Connie and Mara always have great advice. Not much to add but a couple of things stuck out for me.

 Quote: jenny arntzen

It is distressing to see him up and barking…. …. I try to stay calm ….. while still acting like I meant to take him out to potty

From the other thread, you indicated that your nephew says it’s like you’re “singing” to them. Is this in a bit of high pitch, baby type voice? If it’s what I think it is, it can be great for motivating your less driven dogs but for calming anxious/nervous types, probably not the best voice. Simple, calm, firm, directed speech. Don’t add in any extras at this point. It only adds confusion and can increase anxiety.

His actions seem to be causing you a bit of distress, which is understandable. “Trying” to stay calm is one thing; “being” calm is another. Any anxiety you’re feeling will be projected on them. You said he’s not harming himself physically, just emotionally unstable - barking and shaking. I’m sure he wasn’t doing this for the full 5 hours you were away and it doesn’t sound like it happens all the time, which kind of says that he’s reacting to stimulus of the moment.

And sorry here… I’m not sure how one “acts” like you “meant” to take him out to potty. Are you saying that maybe you were feeling a little guilty that you didn’t get home earlier? 4 hours, increased to 5 hours and then your home. 5 more, guilt free, minutes while you calmly approach the crate and have him obediently settle down and wait to be let out will get you much further than all the pressure you’re putting on yourself.

The best way to help him overcome his anxiety is to project that calm, stable energy that he needs right now.

 Quote: jenny arntzen

The best solution so far has been to say, "Git" and point to his crate. …. goes and lays down and goes to sleep.

Because you’ve indicated that this is what works (and I can understand why), when he starts to whine, this is the calm and composed leadership tone I would be using. The word “Git” seems to give YOU the energy he responds to, snapping him out of his anxious, inappropriately focused state.

 Quote: jenny arntzen

If I have some sort of schedule, that might help me to stay on track.

What’s your schedule like now?

As Mara and Connie have both suggested, lots of fun with the crate games, taking it nice and slow every step of the way. Short 2-3 minute sessions throughout the day.

I would just add an emphasis on the initial desensitizing to any sound the door latch makes. Sit on the floor with him outside the crate and just latch and mark, latch and mark. The next session I would probably free shape his “touch” of the latch. All good things happen when that latch makes it's sound.

And just a note to be careful that you don’t show him all the tricks to locking that door. I’ve heard those fox terriers are pretty smart. He may not need you there to let him out next time.

OMGosh thank you for these tips! Skipper's energy can be so intense it is hard to remain calm. And I understand what you are saying. I have been influenced by his energy, rather than influencing him with mine.

I'm going to write up my program for myself from these notes. I've been watching the Michael Ellis videos online and I can see I have a high drive dog on my hands. He does respond to treats, he does follow my pointed finger, he understands some commands. I really need to continue to step up my game everyday to meet the needs of this dog.

The voice thing is subtle. With Jethro, it has to be luring, light, fun, not babyish, but happyish, if you know what I mean (not squeaky high). Kind, soft, nothing too harsh. With Skipper, it needs to be firm, low, calm, and short. Both require this idea of 'command presence', of a benevolent, all-wise leader (do I EVER need to step up my game!).

Update: I'm still not closing the crate door. I've started a new campaign with Skipper, to teach him his name. He's an amazing dog. I'm also teaching him touch, and he has picked it up very quickly. He has a repetoire of tricks, and when he starts going through them I am amazed, because I have no idea when or how he learned them! They are all locked inside that pointy little head of his.

The thing is, now that both Matt (my husband) and I are giving Skipper more attention with training and grooming, he is much calmer and we haven't had a barking incident. Also, we are more diligent in making sure his potty needs are not going to exceed the amount of time we are away.

yay for great progress!!

Whoo Hoo! That is amazing to hear.

Congrats on the progress, your hard work and dedication is paying off!

That really is great Jenny!! I’m so glad to hear things are coming together for you.

Sounds like the boys are appreciating the freedom of their new leader too.

 Quote: jenny arntzen

I really need to continue to step up my game everyday to meet the needs of this dog.

No wonder you are already seeing such good progress - this is a great attitude! I can't wait to hear what all this "pointy headed" little dog teaches you. Good on 'ya.