I have read several posts about people having issues with their dogs being in crates all day, snapping, barking, etc. etc. and I'm curious about the logic behind it all. I can't imagine crating being something thats enjoyable for a dog. We crated Drake when he was a puppy and it just seemed so mean. Once he was housebroken, we stopped that practice. I really haven't done a lot of research on this topic, but what is the logic behind crate training? I can see if you live in an apartment or small house with no yard and you don't want your dog destroying your furniture and making a mess or if you show dogs and you want them to be presentable, but are those the only reasons? I would feel horrible doing that to Drake, although he spends most of the day sleeping in the garage, it is nice to know he can get up and stretch his legs and drink water if he needs to. We had friends who crated their Weimriener and when they visited us, they always had to leave early because they had to let her out of her cage. It totally controlled their social life and activities. They had a big back yard and plenty of space, but they still crated her. She barked all of the time when she was in the cage and it just seemed to be mean. She would go crazy every time they let her out. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE UNDERSTAND, I'm not trying to be judgemental or condescending, that really isn't my intent. I just don't understand why some folks do this, so that's why I'm questioning the practice. It just seems most animals hate being in cages for extended periods of time. Can you guys enlighten me on why you do this rather than letting your dog have free roam? I am open to all points of views, so fill me in! 
Our dog, Sapphire, likes to go into her crate. It is "her" space, where she can rest undisturbed. (There are only a few times that we ever pull her out of the crate. When the realator came to take pictures yesterday was one; the crate had to go in the garage. Otherwise, she is always left alone.) Crating a dog that has been crate-trained is not cruel, unless they aren't allowed to get out for exercise and "bathroom breaks." One other note: a crate should be roomy enough for the dog to stand, sit, turn around, and lay down somewhat comfortably, but it is true that they cannot sprawl out unless you have bought it several sizes large (impossible with dogs that require the largest size anyway). However, this is why, as a rule of thumb, dogs shouldn't be crated for more than four hours straight during the day, and puppies cannot always hold it that long.
Regarding their use: There are lots of reasons to use crates. A dog that has been crate-trained will like going into its crate. It is a safe place for the animal to retreat into. It makes travelling, especially on airlines where a crate is required, much less stressful. It is the same with rest after surgery or injury; they aren't frantic to get out, so they can actually rest. It is also invaluable in potty-training and preventing destructive behavior, such as chewing, as you noted. It is basically useful to have around, but I agree that keeping a dog in one all the time is a bad use of crates. Even if you keep a puppy in a crate most of the time for housebreaking and training purposes, they still need frequent "potty breaks" and play times outside.
BTW, mother wants to put the crate away when Sapphire is through the chewing stage and is trustworthy in the house. However, Sapphire really likes the crate, and mother said she might change her mind and leave it out so Sapphire can use it.
The only thing with Sapphire is that she is really hyper if she has been crated all evening (4hrs.). She is fine at other times, but evening is her big playtime.
I hope this helps to explain about crates.
Sofia
