We keep our GSP in the house with us until it is time to hunt. These guys get absolutely morose without the companionship of their masters. He still is one of the best bird finders out our way: living the good life doesnt seem to hurt him one bit. We never crated him though, when we got him as a pup from the kennel where he was born, it was winter in Minnesota and we just let him crawl into bed with us. He became a great foot warmer, and we never had chewing problems with him. Now that he is older, he sleeps in the laundry room (on his own accord), with his buddy, a big black and white cat.