Whether you crate a dog or not you should crate train due to there may be a time the pet may need to be crated. Traveling, after having surgery, ortho Surgery usually is total confinement. When I leave my house, my dogs are crated and this is the reason.. I had 2 dogs Never been apart from each other A german shepherd and a rottweiler. The shepherd had to have surgery. I left the rotti at home. (both dogs never got into anything) That day I found out that my shepherd had cancer, only to come home and couldnt find my rottie. Caleb didnt come when I called him I got scared thinking someone broke into my house and stole my Caleb. Nothing was amiss, I started looking under beds. I found my Caleb dead. He had gotten bored I guess and ate 20 pounds of dog food. He had never been a gluten before. He had a gastric torsion (Bloat) My Caleb died from my stupidity. Had he been crated that day I would still have him. I had imported him from Europe. He was 4 years old. I am a firm believer now in crating a dog. They may not get into anything but there is always a first time for everything. Calebs first time getting into something was his last. I just dont want to take a chance on it happening to another dog.