I don't like to smack, either. I don't want them to be afraid of me.

Sampson goes in the crate mostly so he can be where we can watch him! For overnight we put the crate in the laundry room, and leave the crate door open so he can go in and out at will. And he does go in there to sleep and chew on his toys. We decided we will use the bathroom as the Time-Out room.

I am collecting empty soda cans today. Going to try that pennies-in-the-can thing with him. He seems to not care for loud, sudden noises.

He has learned to Sit pretty quickly, and now we are working on Down. :-)