it will be a challenge, like going to the vet, which is the absolute worst thing for him, not surprisingly.
