A good many people mistakenly equate dog crates with canine incarceration. But, if you introduce your dog to a crate in a positive way you can avoid some common crating mistakes. The den contributes to pack survival and offers protection. It seems that the instinct for denning persists in domestic dogs, and den-like settings have a calming effect.
Crates are, hands down, the safest way for dogs to travel in cars.
A crate offers quiet refuge when a dog is recuperating from an illness or injury and can be a sanctuary when things get hectic around the house. Every dog should have a place to call its own. More important, crates can help prevent behavior problems before they start by helping owners establish routines for their dogs. Most crates are made of either thick-gauge metal wire or molded plastic. Whichever material you choose, your dog's crate should be ruggedly constructed and fitted with secure door latches.