Originally posted by carrie:
<STRONG>Sorry, I am going to be of no use on this one either. I do not believe in crate training dogs unless all other paths have been tried to control an undesirable behaviour. As the dog in question is a baby the only treatment needed is time, good handling and sensitive training. I have never resorted to using a crate yet (no doubt the day will come!) A warm comfortable bed and interesting toys and some paper for a safegaurd will grow a happier and better adjusted puppy.

This is my personal opinion and many here disagree with it, so, as I said, no help at all!</STRONG>
I disagree. Crates are a very wonderful tool when housebreaking. Dogs also consider crates their "den".

I understand that crates (just like anything else) can be abused, when the dog has to stay in it day after day for hours on end and never gets any exercise or attention.

My three dogs are all crate trained. Various times throughout the day they can be found in their crates sleeping or chewing on a toy, with the door open! They are not forced to be in their crates at this time, they willing go into their crates.

How then are your dogs "happier and better adjusted" than mine?