How to Crate Train a Golden Retriever

Having your golden retriever crate trained is a valuable behavior. Dogs can ride in a car more safely in a crate and puppies can have a safe retreat when you can't watch their every move. The crate can also be an essential part of potty training. The basic steps to crate training are mostly universal for any breed of dog; however golden retrievers possess some natural instincts very helpful to crate training.

Things You'll Need

  • Toy
  • Dog treats
  • Crate
  • Blanket
  • Lay down behavior on cue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the crate so your dog will feel secure and comfortable. Place the crate in a cozy corner and lay down a blanket.

    • 2

      Tie back the door or block it so that it does not close. At first you will want your retriever to just enjoy the crate without worrying about being trapped.

    • 3

      Pick a favorite toy of your dog's to be the crate toy. Golden retrievers are bred to love to retrieve and will often have a favorite stuffed toy. The only time your dog should now get this toy is during crate training.

    • 4

      Put some dog treats and the special toy inside the crate. Point to the crate and say "crate." For skittish dogs, put the toy and treat close to the front and gradually move them to the back in following training sessions. For overachieving dogs you may be able to start with the toy and treats at the back of the crate.

    • 5

      Give the cue for your dog to lie down once he is inside the crate and comfortable. Reward with more treats. This may take several sessions to get to this point.

    • 6

      Work on closing the door with your dog in the lie down position. Give treats to your dog with the door closed. If your dog gets nervous about the door closing, take baby steps by rewarding if your hand is on the door, then with the door partially closed, and so on.

    • 7

      Leave your dog in the crate with the door shut for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the time based on their response. Only let your dog out when they are calm. Letting a barking, whining dog out of the crate only rewards the barking and whining. For some dogs this may mean you will need to pay close attention and quickly let them out during the few seconds they are calm. Another option is to have them lay down first, then reward the lay down by letting them out of the crate.

    • 8

      Mix it up a bit. Once your dog is reliable about going into the crate, vary the training sessions. Don't give treats for every step of the behavior, randomize when he gets a treat and/or the toy.

    • 9

      Leave the crate door open and set up at all times, even while not crate training. This allows your dog to choose to use the crate for resting when he wants. Don't leave the special toy in there, as he may snag it and run. The favored toy is for crate training sessions or if he is locked in his crate only.