Hmm good points, guys, thanks a bunch

I do make her sit before opening the door to let her out. And good point about not being excited when I let her out - I had never even thought of that

Anyway any pointers from ANYONE is great and appreciated! Thanks a bunch, guys!!!

EDIT: OH crate placement. We have it in our living area now. Is that recommended? Our room would be perfect, but with the moving and new couch we have a chair up there and there is NO room for the crate lol I prefer it being in the living area, anyway, because that's where we are most of the day and where most of the activity happens.