Further Resources For Helping You Pick A Dog Crate For Your Golden Retriever
Here are some more highly helpful guides for finding the right dog crate:
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Home » Health/Care » Best Dog Crate For A Golden Retriever: Top Rated, & Sizes
Different Types Of Crates
Wire Crates
Wire crates are very suitable for breeds like golden retrievers to larger breeds. They are breathable and allowing the cool breeze to come into the crate, which is excellent to have especially if you live in a hotter climate. Also, this is very easy to clean thats why this will be your top particularly to those who shed a lot like golden retrievers. Most of the wire crates are easier to clean and it has removable trays.
Actually, there are no negatives sides when using these wire crates. Thats why this is considered one of the best dog crates if you are considering buying one. Perfect if you have a furry friend that is destructive chewer because the frames are steel.
Plastic crates
Plastic crates have are less sturdy and they are great for small to medium breeds. Also, they are very susceptible to destructive chewers and they often break compared to the metal crates. A plastic crates only advantage is that its cozier. But if you are considering a long-term investment with a medium to a large-sized dog breed, better to choose the wire crates instead.
Aesthetic Crates
Sturdy Crates
Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate
This heavy-duty all-aluminum crate conveniently disintegrates in minutes. From top to bottom, the Impact Collapsible Aluminum Crate is made for safety.
It features rust-resistant, powder-coated, 0.063 aluminum construction, and each corner comes with crush-proof caps. Three eight inch crossbars are also included for extra rigidity.
All four sides of the Impact Dog Crate provide ventilation to ensure your dog remains comfortable, and each side also comes with a carrying handle. The crate door comes with slam latches that lock automatically upon being closed.
The Impact Dog Crate is available in three different sizes and it is made in the USA. The Impact Collapsible Dog Crate received the best owner reviews of any truck bed crate.
Most owners raved about the quality of the kennel, and several confirmed that it kept their escape-prone canine safely contained. Other owners had difficulty assembling and disintegrating this kennel. Youll need two adults to do so, and you may need a hand truck to move it around when necessary.
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Best Budget Puppy Crate: Petmate Puppy 2
Looking for a budget-friendly puppy crate? This sweet pink cratealso available in blueis perfect for puppies and small-breed dogs. It comes with a front and side door access, carrying handles, a slide-out plastic tray, and a handy divider panel. And best of all, it is extremely affordable!
Petmate Puppy 2-Door Training Retreat Crate
Skip the boring black and opt for a pink or blue crate with this affordable option. It boasts front and side door access, among other features.
Why You Should Trust Us
As Wirecutters pets writer, Ive covered everything from dog harnesses and GPS pet trackers to pet separation anxiety and training basics. Im also a pet owner and experienced animal shelter volunteer whos dealt with her fair share of both problematic and exceptional dog crates.
This guide builds on reporting by Kevin Purdy, a journalist and dog owner who has crate-trained his puggle Howard using a variety of crates. Hes also written earlier versions of Wirecutters guides to standing desks and bed frames, among others.
For this guide, we interviewed an expert dog-behavior trainer, a veterinary technician, and two of the manufacturers of crates we tested. We also read many relevant books and posts on dog training and behavior, to get input on what makes a good dog crate.2 And we partnered with Friends with Four Paws, an Oklahoma-based pet rescue, to test out our crates with its dogs, both at home and during cross-country trips to meet their new families.
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Frisco Soft Sided Enclosure
The Frisco 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate can make a cozy crate for your dog, especially if they dont like wire or plastic crates. The mesh on the front of the crate is breathable and allows your dog to see whats going on around them. The Frisco 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate also collapses to a small size, so its easy to transport when you need to.
One of the downsides of soft crates is that its difficult to keep them clean. This crate has a removable cover, though, which slightly reduces this problem. Of course, the other major drawback of soft crates is that theyre easy to destroy especially for larger breeds. If your Golden Retriever doesnt like being in the crate, theyll be able to chew their way to freedom easily.
We love that this crate is soft and comfortable, making it easy for your dog to get used to it. It collapses to a smaller size making it perfect when you take your pup with you on playdates. The removable cover makes it easy for cleaning, and theres several color options to pick from.
