We only used it to keep Samantha in at night and if we'd go out. She hated it, even if I stayed right there in the room with her. She's just such a social dog, she hates being cut off. I took her in in late August 2002 and by the first weekend in November, I felt confident enough to let her loose at night. She's much happier now that she doesn't have to deal with that nasty crate anymore.