shebasmum:
We too have had dogs for donkey's years but we'd never ever imprison them in cages or any such thing. Why bother having them if you don't want to share your home in the true sense of the word?
Just because they can't answer back doesn't mean that they like being a prisoner, i.e. "it will soon get used to being happy in there". Really? That's what your dogs tell you, is it?
Try putting yourself in a cage for hours on end and see how happy you'd be.
Don't have them for "trophy" reasons - have them to be fully integrated family members - or don't bother.