How You Should Not Use A Crate For Golden Retriever
Crates help you to train and keep your dog safe and happy. Many owners use crates without realizing they are doing more harm than benefit.
You should never use a crate for Golden Retriever in a way that it becomes a cage for it rather than being home.
- Never use the crate as a jail for your dog. A crate is his comfortable space. Its fine if you command him to go to his room when he ill behaves. This shows you dont want to see him now because you are angry but when you use crate a as jail, it does great damage. Your pups place becomes a symbol of torture to him. This has a lot of adverse psychological impacts on your pup.
- Just dont forget about your pup when you put him in the crate. Owners get carefree when their Golden Retriever goes in the crate. Obviously, there is no relief then containing this super energetic creature but keeping him in a crate for a long time is not recommended. This becomes torturing for a puppy. Some puppies are not used to hold on to their bladder for a long time.
- Dont try to lock up your dog just to avoid entertaining him. Your Golden Retriever was meant to be with you and not in the crate. If you cant give him attention, dont adopt in the first place.
- Make a positive connection of the dog with its crate. Whether its learning, punishment, reward, or just some time off. Link crate training with positive vibes.
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How Long Does It Take For Golden Retrievers To Reach Their Full Size
While maintaining the energy and personality of a puppy for their entire life, Golden Retrievers only take around one to two year to fully physically mature.
At this point, their bones will be fully grown, and they will require the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Their mental maturity on the other hand, can take up to three years before being fully developed.
Crating Your Dog At Night
Youll want to begin using the crate at night after several days of crate training your dog. If your dog starts whining, place the crate near your bed so you can hear it. Once the crate has been away from your bed for a few nights, move it further away. Provide your pup with a comfortable crate bed so they can stay in their crate for longer periods of time at night.
Keep doing this until you have the crate where you want it. You may harm your dogs crate training progress if you move the crate too fast and too far.
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The Crate Is Not Punishment
In order to help your puppy create a positive relationship with their crate, suggests Wag!, make sure never to use it as a form of punishment. In fact, encouraging your golden with a treat or some praise as they enter may inspire them to come back to their new spot.
Remember, the crate should be a safe place for your pup, never a place where they feel nervous or unsafe. It may help to remind family members and guests to let your dog relax unbothered when they go to their crate since theyre likely looking for some peace and quiet.
How To Make Their Crate A Safe Space
Everyone has their own safe space where they feel most comfortable, and dogs are no exception. If you want your Golden retriever to be more comfortable with their crate, make it a safe space for them.
First, make sure your dogs crate is big enough for them to stretch out and be comfortable. Before buying a crate, think about the things youll want to add and how much space theyll take up when they are fully grown. That way, you can buy a crate that will comfortably hold them long term, and is big enough to fit all the things that make them comfortable.
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The 42 MidWest Homes Dog Crate at Amazon is a popular model that will comfortably fit most adult Golden retrievers, and the wire crate folds down when not in use to save space.
Another nice way to keep your dog comfortable would be to add a crate cover. On Amazon.com, you can get the MidWest Dog Crate Cover, which comes in six sizes and three different colors, so youre sure to find something that will match the crate you have. A cover is a good way to reinforce the idea for your Golden that its quite time. But enough about the outside of the cage lets focus on the inside!
You can add a nice, cushy bed, and soft blanket to the inside of the crate. Make sure its easy to wash, though, in case your dog has any accidents during the night.
Try using this stuffed toy with a battery operated heat beat to calm your Golden retriever puppy.
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Is It Cruel To Crate A Puppy
There are many new dog owners who worry that confining their puppies in crates is cruel. Animal behaviorists and veterinarians disagree. If you use positive reinforcement techniques to crate train your Golden retriever puppy and introduce the crate gently and thoughtfully, your dog will quickly love his new den. When dogs want some quiet and peace, they often seek the restful, quiet environment of their crate.
Your puppys crate should never be used to punish him. You will make your dog feel trapped, frightened, and frustrated if you confine him to a crate and scold him. Keeping your puppy crated for long periods of time is also not appropriate, as young puppies need frequent bathroom breaks and lots of human interaction.
