Thanks. You've been a big help. I had another talk with my girlfriend and she said just do what feels right to you and him, and it was obvious to me that pushing him in that crate just wasnt' right.
I do realize that I have to be firm at times -- have to be the alpha -- but I'm just afraid of doing the wrong thing. I've never had a dog or a kid. This is all new to me.
I live at a resort in Colorado, and he seems to love the snow. I've been here 35 years and I hate it now.