Give Your Dog A Solid Sense of Security and Yourself Peace of Mind: Crate Training your Golden Retriever Puppy

Crate Training Reasons

Crate training your golden retriever puppy facilitates house training, ensures safety, enables smooth transport, and provides a sense of comfort. What steps should you take to make the process understandable/workable for both you and your dog?

Crate Training Steps

1. Obtain a properly sized crate. Your puppy should be able to turn around, stand up, and lie down in its crate. If it is to be used as a house-training aid, a crate with extra space is too large. Consider whether an enclosed plastic (kennel) crate or coated steel wire option are best for your situation. Realize that as your puppy grows, it will be necessary to upsize your crate or remove a divider.
2. Create a positive comfortable association with the crate. Choose a time when your dog is tired and ready to relax. When introducing your puppy for the first time, put a favorite object/chew toy and some treats in the crate. Don’t force your puppy-verbally explain, gently direct, and praise upon entry. Based on your puppy’s behavior, determine if a blanket or bedding will be beneficial. If your dog tends to chew/tear up bedding, it may best to start without one. Some puppies respond well if a sheet or blanket is placed over the crate, creating a dark “den” like environment.
3. When starting, keep crate time moderately short (about 45 minutes.) It is essential to follow through with two things during this phase. First, don’t remove your puppy when it whines or fusses. Only take your puppy out when she is settled and quiet. Second, when you take your puppy out, immediately head outdoors and allow him to use the bathroom. A new puppy should not be expected to remain crated for a whole overnight. They will need to go out multiple times. Eventually, an older puppy (6 months) can work up to an overnight stretch of 5+ hours.
4. Orient your feeding/watering times with crate time. Establish appropriate times to feed. A great time to feed is directly after a puppy comes out of its crate and has done its business. Avoid feeding/watering before crating.  Crating can be reinforced with treats and it is okay to initially feed them in the crate.
5. Introduce different crating experiences. When your puppy is comfortable with home crate time, try some new situations. Take short crate trips in the car. Crate your dog in a shady outdoor location. If you plan on tent camping or RVing with them, practice in those environments.

Crate Training Advice

Remember not to rush the crate training process. Be patient-some puppies adjust quickly, and others need repeated encouragement and support. Specific vocabulary connected to the crate can be helpful. “Crate time Brad.” “Good crate time Brad”.

 Let us know how your pup adjusts and what techniques and tricks work best for you. Enjoy bonding and training with your puppy.