What Is A Puppy Divider
Weve mentioned puppy dividers a few times, but unless youve used one in a crate, you probably dont know what were talking about. A crate divider is commonly called a puppy divider because it allows you to buy a crate that will fit your pup when hes full grown but comes with a divider that creates a temporarily smaller space within the crate to keep him safe and cozy while hes a puppy.
Crates that come with a divider often include the ability to move the divider into different positions to make the crate space larger as your dog grows.
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What Size Crate Is Right For A Puppy
As a puppy is growing up, there are many things that are needed for their physical and mental development. One of these items is a crate. This is a safe, contained space where the puppy is able to sleep, eat, and play. This is where they will learn to relieve themselves and protect themselves from other animals. There are different types of crates, but most are used for short-term confinement and some for long-term confinement.
Amazon Basics Double Door Crate
The Amazon Basics Double Door Crate is available in a variety of sizes and you can purchase it with or without a dividing panel. The divider is great if you have a Golden Retriever puppy, as it is useful for housetraining. Moreover, you can change the size of the crate as your Golden Retriever grows, essentially making it a crate for life.
The epoxy coating finish of this dog crate make it fade, rush, and corrosion-resistant while the wire is made of steel. The Amazon Basics Double Door Crate isnt as heavy duty as many other wire crates available in the market so it would be better for calmer Golden Retrievers and those that arent prone to aggression and chewing. The composite tray is easy to clean and durable. Moreover, it wont rust, warp, stain, corrode or retain your poochs odors.
Portability and convenience are the Amazon Basics crates biggest strength. It collapses into a small package and comes with a removable handle, making it easy to carry around. There is also a one-slide bolt latch in place to ensure that your Golden Retriever stays safe. Moreover, the two doors provide easy and quick access to your porch if necessary.
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What Is The Difference Between A Crate And A Playpen
Crate-answering canine enthusiasts rejoice, as dogs have long been the butt of jokes about those who prefer to crate-nap their babies. But the truth is, this is a very important question, as they are the easiest way for dogs to sleep. Crate-napping puppies and dogs are an easier way to housetrain them, and theyll sleep a lot better, too.
The Perfect Size Dog Crate
When buying a crate, one of the biggest mistakes is to believe that bigger is better.
If they are rattling about in large open spaces, it wont provide your golden retriever with comfort and safety. This means the dog crate wont be as enjoyable for them as they would like.
Another important note is if you are trying to harness the golden retriever instinct to keep their den clean, it should not be too big so they can use the far end of the dog crate as a toilet. This would make crate training difficult.
The dog crate cant be too small either. Your golden retriever should be able to get up from the crate without hitting its head. They should also be able to turn comfortably and lay down on their side with their paws extended.
It shouldnt be smaller than necessary, but it shouldnt be much larger because of the reasons listed above.
Keeping the above rules in mind, a golden retriever will require a different size crate as an adolescent and again when they become an adult.
Here is the trick:
You can buy a crate to fit an adult dog and use a divider while they are still a puppy.
The need to replace the crate as your golden retriever grows is a waste of money.
There are many brands of crates for golden retrievers that have dividers available that are used to make a smaller crate for a puppy.
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What Are The Benefits Of Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy
1. Dogs living in a home without a crate develop destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, barking, and house-training problems.
2. Caring for dogs requires a lot of attention. However, its easy to forget about them when youre busy. Crates are great tools to prevent your dog from wandering around unsupervised.
3. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Some even become aggressive when left alone. But by using a crate, youll be able to keep your pooch calm and happy.
4. Since Golden retrievers are naturally curious and energetic, they sometimes jump up high onto furniture and walls. Crating them prevents them from doing damage to themselves.
5. Crates also protect your puppy from injuries caused by falls. This can save you money on vet bills.
6. As a pet owner, you need to take care of your dogs health. By keeping your puppy inside a crate, youll ensure that he gets enough exercise and fresh air.
7. Most importantly, crates are a safe place for your puppy to sleep at night. They provide protection against dangerous situations like fire, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes.
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