Getting Your Golden Retriever Into The Backpack Carrier
Buying a backpack carrier is one thing, but getting your pet to become comfortable inside is another challenge altogether. Even calmer dogs would resist when you try to place them into a strange environment. During the struggle, you might get nasty scratches on your skin as your golden retriever tries to get loose.
You need to be patient with the golden retriever and let it get familiar with the backpack. Keep it open and within reach of the pup, allowing it to examine the bag for a couple of days. Placing its favorite toys or treats in the carrier also helps to hasten the process, as you would do in crate training. With time, it starts getting used to the backpack carrier.
Your pooch should never feel like it is getting punished when placed inside the backpack. Putting its favorite blanket or fleece in the bag helps the pet associate it with safety and comfort. Soon, the golden retriever becomes comfortable with spending long hours in the bag while on your back.
Which Material Is Better For The Golden Retriever Crate
Dog crates are made from different materials.
- Wooden crates give that natural smell that helps the dog feel homely. They are comfortable, safe, and recommended for pets.
- Crates are made from plastic netting too where the walls and upper side are made up of plastic or wire netting. It is open and airy but you need to see if any wire is torn out, it can injure your dog.
- Metal gives that strength to a cage and keeps it safe but it may make the crate heavy to handle.
- Plastic crates are very light and easy to carry but they should be well ventilated to keep your dog safe.
We advise buying plastic netting crates for Golden retriever puppy. Its light, safe, open, and comfortable. Your dog wont feel confined as compared to if contained in plastic or wooden crates.
Advantages Of Plastic Crates
- Lighter and hence more portable than wire, metal ones.
- Bottom of crate can sometimes be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted.
- More sheltered, offering better insulation in colder climates
- Better for those that whine and cry if they can see activity and want to be a part of it. Less visibility better for easily distracted dogs and a greater feeling of security for a dog.
- Many are airline approved so can be used for air travel
- Some models have attachable / removable food and water dishes.
- More difficult than most wire crates for escape artists to get out of.
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Bonus Review: Midwest Crate Cover
Why should you get a crate cover for your dog crate? Golden Retrievers love people and can face some serious separation anxiety or stress when you leave the house. However, a crate cover can help.
This cover is meant to provide extra security and comfort for your Golden Retriever. Covering up distractions from the environment can help create a quiet sanctuary for your dog. In fact, its recommended by vets for dogs that experience anxiety.
Yes, this cover is made by MidWest, however, its compatible with options 1, 2 and 4 on this buying guide. Before you purchase, always make sure youre buying the right size cover.
The Midwest Homes Crate Cover Overview
- What to Get: The 42 inch.
- Reviews: 2500 +
- Highlights: Highly compatible, easy to use, 100% polyester, machine washable, warranty.
Best Features
As mentioned, this cover is compatible with nearly all standard dog crates. Ive linked the 42 inch cover, so make sure youre buying a 42 dog crate.
This crate cover has 5 flaps and will block all sides of the crate, except for the bottom. The bottom doesnt need to be covered anyway. Its where your removable tray should be.
To secure the cover over the crate, use the hook and loop tabs. It provides a secure attachment and wont be easily pulled off no matter how hard your Golden Retriever tries.
MidWests cover is made from 100% polyester material its very durable and dog-friendly. Its possible it gets chewed up by some dogs, but Golden Retrievers wont likely be a problem.
Comparison Of Wire Plastic Soft
There are different types of crates for your Golden Retriever. The type you choose will depend on what you want to use it for and how destructive your dog is. Some like to be inside the crate, and some like to be able to see out of the crate.
With this in mind, Ill go over the advantages and drawbacks of four distinct types of dog crates:
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How Big Is A Dogs Crate Supposed To Be
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a crate is to think that: Bigger is better.
It wont offer the cosy, safe and secure feeling a dogs looking for in a den if they are literally rattling around inside of a big open space. They wont learn to love it half as much as they should and could.
And if during house training you want to take advantage of a dogs natural instincts to keep their den clean, then it mustnt be so big that they can use one end to sleep in and the other end as a toilet.
A crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, to turn around comfortably and provide room to lay on their side with their paws stretched out before them.
Any smaller would be uncomfortable, but it shouldnt be any larger for the reasons given above.
Now, if were going to follow the rules discussed, they will need a different size crate when a puppy compared to an adolescent, and a different size again as an adult.
