The Importance of Proper Bedding for Your New Golden Retriever

A new Golden Retriever puppy will take great comfort in discovering there is a warm, soft sleeping space all ready for her in her new home. Once you choose the type of bed she will be sleeping in, be sure to put the bed in a place free of loud noise and disruption - a new dog needs to sleep in relative calm.

The most popular commercially made beds are made of wicker. One of the advantages of a wicker bed is that movement causes it to creak, a sound that seems to calm dogs. However, dirt and crumbs get easily lodged in wicker, and is an easy target for teething and destructive puppies. Not only is it prone to damage, but it can break off and end up inside your puppy's digestive tract. Therefore, avoid wicker beds for young dogs.

Another kind of bed available in pet stores is made of hard plastic. This type of bed will survive dogs that relieve their anxiety by chewing on their beds.

Beanbag chairs can also work as long as the cover is very sturdy and can withstand the chewing of a new puppy.  Also, make sure the cover can be easily removed and washed.

Of all beds, the one that makes the most sense is a collapsible crate or cage-like enclosure. Also known as a kennel, these cages can be used for housebreaking purposes and often give a new dog a sense of security, since dogs are innately “den” creatures. The new dog will "own" this structure, and consider it to be her very own space in the house. Golden Retrievers, of course, will require a kennel large enough to potentially accommodate a full sized adult.

When She First Comes Home

Shortly after entering your home with your new puppy, place her in her cage and leave her alone there. After about ten or fifteen minutes, return and release her. While the puppy is in the cage, do your best to resist her mournful howls, which should subside after a few minutes. Try to lessen her fear by placing a light blanket over the cage to transform it into a cozy enclosure.

Of course, the puppy's world should in no way be confined to the cage. Supervised ventures throughout the house are crucial to her becoming fully acclimated to her new environment. A puppy probably longs for the snug camaraderie of sleeping with her litter-mates. To reproduce the warmth that a mother and litter provide, wrap a lukewarm hot water bottle in a towel and place it in the bed.

Golden Retriever puppies, as with all puppies, need gentle discipline to give them a sense of order.  An important part of teaching proper discipline is the establishment of a proper bedding area for your dog.  This bedding can then serve as their “domain”.

When it comes to bedtime, they need to learn early that sleep usually means temporarily leaving people and the fun and attention they provide. A puppy should be confined to her "domain" when her natural sleeping time occurs. Stick to this schedule so that it becomes routine. Consistency is the key and will pay dividends for years to come.  A good way to ease the trauma of these nightly separations is to place a piece of your clothing in the puppy's bed. The scent that emanates from the garment will be calming.

 Still looking...