Crate training without a crate?

[Richardson]

Should I feel bad about using a leash as a crate. Diamond is 5 months old. From 7 weeks to 10 weeks I tried to keep her behind a baby gate and she found a way to get out everytime. I could not go buy a crate so we tied her in a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 square in the utility room. There are only three sides to it, the washer dryer and a wall. It is about a four ft. leash so she can see around the corner through the kitchen. The collar is so loose she could pull out of it, but she likes it in her place. She is there from 8am to 12pm then 1pm to 5pm and goes in there sometimes to be alone. The rest of the time she is loose in the house to roam.