The crate should be your dog’s safe place — the spot they go to eat, sleep, chew on a bone, or just relax. It’s not a punishment. When used correctly, it becomes a positive, secure space. One of the biggest crate training mistakes I see is using the crate only when you leave the house. This creates a negative association. The dog learns that going in the crate means you’re leaving and they might be stuck there for hours. Instead, use the crate throughout the day in varying sh