Crate training your Golden Retriever can be very helpful to you in many ways. It is best to start crate training at a young age to get your dog used to his new den, but it’s certainly never too late to introduce crate training to your dog. Whether your Golden is a puppy or an adult, crate training may take some time and effort, but if you are consistent, you will be pleased with the outcome.

Not only is a crate a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, but it is also your dogs safe place. By properly train your dog to use the crate, he will think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there. Before you begin the training, you will need to purchase a crate that is appropriate for your dog.

Selecting A Crate
Crates may be plastic or collapsible, metal pens. Collapsible fabric kennels are also available, but are not recommended unless you are present as they may not contain a dog for long periods while unsupervised. Crates come in a variety of sizes and a benefit to the metal pens is they usually come with a divider wall so you can increase your Golden’s living space as he grows. As a general rule, your dog’s crate should be large enough for him to stand up and turn around in.

The Crate Training Process
Remember, crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperament and past experiences. As you work on the crate training, it is important that you make it a pleasant experience. You want your dog to enjoy going into his crate. So it is imperative that you never you crating for punishment. Now, let’s get started.

Step 1: Introducing Your Dog To The Crate

• If you plan to use the crate at times other than just bedtime, put the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a good amount of time. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate, it’s even a good idea to place something of yours into the crate like an old t-shirt. With the crate door open, begin introducing your dog to the crate.
• Once he is near the crate, encourage your dog to enter the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, that’s okay – don’t force him, this step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.

Step 2: Crating For Longer Time Periods

• Being with confining your dog in his crate for short time periods while you’re home. Call him over to the crate and give him a command to enter, such as, “kennel up” or “in your house.” Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the crate. After your dog enters the crate, praise him, then close the door. Sit near the crate for a few minutes and then move out of sight for a few minutes. When you return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate.
• Repeat this routine a couple of times a day. With each session you can begin to gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the crate and the length of time you’re out of his sight.

Step 3: Bedtime Crating

• For bedtime, it is a good idea to place the crate in your bedroom, especially with a puppy. But at any age, a dog takes extra comfort knowing they are near you.
• Placing your dog in a crate at night will give you peace of mind knowing he’s in a safe place, so you can all get a good nights rest. When it is bedtime, give your dog the command to go into his crate then close the door behind him. Make sure there is no food, water or toys in the crate at bedtime. A great tip for puppy crating at bedtime, throw a towel in the dryer for a few minutes just to get it warm, then place it in the crate with your Golden pup. He will find the warm towel soothing and it will help him drift off to sleep.

Having trouble with your crate training? Here are some solutions to potential issues.

Whining
When your dog whines from inside the crate, it may be difficult to decide whether he’s whining to be let out of the crate, or whether he needs to be taken outside to the potty. Try to ignore the whining if you have followed the training procedures outlined above and your dog hasn’t been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from his crate. If your dog is just testing you, which is quite possible, he’ll probably stop whining soon. Avoid yelling at him or pounding on the crate as this will only make things worse. If the whining continues after you’ve ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate. If he responds and becomes excited, take him outside. When you take him outside, remember you are here for potty time, not play time. If after a few minutes outside you’re convinced that your dog doesn’t need to potty, take him back inside to his crate. If the whining continues, ignore him and do not give in, otherwise you’ll teach your dog that when he whines you’ll let him out of his crate.

Spending Too Much Time In The Crate
You wouldn’t want to spend more than half a day locked up in a small space, would you? Well neither does your Golden. Puppies shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than three to four hours at a time. An adult dog can last a bit longer, say up to six hours, but at any age your Golden will need relief from his crate. Not only do they need room to stretch out, but they also need exercise. If you can’t be there to release your dog from his crate within a reasonable time frame, you should consider making arrangements with a friend or neighbor to let him out throughout the day.

Article Photo provided by kelgiff

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