Even though Rose (the Chiweenie with the pink ball) is only 1 and a half, she's been going into the cage on her own with Lily (the black and tan chihuahua) for about 9 months now.

I know the key to my success is the tone of my voice, keeping it consistent (the same all the time), making it sound happy and firm. Then I usually reward them. To Rose, getting to take her stinkin' pink ball with her is music to her hairy ears.

Dogs hate when their favorite person leaves them alone in the house, so they can be spiteful and show you they're pissed or bored by peeing in the house or ripping up the carpet or your favorite shoes. They know what pisses you off most. This is why I try to make going in the cage a fun thing that they see as a reward. They see how excited I get. (Like when they do their business really fast). It doesn't hurt that they absolutely love to snuggle in there together. I wouldn't suggest this with large breeds. Things might get too cramped in there. My two dogs really love each other, so they don't mind sharing the space. It's like a luxury condo in there. There's a soft dog bed, PLUS padding, PLUS a blanket or towel. I'd sleep there if I fit! (haha j/k).

I use this firm, excited tone of voice when I want them to do their business. Sometimes I don't have all day to sit there and wait around for my bitches to dawdle around sniffing every damn blade of grass. Next I think I'll record how long it takes them to pee, shit, and eat. Literally it's all under like 5 minutes.

I've had dogs since I was 5, so far a total of seven dogs over time. My parents currently have 3, and I have Lily and Rose. I've taken care of other people's dogs, too. So I definitely know a thing or too about dog psychology. In both my parent's neighborhood and mine, dogs get loose all the time. I am totally comfortable walking up to a run-away, telling him to get in my car, and giving him a ride back home. It gets another dog off the streets and I get to give the irresponsible owners a lesson in how to keep him from escaping again. Loyal dogs never run away, only dogs that don't like where they live and don't respect their owner.