What You Need To Know When Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy

When the big day comes to pick up your Golden Retriever puppy, hopefully your breeder has already introduced your puppy to a crate. If not, then be sure to introduce the crate to your puppy right away on the first day you bring him home and establish it as a safe and fun place to be.

The purpose of a crate is to give your puppy a feeling of security. Indeed, at first glance, you may think that using a crate is cruel; however, nothing could be farther from the truth.  Dogs are by nature den creatures and derive a sense of security by being in an enclosed area. 

You can create a comfortable crate for your Golden by adding bedding (old towels or a blanket) which make the crate more welcoming. Don't be alarmed if your pup kneads and sucks on her blanket. Replace the blanket if holes start forming or use a heavier blanket that will hold up longer. Bedding inside the crate is also useful in case your pup has an accident.

The primary reason for crate training is to create an area that your puppy can claim as their own “domain”.  The goal is to make the crate seem like the best place to go for your puppy. Once established, you can use this relationship between your puppy and their “domain” to more easily house break him. 

During the first few days, place some toys inside and let him go in and out on his own. When he goes in, don't close the door to the crate. Let him know that he can come and go as he pleases at first. Chances are he will go inside and take a nap. Don't ever force him inside as a punishment

While you are at home the first few days, crate your Golden Retriever puppy for at least an hour a day while you go about your business in the house.  Also, be sure to crate him at night when you go to bed.  Your puppy may cry and even howl during the first night or two.  It’s important not to give in and allow your puppy out during this period.  Consistency is very important when crate training.

It's not necessary to crate your Golden if you are close by and can keep an eye on him. It’s recommend, however, that even if a family member can be home all day, to still crate your puppy for at least two consecutive hours a day. Your pup needs to get used to the idea of spending a few hours in a crate because he will inevitably need to be crated at some future time.

Crating your puppy also keeps your Golden puppy from getting too destructive if you cannot always keep your eye on him. Puppies between the eighth and ninth month can cause quite a bit of damage to your furniture and other personal belongings, so keeping them in a crate when they are not being supervised is a prudent preventative measure.

Crating your Golden puppy also produces a healthy separation time between you and him. You don't want to form a dysfunctional relationship with your dog, in which he always needs to be near you. You may think this neediness is cute at first, but you will not want your puppy to be so dependent on you in the future.

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