Embrace the crate. It can be the best thing for a relationship with a dog, writes Laura Vorreyer. She reminds us that proper crating is not cruel and to avoid using the crate as punishment. This information is valuable to any dog owner.
Source: Modern Dog. Link.
The crate should be big enough for your dog to turn around in but NOT big enough for them to think the back corner is the bathroom.
Also see: A Trainer’s Truth About Crates. Link.