my 23 week old black lab only gets locked in her crate at night and I think its fab for that. I know she is safe and I cover her crate with a blanket and she sleeps so well and was holding herself throughout the night since day 2. I leave her crate in the kitchen and the door is open all day for her to go in and out as she pleases. When I have to go out I dont lock her in it but just leave her in the kitchen with the crate open ( some people lock their dogs in the crate when they go out )......I think they are great for night time as my puppy knows that when she is locked in its bed time xxxx