The purpose of the crate is to make them hold it so their bladder's get
stronger and they can hold it for numerous hours.
I also thought it was cruel but it turned out to be a great way to train dogs.
My vet told me it would be ok. I used this method with Buddy starting
at 14 1/2 wks. He went in the crate before I left for work at 8:15 am, no food or water,
that would set him up for failure, went home at 12
o to walk him, give him water and a treat and left. Came home at 5:30 and right out for a walk.
There were no accidents at this time. He was completely trained by
5 1/2 - 6mos old. The only time he has had an accident is when he was
sick. His bladder is stronger than mine! It's not cruel as long as you do what your suppose to do and not put your pet in there and forget about him.
Schedule is KEY also. If you want to train your pet to go potty outdoors
this is the way to do it!
Also, I did not get up at night with him. The vet stated that if I did I would
be on his schedule not mine. He got walked at 11:00 pm and had a few
accidents at first but again he was trained during the day and at night by the time he was 6mos. No water at night either. Today he will be four
soon and he still gets no water at night. By giving them access to water
at night you are setting them up for failure. As long as you know they
had water before their last walk they will be fine until morning.
Remember your pup has to be old enough to start potty training before
you take these steps. Also remember dogs, generally, do not like lying
or living in their own pee and feces, hence holding it. But be sure
you get him out on a timely manner.