How to Choose a Dog Crate: Types and Sizes

Choosing a dog crate for your Golden Retriever can be a challenging endeavor. This type of crate is an essential tool to all dog owners when it comes to short-term training and providing a safe space for their dogs — whether you're traveling, going to the licensed veterinarian, or just going out of the house. A dog crate is usually shaped like a square or rectangle and has a removable tray in the base. The crate also has a place for the dog's bedding. There are multiple crates and sizes to choose from, which means you have to figure out the best for your needs. Do you need a dog crate or a travel crate that will fit into the back of your car? What about one that has wheels on it or a metal crate? This blog post is a buying guide that will talk about dog crate sizing and type so that you can make a smart decision on buying the right dog crate for your Golden Retriever dog!

There are a lot of different best dog crates for golden retrievers. It is hard to decide which one to buy. You need to decide on the size of your home. Make sure it is a good crate size and not too big or too small.

There are different styles, the various materials they’re made from, and how and where they fit into your home. You need to decide which one you want.

What Size Is A Dog’s Crate Supposed To Be?

People often make a mistake when buying crates. They think that bigger crate is better.

Dogs don’t like to be in an ample open space. It is not cozy and safe for them. A Golden Retriever will not learn to love it as much if they are in an ample, open space.

If you take advantage of a dog’s instinct to keep their den clean, don’t let it be so big that they can sleep in one end and poop in the other.

The dog crate should be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around. They need more room to lay down with their paws stretched out in front of them. A heavy-duty dog crate is ideal for dogs that require extra protection.

It would not be comfortable to have a smaller size. But it also should not be large crate for the reasons given above. 

If we follow the rules, a puppy will need a different adult-size crate than an full-grown adults. This is because puppies grow bigger as they get older, and so their crates need to grow with them.

This can get expensive. Here is a money saving tip:

Buy A Crate For An Adult Golden Retrievers

If you decide to buy a crate for your golden and replace it as they grow, you will have to do this three or four times. This is a waste of money.

There are dividers for crates that can be put in to make the available space smaller. This is good for puppies who need a small space to sleep can and help with separation anxiety.

The removable divider panel that you can put in your pet’s crate to reduce the space. You can find one at a store or just use a wooden board from your local DIY store.

Buy a dog crate for an adult Golden retriever and use a divider to make it smaller for a puppy. This way you will not have to buy another one in the future.

What Crate Size Does A Golden Retriever Need?

When you get a Golden Retriever, a heavy-duty dog crate is ideal for them. Some people say that they need to be 42” long, but others say 36” is better.

There are many different types of Goldens, and they can be big. They usually are pretty large, so I recommend buying a 42 inch one.

The easiest way to know what crate size your Golden Retrievers needs is to measure their size. You can buy the crate that fits them the best.

Measuring Your Dog For A Crate

First, ask your Golden to comfortably sit and then take the measurement. Add four inches, and that is how long you want the crate to be so that they can stand up without hitting the ceiling.

Second, stand your Golden Retriever up on all fours and measure from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose.

Again, to make a crate that is the perfect crate length for your Golden, you need to add 4 inches. That way, he can lay down without being cramped.

The width of the crate is always in proportion to the other crates measurements, so you don’t need to worry about that.

So now you can get the right size crate for your adult Golden Retrievers. But what about a crate for a puppy?

What Size Crate Does A Puppy Need?

As mentioned before, I recommend buying a crate for an adult dog. You can use dividers to make the crate smaller for your puppy. This way, they won’t have to upgrade their crate as often during their first 18 months.

I recommend buying a crate that is 42 inches long and has a divider.

If you want to buy a crate for a golden retriever, make sure it is the right size. You can measure your puppy to find out what size it needs. The crate will need to be replaced every few months because puppies grow fast.

Which Style Should You Choose?

