"cshenk" said in rec.pets.dogs.behavior:

It seems all the rage now.

Rage now? I've been proselytizing them for years and junped on
the "fad" about 15 years ago.

I look after many dogs and have open crates all over my house.
Sometimes they get closed, not often. Usually, dogs seek tham
out as a comfortable place to hang out in the middle of a lot of
action.

What did people do before and

Before, I'm not sure. But, when I was very young, my parents'
mini Poodles went to a "farm" because they apparently couldn't
be housetrained. Knowing what I do now, those dogs would have
been housetrained quickly. I have had a lot of success with
many puppies.

what is different?

What is different is that dog owners now generally understand
dog behaviour and needs and hopefully don't confuse those needs
with misguided and anthropomorphic notions.
--
--Matt.