wow, so far so many of you agree with the crate as more of a sercurity issue and a safe place for the pups to go when they need "private time", however some of you still think that crates are more convience, like i said to each his/her own. as far as i am concerned as long as your pup feels safe with you and loves you and you return the love, then, that is all that matters.
i for one live in a very safe sound neighbor hood, and everyone interacts with one another, parties, BBQ's and so forth, we get are pups together and have a great time, i see no sense in keepin my pup in a "bubble" per say their whole life, to me, that would break their spirit, really dogs are VERY socical animals, and will warm up to almost anyone, given the right person.
as for my pup being outdoors vs indoors, i think i based that decision based on the size, i do not feel that a full grown dog should be kept indoors and no be able to explore his outside world, as long as you take as much precautions outdoors as you do indoors, then, everything is fine. I mean, think about it, accidents can happen IN the home, just as they can outside the home, but, given the right amount of knowledge, you can make your dogs life WONDERFUL, my mom has had her pups for 7 years and they would not go indoors ever! they love the wind in their ears and face, they love to RUN JUMP PLAY and smell the outdoors, they love to eat the grass, and so forth, so why rob you dogs life of the very things that he/she is naturually used too???