Bella is crate trained as two of our other four poodles were. I think you will find that most breeders recommend this, especially for making housebreaking easier. Most puppies will not soil their crate. This helps them "hold it" a little longer, but as Rachel said they can usually only hold it for an hour for each month old they are (that sounds confusing....what I'm trying to say is 2 months old, 2 hours, 3 months old, 3 hours, etc). Bella's breeder gave us lots of information about housebreaking and crate training and this was set forth in our info.

No, crates are never to be used for punishment or for extended periods of time. Bella goes in quite willingly and is so used to our morning routine that when she sees the kitchen blinds being closed (the last thing we do before leaving) she walks right in. I work part time so she is not in there very long at all. I am sure she mostly sleeps while I'm away, just like she would do if I was home (she usually naps after breakfast and a morning run in the yard even on the weekends).

I don't plan on keeping this up indefinitely but probably for a couple of more months until I can be sure my house won't be in shreds when I return.