For all of those who have pointed the finger at someone, Dizzy seems to be dishing it all back out at you, LOL.
Gempress- I see nothing wrong with crating your dogs. As Tessa's said, some dogs actually do LIKE their crates. It's a calm, relaxing safe haven for them.
I don't think crating a high energy dog for 10 hours a day is fair though.
People have to work. People have to go and do things. Dogs can't come all of the time.
Hades was crated, he isn't anymore. If I left for 10 minutes he would destroy something. There was no such thing as "puppy proofing", as someone mentioned I would have to have an empty room. If I removed everything that could be destroyed, he would chew on the coffee table. And this was not from lack of excercise, it was separation anxiety.
After a few months of crating everytime we left, once I left him out for half an hour. No mess, lots of praise. He can be left out of the crate now but most of the time he goes in there anyways to sleep. No he's not actually locked in the crate though.
I agree with Dizzy on the idea of crates being tools. But on the other hand, sometimes it doesn't work just as a tool, it has to be the "fix".
As long as the dogs are happy and comfortable in whatever situation they're in, IMO, I have no right or reason to point a finger at anyone.
Both of my dogs, now after using a crate, roam free when left alone. May I remind you though, that that is not very often. When I go into the shop, they come with me. If I go into town, they come with me. I do have a lifestyle where my dogs do not have to be left alone often.
So, bottom line, Gemp, I see no problems with crating a dog, while your at work, as long as the dog gets walked plenty and is generally happy.