crate training

We have a new dog, Lilly, a lab/chow/shepard mix. She and Becky are getting along great--it is really good to see the smiles on their faces, as they romp in the yard. We keep Lilly in a crate overnight, and sometimes during the day. I once thought of this as cruel, but a veterinary tech explained that the dog is actually more comfortable there: left in a house alone, they feel responsible to guard the whole place, and they feel inadequate to the task. They (may) relieve their anxiety by acting out. Inside the crate, they know they can keep it secure, so they are happier there.

I think people respond in a similar way. Sometimes, freedom (and its accompanying responsibility) can feel like too much. So we build barriers, both physical and mental/emotional, to make us feel more comfortable. We may even offer similar "crates" to our friends and offspring.

How to honor the needs of the crate-trained, without stunting those who want (and can handle) more freedom?