This could get expensive, so heres a money-saving tip:
Faqs For Airline Approved Crates
Q. What makes a dog crate airline approved?
A. Most IATA complied dog crates are approved by most airlines. But to be on a safer side one needs to contact the airlines that are going to relocate the pet to check for their crate rules and regulations as each airline, as well as the arrival country, have different regulations.
Q. Can two dogs travel in one crate?
A. No two dogs cannot travel in the same crate.
Q. Which are the most pet-friendly airlines around the world?
A. The top twenty pet-friendly airlines around the world include American Airline, JetBlue, Air Canada, Delta, Air India, Air France, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, Aeroflot, TAP Air Portugal, SAS, Open Skies, KLM, Aer Lingus, Japan Airlines, Alitalia, Copa Airlines, and Iberia.
Q. What if I cannot relocate my pet personally?
A. In cases where you cannot relocate the pet by yourselves, one can take the help of domestic and international pet relocators that are famous in your destination. They are planners who will take all necessary actions right from the documents, health certificate training, travel and departure of the pet within cargo with an assistant or without one.
Q. Can one rent an airline approved crate?
A. Unfortunately, no airline dog crates are available for rent. A dog needs to have its own crate because it needs to get acclimatized 40 to 50 days before its original travel for a safe and comfortable relocation.
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What Do I Need To Consider For An Adult Dog
Now that you have a general idea about how big your puppy will get, you have a better idea of the size collar and crate hell need once hes an adult. See our handy guide on dog collar sizing and fitting, which also includes the average neck sizes for 100+ breeds.
Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best and for dogs of all sizes. And learn more about when to switch a puppy to adult dog food.
Are you worried that your dog will get a lot bigger than you expect?
What To Put Into A Crate
- You might want to consider putting up a comfortable dog bed inside the crate, that is not too bulky and made up of breathable and waterproof fabric
- Always keep your dog hydrated in a crate by providing a special water dispenser bowl
- In cases with minimal supervision, you may also want to put his favorite toys to cope up with anxiety and boredom. Snuggle toys with heartbeat are an excellent solution for puppies at night.
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Top Crates For Golden Retrievers
In this section, well review our favorite dog crates for Golden Retrievers. Hopefully, this list and the information below will point you in the right direction. Golden Retrievers are similar in size to most Huskies and German Shepherds, so the crates for each of those types of dogs will be about the same usefulness to your Retriever.
While this list below is not completely comprehensive, it should put you in a good starting point when buying a crate for your Golden. Youll want to look at the cost, quality, and durability ratings of each crate before deciding which is best. Lets jump in and look at our favorites in further detail.
Easy To Store Or Travel With
Petco
Plastic dog crates arent always the best choice, especially for situations in which larger breeds will be spending a lot of time in them at home. But there are a few notable benefits of plastic dogs crates, including that theyre lighter and often meet the International Air Transport Associations requirements for traveling. Thanks to its heavy-duty construction and good ventilation, the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a popular plastic crate . It comes in five sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large . And the container can easily be disassembled without tools when not in use by removing unscrewing wing-nuts.
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To Answer The Question: What Size Crate Does A Golden Retriever Need
The consensus of the majority says Golden Retrievers should have 42 inches dog crate. However, some pet owners seem to disagree with the notion, thats why others have suggested that 36 inches is a more suitable size for a dog crate.
Given the fact that golden retrievers are quite large and also the 42 inches give more allowance in terms of space, so I would suggest taking the 42 inches.
Bear in mind that this is not really the definitive answer. Its just my humble opinion to give such an ideal dog crate size for an adult golden retriever. Moreover, the best way to find out whats really suited dog crate size is to measure your golden retriever.
Also, visit your local pet store and take a look at some of their dog crates and you will get the idea of answering the question of What Size Crate Does A Golden Retriever Need?
Ruff Maxx Portable Kennel
Ruff Maxx Portable Kennel is composed of sturdy durable plastic with 360-degree ventilation that provides ample airflow and visibility for pets that travel in it. The metal door with a squeeze latch and a strong plastic shell enhances the durability of the product.
This kennel is available in three sizes, ranging from 30 to 90 pounds. This portable dog kennel meets most of the airlines cargo specifications and is also seen to include nuts and bolts for stress-free assembly. The camo design of this kennel is the best-suited option for hunting dogs.
| Pros |
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Our view
A budget-friendly IATA compliant kennel that is well suited for most of the hunting dogs. The unique design makes this kennel the most attractive dog crate for air travel.
