It's something I have thought about a lot. We see so much that a crate used for toilet training should be just big enough for the dog to stand and turn around in, and I think that's quite worrying. In fact, I think a lot of people believe that a crate will magically toilet train their dog; and while I accept it might help, as I keep saying here, it isn't a substitute for proper training.

 

I've also thought about this in connection with changes in dog treatment since my childhood. When I was a kid it was very normal for dogs to spend their days outside in a dog run or else chained up. Responsible owners always provided a dog house for shelter. Quite a few of the dogs I knew ignored the dog house and dug a tunnel into the cool earth underneath, where they spent their days napping out of the heat of the sun. Now such treatment is often considered unethical, and many localities even have regulations against it. I wonder, though, if it's any kinder for the dog to be stuck inside in a crate (apart from conditions of extreme temperatures, when a climate controlled environment is necessary for comfort and health.)

 

I believe crates were 'sold' as a concept as being like a den. But wild dogs would generally only use a den for whelping. So I think it's more of a convenience thing - a dog in a crate won't make a mess of your home.

I do think it is a good idea to crate train, for the times when it might be important (transport, vet treatment) but I also think they are a tool that can be abused far too easily.

 

Perfectly said @JoanneF

 

Many dogs that are crate trained feel very comfortable in their crates. I've seen many, many owners who leave the crate door open at all times and their dog(s) goes inside to nap or just hang out.

It is a useful tool to potty train a dog.

 

All of my recent dogs have been crate trained for the reasons JoanneF mentioned: easier housebreaking and less stress when being crated for transport, vet, or grooming. We had one family dog that liked to hang out in his crate; he moved into the shower stall when we took the crates down to free up floor space. Apart from him the rest of our dogs have preferred to sleep on dog beds, the floor, or human furniture.
But really, my reason for starting this thread is to draw attention to the fact that appropriate size crate is quite likely to be considerably larger than people realize. This is especially true if they own a large breed dog. I've never seen a 54" crate in a pet store, and even 48" crates are pretty hard to find in my area.

 

I use crates in house training puppies but never have used one that fits the puppy as closely as often recommended. Guess I've been lucky but that's never been a problem, never have had a puppy who eliminated in the crate. The older they are the roomier the crate tends to be. My German Pinscher has been in one of the 42" crates I used for my Rotties since he was about 40 pounds. He can curl up and lay sideways in it and be in no more than a third of the crate. Then again, if he rolls on his back and stretches out, he can use most of that 42". I like my dogs to be able to stretch out full length in their crate.

All but one of mine when given the choice preferred to abandon the crate and sleep in either my bed or a regular dog bed. Gibbs is two now and it's about time for him to have that choice. Well, not my bed. I'm such a restless sleeper any more it just doesn't work. The choice has been slower coming for him than some because he was more of a chewer than the Rottie girls.