So many dog owners tell me they would never crate their dog.

“Put my dog in a cage? I don’t think so,” a co-worker tells me, nose in the air.

Well, I love crates. And my dogs do, too. Why? Crates are a safe place for my dogs to hang out when visitors arrive. My visitors have the opportunity to get in the door unmolested. I let them out when everyone feels more settled.

I love the ability to keep my dogs safe when we have technicians working inside the house. Last year, our air conditioning unit needed servicing. I popped the dogs in their crates and didn’t have to worry about them getting loose when the serviceman went in and out of the house.

Crates are not cages. Or they shouldn’t be. I compare it to building those kitchen chair forts as a kid. We layered the chairs with blankets and created a hideaway from the grownups. Your dog can feel the same about his crate if you make it a cozy cave.

A crate, well-outfitted, can be a great place for your dog to hang out, too. Shelby and A…