Is your dog a Houdini and completely escapes crates? Or do they chew a lot? Heavy-duty dog crates with riveted metal and double locks are made specifically for these destructive behaviors. Heavy-duty dog crates provide the best crash protection when used in the bed of a pickup truck, van or SUV (Note: these crates tend to be too large and heavy for smaller and mid-size cars; we recommend using a crash-tested dog seat belt harness in those instances).

There are several various kinds of Golden Retriever best dog crates for golden retrievers on the market. Some are made of wire, some are made of removable plastic pan, and some are made out of wood.

Not all dog breeds are suited for every golden retriever owners or dog. Every breed has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, which means it isn’t always the perfect fit for every dog or golden retriever owners.

You need to know the benefits and drawbacks of each type of crate. This will help you make a correct buying decision.

Types of Dog Crates Comparison

There are different types of crates for Golden Retrievers. 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, I’ll go over the advantages and drawbacks of four distinct types of dog crates for golden retrievers:

  1. Wire crates
  2. Wooden crates / custom-made stylish dog crates
  3. Plastic crates
  4. Soft-sided Crate / cloth sided crates

Top 5 Best Size Dog Crates: Reviews

1. Classic Wire Dog Crate

People often refer to the classic wire crate as the most famous and most purchased of the many types of best dog crate for a golden retriever available.

There are still various styles available within this one type – varying in the numbers of door dog crate. A lot of them have a removable plastic tray at the base – but not all. Other dog crates for golden retrievers versions have a foldable feature like a folding metal dog crate for easy storage; others aren’t. A removable tray for easy cleaning is common. A wire dog crate allows for good ventilation and visibility.

Here are the several pros and cons of a classic wire dog crate:

Advantages

  • This is a very strong and durable object. It will last a long time.
  • It is very easy to keep this clean.
  • Most have a slide-out removable tray as a base that makes easy cleaning after accidents.
  • Folds flat are available if you want to use them for storage or moving.
  • They allow air to maximum flow. They are best in hotter climates.
  • A golden retriever dog crate can give your dog the best of both worlds. They provide maximum visibility for the dog inside. This is vital for some dogs. For those who prefer a ‘boxed in' feel, simply cover it. This allows you to test both scenarios, which other types do not allow.
  • Dividers are available for most models. They can be used to size them down instead of replacing them as the puppy grows.

Disadvantages

  • If you live in a cold place, they are the type that offers the least shelter.
  • However, you can, of course, cover them if necessary.
  • If you plan on moving your dog’s crate often, it will be very heavy.
  • If your dog is a Houdini, then these are the easiest types of leashes to potentially escape from!
  • If you put the mat on a hard surface, it makes noise. Dogs can be fidgety and noisy when they are on it.

2. Wooden / Stylish Dog Crates

There is no denying that a regular wire dog crate isn’t the most stylish thing to put in your home. I think they look fine, but there are other styles. They can do double duty. They can be used as a dog den, a surface for ornamental items, or even a table for your house phone.

You can find the best dog crates for golden retrievers made of different kinds of wood, bamboo, rattan, and more besides. What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Advantages

  • You can have a stylish dog crate that you put things in. Some of them are nice. The crates might be better than steel wire or plastic crates because they look good and will match the theme of your house.
  • You can use a dog bed for two things. They can be the perfect place to sleep, and they also can be used to put things on top of them, like your house phone.
  • When compared to a wire crate, they are difficult to get out of.

Disadvantages

  • It is the most costly of all crate sorts, which may cost hundreds of pounds or dollars.
  • If your dog has destructive habits such as chewing and scraping, the rug is susceptible to being totally destroyed.
  • Not the best crate to use for house training because it can be challenging to clean, and sometimes people have accidents. The crate can get wet, and then it smells bad.

3. Plastic Dog Crates

This type of dog crate is often used for pet travel. Many airlines allow this type of crate, so you should look for airline-approved certification if you want to use it on a plane.

The plastic crate can be bought as a second crate to use for easy transportation. It is also good outside of the home, though it can be used inside if you want a clean plastic pan.

