Crating a dog can be a great tool for housebreaking and keeping your furry friend safe, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Make sure to start your crate training practice for your pup only when you can directly observe them. Young, curious puppies cannot be left in a crate without supervision for the first time due to the potential of harm that could come from chewing or ingesting materials they may find while exploring their new environment. Only when your new pups are used to be crated should you leave them in it when you are at work. However, keep in mind that it should not be for a prolonged period of time. If you will not be home for many hours in the day due to work, consider sending your furball to a daycare instead. Crating should also never be used as a form of punishment, as dogs may correlate being confined with negative feelings. Finally, if your pup has separation anxiety or excessive barking when crated, consider other training methods and contact an animal professional for guidance.