Would substituting the crate for the back yard work? Is the back yard not restricting enough?

Hello,

I just adopted a very mellow and sweet Rottie from the pound. He is about 5 years old. I had a question. We live in Southern California(great weather), have a covered patio and 6 foot fencing around my whole yard. I plan on having him as an outside dog for the most part.

So my question is:

From reading your articles. Would substituting the crate for the back yard work? Is the back yard not restricting enough? I am talking about the initial conditioning to establish pack leadership.

Thanks ahead for your time.

Danny