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What Size Crate Does A Lab Need
Today we are going to help you to decide what size crate your Lab needs. Labs are big dogs, but crates shouldnt be too large or you risk them using it as a toilet! So what size crate does a Lab need to stay comfortable, but also clean indoors? Well look at factors including your dogs age, size and the shape of the crate!
When choosing a crate for a fully grown Labrador, youll need to buy a 36-inch or 42-inch crate. If they are a puppy youll need a smaller model, or a divider for your large crate. But the best dog crates on the market differ wildly in size even on this spectrum, as well as materials, so picking one suitable for a Labrador can seem daunting. But weve got some great options, and ways you can pick the exact right match for your dog.
Impact Of Nutrition On Breed Puppy Growth
Puppies that dont get enough to eat or are fed a low-quality diet may not grow properly. However, in developed countries, its far more likely that a dog is being overfed. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy.
Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. Its important to remember that both the type and amount of food are key.
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Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Carrier
Make sure the accommodations of your furry pet is comfortable during your next travels with Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Carrier.
Both the portability and durable plastic construction of this dog crate make it a great travel crate.
Its ventilation openings offer visibility and fresh air from different sides so even larger dogs feel the comfort.
The heavy-duty protection feature comes from its non-corrodible wing nuts and durable plastic shell.
This carrier features a full ventilation system to keep your dog breathing freely while traveling. Its secure locking front door will give you peace of mind as a fur parent.
Regardless of its size, it is designed particularly for more space in moving around the cage. This is possible because of its tall and wide design as it allows him to sit, lie down, or stand.
The Petmate portable crate has features necessary for a happy and safe ride whether you are having a vacation or moving to your new house. This could be an excellent option for flying although there is no airline-approved dog crate.
Specific Features:
- Fits all sizes and shapes with its available dimensions
Cons:
- May not be a good fit for enormous dogs during frequent trips but fine for little dogs
What Size Crate For A Golden Retriever Puppy
At home wire crates are superior to wooden crates, as Golden Retriever puppies love to chew, these crates will soon be partially eaten and could be dangerous to your puppys digestive system. So we highly suggest choosing metal crates, at least for the beginning, they are available in different sizes and designs.
Crate dimensions of 42L x 30W x 28H inches should be enough for Golden Retriever to stand and sit comfortably. This size is already considered as a large crate .
A Golden Retriever grows very quickly, so one must consider buying a larger crate as they outgrows their puppy crate fast. A puppys crate should be large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside, yet it should not be too large, as the dog may designate an area of the crate as a bathroom area. Use of panels to make the crate smaller for growing puppies might be the answer.
Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by the age of one year, and their mature weight by two. Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall and 55 to 65 pounds.
The rest of the measurements like height and width are made by crate producers in accordance with the length. But if you want to be on a safe side, you can also measure your pups height in a sitting position and width in lying position.
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Best Overall Dog Crate: Midwest Homes Dog Crate
The MidWest Homes Dog Crate has everything you need to raise your Golden Retriever. With the removable divider you can start your puppy out crate training and continue using this crate for the life of your dog.
The crate comes with an easy cleaning, durable floor pan that is perfect for any accidents, or to catch all the extra shedding that may fall. You also have the option to get this in the two door version as well.
The main difference in this dog crate and the AmazonBasics is that this one has much thicker and sturdier wire framing. Other than that they are very similar.
Key Features:
- The bottom of the kennel contains a removable dog tray that bedding can be placed on
- It breaks down quickly and becomes very compact for travel
- Comes with dividers to accommodate a puppy
- No tools required
- The metal is very durable
- One-year warranty
Additional Things To Seek In A Car Carrier For Dogs
Aside from the characteristics weve already discussed, you should also look for a few other things in any car carrier whether it is crash-tested car crate or not.
- Soft material on the inside: In addition to keeping your fur baby safe, youll want to look for a carrier thats also comfy!
- Keep the crates weight in mind: Generally speaking, youll want to look for the lightest crate you can find that still provides the safety and security your doggo deserves.
- A water-resistant base: Even the best-trained pooches can have the occasional accident, so always try to stick to carriers with a water-resistant base.
- Portability: Because of the very nature of car crates, youll want to ensure you select one that is as easy as possible to move around. That doesnt necessarily mean you need to pick a collapsible dog crate, but it should be one you can move around easily.
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