Crate training golden retrievers.
Golden retriever dogs are a large breed so it's very important that you start training them as early as possible. After all, a puppy of any breed is relatively easy to handle, but it can be difficult when your large breed puppy grows up. Crate training is a great first step in the training process, no matter if you have a puppy or fully grown golden retriever. It allows you to define a safe area for your dog so they feel comfortable, helps with housebreaking, and helps them adjust to your schedule.
There are many different ways and tips to crate train, but these are the top three in my opinion. In order to achieve the fastest results, you must make sure you have an appropriately sized crate. Crate training works because a dog is genetically wired to not soil it's immediate living and sleeping area and a crate limits this area to a small space. It may sound harsh, but to your dog it's very comfortable. Remember that dogs from from wolves who lived in dens (small confined spaces.) The reality is your dog will love the crate one he or she becomes familiar with it.
Your crate should be just long enough for your dog to lay down, just wide enough for your dog to turn around, and just tall enough for your dog to stand with a few inches of clearance. If you have a puppy, then you might need to purchase one crate now, another when he's adolescent, and finally one last crate when he is fully grown. Remember to size the crate for your puppy's current stage of life, not something that your dog with "grow into."
Once you have your crate, you need to use use positive conditioning with your dog so he or she associates the crate with a positive experience. This means using treats, toys, and praise! Place a toy our treat into the crate and when he or she goes in, give lots of praise. If the dog comes out, just repeat the process. After a while, your dog will warm up to the crate and they will feel comfortable in it.
Finally, no matter what sort of dog training you do, remember to be consistent. Consistency is really the key to dog training in general. Without it, your dog isn't really going to understand what you want them to do. Make a plan and stick to it and I'm sure you will have great results crate training your golden retriever.
