So, our 1.5 year old rescue LOVES his crate. He sleeps in there every night. He often chooses to go in there for nap time throughout the day, or as a safe spot when we have company over and he gets overwhelmed. We do also use the crate as a timeout. If he did something naughty (for example: like trying/succeeding at getting food off the counter, etc.) We put him in there and tell Google to set a timer. Then he comes out. We've somehow successfully managed to walk that fine line between a safe place/bed and timeout/soft punishment.

When we first got him (about a year ago) and I was first crate training him, for bedtime I would get out a dental chew and guide him to the kennel with it and he knew that was his bedtime treat. We've since stopped doing that, as he willingly goes in there regardless.

However, on occasion that we get out a treat for him, he'll take the treat and run and go eat it in his kennel. My husband is adamant that this is a huge problem that needs to be corrected immediately. That he shouldn't run to his crate everytime we give him a bone or a dental chew.

Personally, I don't see it as much as a problem. It's his safe spot. I get it. Hell, there are a LOT worse problems for a dog to have. And if he wants to eat his bone in the comfort of his roomy, cozy kennel, I'm fine with that. He's not hurting anyone or bothering anyone by doing it.

I guess my question is... IS this a problem that we should be correcting? I'd love some feedback/constructive criticism 🙏

Also, please keep in mind, aside from his kennel we also have an elevated dog bed in the living room, opposite side of the room from his kennel. That is his "place". That's where he sits for certain commands, etc. So he has his bed/kennel, then his "place". He's a very smart dog. Also knows the basics (sit, lay down), right paw, left paw, heel, "shh" (if he starts barking) and we're working on a few others.

Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Sorry in advance for the long post. Thank you!!!