I always use the crate. Don't get me wrong we have beds littered in every room of the house on all three floors. Zoey and Lulu enjoyed the other beds during the day but I would also find them in their crates. I leave the crate open during the day and only close it at night to be sure they don't go wandering and get into trouble. They have never cried. I do believe that the crate can be used positively. The only time they are locked in is when it's night time especially being as Zoey is still being housebroken.
As I type she is back in her little hacienda napping...I would nap in there too since there is a down throw in it...very warm and snuggly. Sometimes I see her semi closing the door with her body and then squeezing into the crack she left open to go lay down.
__________________  Lulu will always be in my heart  |