Lynne - there are alternatives to the airline crate that do the same thing - known as an ex-pen. Basically they are more open, but, still confine the dog - like a playpen. Enough room for them to stand and turn around. The advantage of the crate is it's like their house. They do get a sense of security from them. I had a cairn terrier about 15 years ago and we had a crate for her from a company called Midwest Homes. It was an open crate that she could see through. I did put a cloth over the top since it was in our bedroom, but, Rosie used it for her bed and loved being in it. Without it, we had housebreaking problems. She went in it on command but also just loved being in it. Slept in it all night - never closed the door to it - one she got the hang of things.