Advantages

  • They’re light and easy to transport, making them perfect for traveling.
  • Many are airline-approved, which is necessary for air travel.
  • They are also resistant to cold, making them more suitable for colder climates.
  • It might be difficult for escapologist dogs to let themselves out.
  • Some are both functional and portable, with a detachable top half that may be used as a dog bed when removed.

Disadvantages

  • When you compare a wire crate to a hard plastic crate, it is harder to keep the hard plastic crate clean and odorless.
  • Unlike a wire cage, this crate can’t be folded flat for storage.
  • Because of the most solid walls, this cage has significantly less ventilation than other cages. Because of its propensity for heat, it is not ideal crate for hot climates.
  • This crate is not the most beautiful thing in the home, but we all have different opinions.
  • The walls are thick, so this is not a good choice for Golden Retrievers who enjoy having a view of their environment while crated. There’s no way to give it because the walls are solid.

4. Fabric / Soft-Sided Dog Crates

For people who despise the fact that some cages appear like a cage, plastic or fabric-walled / cloth crates are ideal.

They appear to be less frightening. The following are some of the advantages (and drawbacks) of this crate type:

Advantages

  • The lightest and most portable of all crate types – many can be folded down and stacked in a small carry bag.
  • This is a fantastic item to bring with you fishing, picnics, or camping to provide your Golden Retriever with temporary shelter.
  • Due to the compact size when collapsed, it is simple to store away.

Disadvantages

  • It’s the most vulnerable to being chewed and destroyed by dogs that like to scratch.
  • The simplest crate to break out of. All it takes is a little persistent chewing and scratching.
  • Therefore, the most fragile and short-lived of all crates will need to be replaced the most.
  • They are the ugliest of all crate types, in my opinion. As a result, you may not want one as a permanent fixture in your house.

The Best Crate For Golden Retrievers

A wire dog crate is a good choice for most people. I recommend this type the most.

Puppies go through a stage called teething. They are pretty tough during this time, and they do not care if they get dirty. You can use puppy pads during house training because it is an excellent way to clean up after accidents.

They’re easy to move and fold flat for storage, and they’re extremely long-lasting and sturdy. They’re also very affordable to purchase in the first place.

For these reasons, wire crates, in general, are the most cost-effective and great value crates for golden retrievers for day-to-day use inside your home. In my view, a folding wire crate is the greatest crate for Golden Retrievers.

5. MidWest iCrate Double Door Crate

Midwest Homes for Pets is the most well-known brands of crate maker in the United States, and this model is their most popular.

This MidWest iCrate Double Door Crate is for a Golden Retriever. It is hard-wearing and easy to clean. There are different sizes, but the 42” crate is perfect for an adult Golden Retriever.

This MidWest iCrate Double Door Crate comes with a divider. It is free, and you can use it for a puppy. When the dog grows, you can move the divider because its a removable panel and make it fit an adult Golden Retriever. The crate has two secure slide bolt latches with safety buckles on both the front and side doors. It has rounded edges and rounded corners for your puppy's safety. A one-year warranty and rubber feet protect your floor.

So this Midwest Homes for Pets has a two doors crate and secure latches is great for you because it will fit your Golden Retriever whenever they grow. You don’t need to buy new crates as the puppy grows.

However, if you want to travel a lot and want to keep your pet in their crate, plastic crates are better for traveling. If you can, get one of each: a wire crate with one door for home and a plastic one for travel.

If you go camping or fishing frequently and bring your Golden Retriever along, a fabric crate is a convenient accessory to have. It is not, however, required to do so. If you do not comply with these requirements, you will not be eligible to receive the soft-sided crate that has three zippered doors not a single door.

Once your Golden Retriever is housetrained and has stopped chewing on things, you no longer need to worry about it. You can get them a wood furniture style crate to use instead of the wire one. It will look nicer in the home.

