Yes, hunting dogs are caged...show dogs are caged. I wouldn't do it as companionship to me is more important ... In my 56 years of owning goldens, I've never owned a cage. I did have one to get pups used to them before they went " home " and would be caged...but mine were never caged. The only time they were in our kennel was during their heats when I didn't want to breed. Even then , I would switch , put the boys in, and let the female have house time.With today's lifestyles I understand some caging.....but that's why I recommend a rescue dog .