Quote Originally Posted by Reggie
Well, i mean i use a crate as a bed for reggie but i never lock her up in it. And, i dont see how crating a dog helps, it seems that it would make it harder.
If used PROPERLY, crates are wonderful house training tools.

I do not see them as cruel. My Charlie actually sees it as his "bedroom", it is always left open when we are home, and when he gets tired or anxious he will go to his "bedroom" and just hang out. Same with Jamie. Oftentimes hubby and I look at each other and say "Where are the dogs??" and go look, and they're both curled up with each other inside the crate.

Had it not have been for the crate, house breaking Jamie (again after we moved) would have been a nightmare. And not only for the "sake" of our carpets and furniture, for her OWN safety!! I can not begin to tell you the things she would get into, and eat, while out of a crate while we were away at work. Two examples would be some hydrocodone and 2 1/2 lbs of chocolate fudge. YES, I had the things put up and out of their reach, but the cat is an instigator, or they realllly have a good nose and know how to get into the cabinets, lol. But point blank, had they have been crated, it would not have happened. Because what if, one time, I DO forget to do my thorough check before I leave the house, and they wind up getting into something much, much worse????? Or if there is an emergency, say we spill some toxic cleaning chemicals or whatnot and don't want them stepping in it or eating it. My #1 reason for using the crate is for their own safety first when I am not around to supervise.

But it was also heavensent in terms of housebreaking her again once we moved into our new apartment.

So, if used PROPERLY, the crate can only be a good thing and not cruel at all