I had a crate for my dog that was up all of the time. The dog was miserable. Every time the kids were eating, he went in the crate. Every time we left the house, he went in the crate. Now, I don’t keep the crate up. He’s learned not to be a mooch and a beggar when we’re eating, he doesn’t steal food, and he’s not miserable all of the time. My carpets may not be as clean, but I’ll take a happy dog over a sad one at just about any cost.