My two are in a crate for 8 hours a day while I work. I'm not sure about Chipper, but Kia would surely destroy things.

If your certain your Cocker won't eat or rip up things it shouldn't, then try leaving the crate door open.

My two will willingly go into their crates in the evening when I'm home. Like Dr. Goodnow said, they treat them like dens.