How can i help my dog be more confident?

[Angeln]

My dog seems very anxious sometimes, He starts panting and acting weird and he wants outside all the time, even if its raining or cold. i know this means hes scared or something, because he used to do it when we brought the vacuum out, Then one day i was making dinner, and had to chop up a head of cabbage, he kept ringing the bell to go outside (a bell hanging on the door handle) when i was done i went to go see where he was to see if he still wanted out, and i found him hiding under my desk. then he wanted outside. Anytime people raise there voices he gets anxious too, even if were playing around. he'll come to me to be pet, then he'll want outside. Also, whenever we let the cat out (he stays in one room most of the time because were remodeling) i think the cat picks on him or something, because every time we let the cat out he starts getting anxious again, now almost every time we let the cat out the dog wants outside right away. What can i do to help him be more confident? I tried playing with him, or giving him a toy with treats in it, and it distracts him a little, but it doesn't last very long.
I know i should not react too much when he comes to me, but its very diffacult when a 70 pound dog is trying to sit on your shoulders! Also, i understand that its natural for him to be afraid of certain things, i just wanted to know what we could do to help him. He has already had Obediance classes. he did very well. But the lady who held the classes, no longer has them, and the next closest location is a petsmart 2 hours away.
Also, He gets along great with the cat when there both outside, he will even play with him. But in the house he wants nothing to do with him.

 

[Socion]

Most dogs dislike loud noises and are stressed by a lot of commotion. Some fear cats, and that's not all that unreasonable. Cats have sharp claws and, besides, you suspect the cat picks on him. What do you expect the dog to do in a situation like that...? I'm not sure if you are concerned that the dog is distressed, or if you merely believe he needs to change to suit your idea of what he should be. I will say this, however: You are making a mistake in petting him when he comes to you upon hearing a loud noise. You are sending the message "Good boy, be anxious and fearful". You'd be better off ignoring him. In fact, stop watching every little thing he does when there is loud noise or cats around. If he knows you're looking at him, he'll associate *you* with the unpleasant stimuli. If he wants outside, let him out and go on about your business.

Edit: Turn your back if he's trying to "sit on your shoulders". Or step toward him and reclaim your space. Be consistent, do it every time. You have to have a stronger will than he does. Eventually he will stop if he knows you're just going to turn your back every time. Another thing you want to do is stay one step ahead of him. You know his triggers, therefore you should be able to anticipate when to act. If you are ready to step forward or turn your back *before* he is on you, it will be that much easier. At the same time, tell him "uh-uh". When he backs off, tell him "good boy" to confirm the behavior you want from him (positive feedback). There *are* training and leadership issues going on, but there is not enough space here to deal with it all. He's using his size and strength to run the show the way he wants. In that respect, he has plenty of confidence. Sit, stay, wait command training could help. Your techniques of distraction could be effective, but you may need to tweak them. I recommend you watch "It's Me or the Dog".

He plays with the cat outside, but he wants nothing to do with the cat inside. Count your blessings. It's not unusual to see questions here about dogs who torment cats.

 

[catkeypurr]

Obedience training is the best way I know to instill confidence in a dog. Sign up for a basic class. It'll be great for both of you.

Ignore/ don't baby him when he's anxious. When they get attention at that time it feeds into/ validates those feelings.

Getting out & going for walks as opposed to being in the yard all the time also helps.
Good luck!