Crates can be a hot button topic. There's no denying that. Some people feel like they are jail cells while others envision bedrooms. Some feel it's cruel, others think the opposite. 

Who's right? Everybody and nobod.  As with anything, there is no absolute answer. 

I lived with a Rhodesian Ridgeback, once up a time, and while it wouldn't have been cruel to him, a crate would have been completely unnecessary. He never needed supervision. He was a dream dog. Other dogs, have needed them for a time and graduated out of them. Some of my dogs need them for years. 

The 2 pups that are still here are crate trained. Why? Because I cannot watch them all the time. I do not want them practicing things I'd place in the "bad" column, like eating my houseplants. I feel it allows them constructive time to go play and to settle. It prevents them from becoming involved every time I move. With wildfire season upon us and a looming heat wave, I can better ensure their safety. So they don't over-play. 

Another big reason is stress reduction. When they go to the vets for spay/neuter, or travel on a plane, a crate isn't going to add stress. If there is a wildfire and I have to evacuate, rescue efforts are more successful because they can be crated. (dogs that can't be crated have to be left behind, they cannot have 10 scared dogs loose in the back of the rescue van). Groomers, boarding or car rides, all aided with a crate. 

They can be inquisitive, they learn some self control, they sleep better/more (and should be getting about 20 hours a day!) What about house breaking? They are a gem for that too. They help teach the pups to go outside, reduce mistakes in the house and they learn to hold their urges. 

Once the pups wake and start to fuss, they go immediately outside. After the potty ritual, they get play time with my other dogs or training time. When they are ready to nap again, I toss some kibble or, like today, a yogurt container for them to clean out. That burns up the mental energy and assists sleep. 

Some quick points to ponder. At the end of the day, they are your dogs and you get to make the choices you feel are best for them. Each dog is individual. I've not met a pup, properly introduced to a crate, that minded the experience any more than a human minds going to bed.