Hi LorenaMM,
There are so many considerations when it comes to getting a dog and soooo much information. I used and still use the crate for my dog. If you purchase one , make sure it's not too big. Enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay comfotably. In the early months I kept the crate closed overnight and would get up and let the dog out, to teach him the idea of hanging on as dogs will not soil their bedding. As he got older I inreased the intervals until he stayed in all night. Now I leave the crate opened and laundry closed. I do believe he stays in there all night. Some mornings I have to literally drag him out. He has become so used to his crate that at bed time he goes in on his own.
As a puppy I used to put him in for his quiet time or if the stimulation of kids and visitors got too much. I knew I could put him in there for a few hours during the day if I had to step out. At least he wouldn't shred to paper and get up to mischief.
Consider leaving the crate somewhere out of the way where it is quiet. It becomes your dog's safe haven. There certainly are many benefits. Dogs can still be easily trained even without the use of a crate. So which ever you choose, good luck with it all. Above all just praise, praise , praise and reward all good behaviours . Patience and persiatance is the key! There was this book I read by dog trainer, Sarah Hodgsen ( borrowed from library) which I found extremely useful. Can't remember the tilte but to do with puppies. You could google it. She implements positive dog training methods and helps the reader understand how the dog's mind works.
All the best.
