car separation anxiety

Travel Crate?

1. Stop giving him an opportunity to practice this behavior--don't drive with him and don't leave him in the car.
2. Desensitize him to the car, starting where he is comfortable. Can he get into the car without freaking? Do this and give him an amazingly high value food treat, something he goes absolutely apes*it over in a positive way. Then let him out. Do it again. And again.
3. Build up positive experiences (car=freakydeaky treat that I never ever get any other time), and try not to give any more negative experiences (car=bad panting messmaking) if at all possible.
4. Increase time spent in the car and build up to diffrent kinds of car experiences.

Eventually, your dog will think that the car is about the coolest place on earth to be. Only then do you repeat above process with leaving him in there when you're not there. Remember to stay inside his comfort zone, so that you are rewarding calm behavior and not freaking out.

This is totally curable. Good luck!

If you don't crate Sampson, I'm not sure I would try a travel crate. Confinement, if Sampson's not used to it, will only add to his panic and negative associations.

Fisher6000 is right on. I might add a reminder, too, not to comfort Sampson if he starts getting agitated. If you do, you're rewarding the anxiety.

Also, remember that you have to be consistent 100% of the time! It'll take some effort, but you can fix it. Keep us posted!

Thanks for the replies.  i will try the reward technique and keep you posted.

Another thing you could try is a calming cap.  See one at www.premierpet.com.