Golden Retrievers are incredibly playful and friendly dogs that make great pets for families. These dogs are very intelligent with a cheerful demeanor, maintaining their puppy-like personality well into adulthood. Often sought after for being loyal, social, and easy to train, Golden Retrievers are sure to become lifelong best friends to their owners.
Golden Retrievers are very active dogs that require daily exercise. They enjoy physical activity, such as running and playing, but due to them being high-energy dogs, Golden Retrievers can easily over-exert themselves. This is one of the many reasons why dog crates are recommended for Golden Retrievers.
Why Golden Retrievers Benefit From Crate Training
Golden Retrievers are intelligent, social, and energetic dogs. Like many dog breeds, Goldens can benefit from structured training. A secure crate provides:
-
A safe place to relax and decompress
-
A secure environment to keep them safe unsupervised
-
Protection from household hazards and risks
-
Potty and behavioral training support
A high-energy breed like the Golden Retriever thrives when they have an active lifestyle and a safe crate to relax in.
photo source: Getty images
If left unsupervised, with no crate, Golden Retrievers can easily get into many household hazards, including cleaning products, trash, and sharp objects. Since they are naturally curious dogs, and with their playful nature, even the most unsuspecting of household items can be potentially harmful.
A quality dog crate is a fundamental part of caring for your Golden Retriever. When your dog has a comfortable and safe crate to retreat to, this creates a peaceful, stress-free environment for your pup to rest. This is especially important for ensuring your dog can have some relaxation or nap time and not just remain in an adrenalized state throughout the day.
When you are unable to watch or play with your Golden Retriever, it is important to keep them in a crate, to both protect them and your home. When they have a lot of pent-up energy and are left outside of a crate, that is when accidents are most likely to happen. A durable, heavy-duty dog crate brings dog owners peace of mind knowing that their furniture is safe from chewing, and, more importantly, their pup is safeguarded against injuries.
How to Crate Train a Golden Retriever (Step-by-Step)
- Introduce the crate gradually with support, treats, and praise.
- Feed meals inside the crate to build positive association.
- Begin closing the door and leaving your dog alone for short intervals.
- Increase crate duration slowly while rewarding calm, positive behavior.
- Be patient and consistent with your crate training routine.
size 40" (wide + tall) Collapsible crate - @deslindquist
For hyperactive dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, you cannot settle for just any crate. Energetic dogs are significantly more likely to try to escape from crates, which can result in very serious accidents. If your dog is being housed in a flimsy wire crate, that can create a very dangerous environment for your pup, causing broken nails and resulting in teeth being snagged in holes. Additionally, wire crates are not designed for transport, providing little to no protection for your dog during car and plane travel. For at-home and on-the-road use, a weak crate lacks the proper safety features, leaving your pup vulnerable to potential injuries.
Tips for Making the Crate Comfortable
When helping your dog adjust to their crate, below are some ways you can help make the space feel more comfortable and calming:
-
Utilize a crate pad
-
Provide chew-safe toys
-
Keep the crate in a temperature-controlled area
-
Include familiar scents like a worn item of clothing
Types of Dog Crates for Golden Retrievers
1. Wire Crates
The most affordable option, but not durable or safe for travel.
Pros: Affordable, well ventilated
Cons: Bendable, unsafe for chewers, not travel-rated
Best for: Temporary/home use only
2. Plastic Crates
Offers basic protection during travel, but not built to withstand large or strong dog breeds.
Pros: Lightweight, airline-approved
Cons: Low durability for strong, active breeds
Best for: Occasional transport
3. Soft Crates
Convenient and portable, but not designed for long-term use for active dogs.
Pros: Portable, lightweight
Cons: Easily damaged or chewed through
Best for: Calm, trained adult dogs
4. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Crates
The best choice for safety, travel, and long-term durability.
Pros: Durable, increased security, travel-friendly
Best for: Dogs who chew, travel frequently, or need superior protection
At Impact Dog Crates, our heavy-duty aluminum crates are thoughtfully designed to survive a lifetime of daily use, ensuring your Golden Retriever receives the maximum protection through all of life’s adventures. Our two models, the Collapsible and High Anxiety crates, are constructed from durable, lightweight aluminum, allowing Golden Retriever owners to securely house and transport their pups with ease.
Best Impact Dog Crates for Golden Retrievers
Below is a breakdown of the two different crate options for Golden Retrievers.
Collapsible Dog Crate
-
Perfect for daily home use
-
Travel-friendly
-
Easy to store and transport
-
Great for Goldens with active lifestyles
High Anxiety Dog Crate
-
For skilled chewers or escape artists
-
Reinforced door and increased structural support
Recommended for dogs with separation anxiety -
Excellent for dogs who need a more secure environment
We commonly see Golden Retrievers use our 34 inch crate size. Occasionally, Golden Retriever owners will choose the size 40 inch Impact dog crate. For Goldens on the larger end, we recommend that the customer reaches out to our reps to determine the best fit for their Impact dog crate. Some dog owners prefer larger dog crate sizes for their pups, like the size 40" (wide + tall), for an extra roomy den. If you're picking out an Impact dog crate for your golden retriever puppy, our reps can help you choose the appropriate crate size based on their estimated adult size and how the crate will be used.
General Golden Retriever Sizing Guidelines:
-
Most adult Goldens fit best in a 34" crate
-
Larger males or especially tall dogs may need a 40"
-
Puppies can use an adult-size crate with a Puppy Divider to allow the interior space to grow with them
Measuring your dog’s height and length is the best way to select the most accurate fit.
To ensure a perfect fit, measure your dog:
-
Length: Nose to base of tail
-
Height: Floor to top of head
Refer to our crate sizing guides for more information.
Our aluminum dog crates are trusted by Golden Retriever owners to protect their beloved pets, and we are committed to continuing to provide premium dog products that put the safety and well-being of every dog first.
