How To Crate Train A Golden Retriever Puppy

Crate training accelerates potty training, keeps the dog safe from swallowing hazardous objects while you aren’t around, and prevents them from damaging your furniture.

Furthermore, a puppy accustomed to a crate will have no issue spending a night at a vet hospital or traveling in the cargo area.

However, crate training is a little more complex than simply closing a puppy in and leaving, so you should know the dos and don’ts.

When to Start Crate Training a Puppy

The short answer to how early to start crate training a puppy is – as early as possible. Most breeders recommend beginning crate training golden retriever puppies at eight weeks old.

The earlier you introduce the puppy to a crate, the lower the odds of your puppy developing anxiety. Young puppies quickly get accustomed to new environments, unlike older dogs that already have developed personalities.

Choosing The Right Crate

Before beginning the training, learn how to choose a crate for your puppy. The cage should serve as a safe and comfortable space for the puppy to relax and decompress when it’s anxious.

If the crate is appealing, your puppy will be more willing to spend time there. First, consider the crate size. Pick a spacious container for your puppy to turn around, stand up, or lay down, stretching the legs.

One may think that the bigger, the better, but it isn’t that simple with dog crates. A puppy that has too much extra space in the cage may pee in it and sit away from the mess.

On the other hand, if a crate is of adequate size, your puppy will strive to control its bladder because it won’t want to sleep in a mess. In other words, you want the crate to grow into your puppy, not vice versa.

Measure your dog’s length and height. Then, add four to eight inches to find the right crate size. If you don’t want to spend money twice, consider dog crates with a removable wire divider for an adjustable size.

Pick a sturdy and durable crate. Even if your puppy has an angelic personality, its behavior may change in a cage. Ensure that the crate is made from non-toxic materials if your puppy decides to chew it.

Wire crates are the most popular because they are collapsible, which is handy for transportation and storage. Furthermore, wire crates facilitate good airflow and visibility from each side.

Soft-sided crates with mesh sides are great for puppies that prefer to rest in darkness and are perfect for traveling. However, they only come in small sizes and aren’t suitable for dogs with anxiety.

Consider wooden options if you want a crate to fit into your interior. They come in various sizes and designs and can be made to order. Furthermore, wood is an organic material safe for dogs.

Lastly, make the crate cozy. Put a soft blanket, a cushioned bed, and your dog’s favorite toys inside to make it more appealing.

Introduce it To The Crate

The first impression is crucial, so learn how to introduce a puppy to a crate. Don’t throw your puppy in the cage and leave it there for hours, expecting it to eventually adapt to the environment. It won’t happen.

Instead, take baby steps in building your puppy’s relationship with the crate. Set up the space and leave it open, letting your puppy get inside itself. You can encourage your puppy to explore the crate by putting treats or toys inside.

The first time, your puppy will likely walk in and immediately out. Let it explore the crate several times and get used to it. Perhaps, your puppy will even like the crate and decide to rest there occasionally.

Your goal is to make the crate seem fun and eliminate any associations with punishment. Help your puppy draw positive associations with the cage by playing with it and feeding it while it’s inside.

Leaving The Puppy in The Crate

You can start closing your puppy inside the crate when you see it’s accustomed to it. However, don’t shut the door and walk away, leaving your puppy wondering what it has done wrong.

Begin by closing the door when the puppy looks at you, and open it right back. Then, close the door for a minute and give your dog treats through it.

Next, close the door for a longer period but give your puppy a toy to occupy it. If your puppy shows no signs of distress when you close the door for a short period, you can gradually extend the time.

Your next goal is to teach the puppy to be in the crate while you’re away. Close the door, give your puppy something to play with or eat, and leave the room. Come back in after a minute.

Then, gradually increase the time you’re away, but never actually leave the house and monitor your puppy’s behavior from a distance. The trick is to leave and come back naturally. Don’t make it a big deal.

Come back as soon as you notice the first signs of distress, and don’t let your dog start barking. If it begins barking and you let it out, it will understand that barking gets things its own way.

Reward Desired Behavior

Every time your puppy spends time in a crate without barking, whining, or otherwise misbehaving or expressing distress, reward it with a treat or verbally. Help your puppy draw connections between good behavior while sitting in a crate and rewards.

Note that the rewards must be instant. If you let the puppy out of the crate and give it a treat after ten minutes, it won’t draw the connections because puppies have short attention spans.

Avoid Punishment

Never punish your puppy when it misbehaves in a crate. Negative reinforcement is among the most common mistakes in training a golden retriever. A puppy doesn’t whine or chew the crate to annoy you but because it’s scared or anxious.

If your puppy shows signs of anxiety, let it out and comfort it. Don’t talk to it in a stern voice or take away its toys.

Mistakes in Crate Training a Puppy

Learn about the most common mistakes in crate training a puppy to avoid setting yourself up for failure. Don’t put your puppy in a crate when it has a full bladder, is hungry, thirsty, or full of energy.

A golden retriever that wants to pee or play won’t sit still in the crate while you’re cooking dinner or shopping. It will dig the floor, chew the wire, whine, and bark.

You don’t want to create negative associations with the crate in your puppy’s head, so walk with your pup before closing it in a crate and always leave food and drink inside. Never use the crate as a punishment.

Crate Training a Puppy at Night

A puppy that turns the house upside down or pees on the carpet while you are asleep is frustrating. To prevent accidents and get peaceful sleep, many owners close their dogs in a crate for the night.

However, some puppies are stubborn and refuse to spend the night in a crate, whining and barking, so you may benefit from tips of golden retriever crate training at night.

You may place the crate next to your bed to help your puppy feel safe. Remember that puppies can’t control their bladder for long.

You will either have to stand up at night while your puppy is young or take the water bowl away two hours before sleep.

Get your puppy tired during the day – play tug, fetch, or let it run around. Lastly, set your alarm to wake up earlier than your puppy. If the puppy starts barking to wake you up, this may become an annoying habit.

How Long Does Crate Training a Puppy Take?

Training a puppy takes time and dedication, hindering your routine. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to how long does it take to crate train a puppy.

The time it takes to crate train a golden retriever puppy depends on the owner’s efforts, the puppy’s personality, age, and other variables.

Some puppies will take naps and play in the crate even before the owner starts actual training, and the process takes under two weeks. Others may never get fully accustomed to the crate. Stay patient, dedicated, and understanding.

Know The Signs of True Anxiety

Know the signs of anxiety in golden retrievers, and don’t leave your puppy in the crate if it exhibits any of these symptoms.

If your puppy is in extreme panic, pants heavily, drools, bites you or the cage, claws at the crate, or urinates despite going potty recently, see a vet to get help for anxiety. Pause crate training until you resolve the problem.

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