Whatever option you choose, keep in mind to follow the recommendations in this article regarding the size of the crate you require. Inhumane treatment of your dog will result if the crate is significantly too small. However, if it is too large, your Golden Retriever may not perceive it as a den, and many of the benefits associated with using a crate will be lost to them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Food Storage Container

How big of a crate do I need for a Golden Retriever?

A Golden Retriever will usually need a 42″ dog crate. There is no one size that is perfect for all dogs, so it’s best to buy the biggest size you can find. Goldens can be of different sizes, and they are on the larger side these days.

What kind of crate is best for a Golden Retriever?

If you're crate training your dog at home, choose a crate that has enough room for them to stretch out, stand and sit, as well as a few toys. Heavy-duty dog crates are ideal for dogs that require extra protection. Keep in mind that dogs are natural den animals who find extra security in smaller spaces and that the larger the crate, the better, says Labrador Training HQ. A crate that's too big will make your dog more anxious than one that's just right. If your dog is potty trained, they may need more room to relieve themselves. Wire crates are the best option for Golden Retrievers. They are big, easy to clean, breathable, non-toxic finish, and comfortable. Plastic crates also work well, but wire crates allow your dog to see out of the crate while they are in it. 

Do Golden Retrievers do well in crates?

A puppy will grow quickly, so you need to buy a larger crate as the dog gets bigger. Wire crates are better than wooden ones because Golden Retriever puppies like to chew!

 

Are Golden Retrievers hard to crate train?

Crate training a Golden Retriever is the quickest and most effective way to housebreak it. Crate training is hard, but it’s suitable for dogs. It’s essential to know why you’re doing this before you start. 

Should I leave water in a dog crate at night?

Dogs do not need to drink water while they are in their crate at night. They can drink all the water they want during the day. They should only sleep, feel comfortable, and be secure in their crate.

What are the 3 types of golden retrievers?

There are different colors of Golden Retrievers. There are three colors: gold, light gold, and dark gold. And there are three types: English, Canadian, and American.

Is it OK to let puppy cry in crate at night?

Some puppies can sleep for a long time at night right away! If you hear your puppy cry in his crate, it is okay to help him. People might worry that this will teach the puppy to cry more, but it’s not true.

At what age do golden retriever puppies sleep through the night?

Most golden retriever pup will, most of the time, sleep through the night by the time they are four months old. But with help, effort, and training for your puppy, you might be able to get them there earlier.

 

When should I stop crating my golden retriever?

You can stop door your dog into their crate when they are around two years old. Before then, they are more likely to get into trouble. It isn’t until they mature that they can behave properly when not supervised. This is especially true for much bigger dogs, who tend to mature later.

What is a good schedule for a golden retriever puppy?

It is best to feed puppies three times a day. Puppies need to eat at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 15:00 PM. When they are bigger, they only need to eat at 7:00 AM and 19:00 PM.

What size dog crate does a Goldendoodle need?

A dog crate should be about as big as a Goldendoodle. But the size of the crate might change depending on what you want to fit in it.

What should be in a puppy crate?

A crate is a small, enclosed space. It can make them feel like they are in a den. But you need to add things to make it comfortable and good for your dog or puppy. Add some bedding, toys, and food or water sources.

How long can a Golden Retriever puppy hold it’s pee at night?

If the puppy is less than 8 weeks old, it will not be able to control his or her own bladder. Puppy crate training is not possible at this age, so wait until the puppy is at least 8 weeks old before beginning crate training with him or her.

 

How long does it take golden retrievers to potty train?

Puppies are different. It usually takes two weeks up to a few months for your golden retriever puppy to learn how to use potty. Probably, after a month of crate training, most dogs will be completely housebroken in a short period of time (2–3 weeks). Also, potty training depends on various factors such as; how many accidents they have in the house if they get rewarded every time they go outside. 

How long does it take to crate train a dog?

It takes a few hours or days to crate train your dog. This is because it depends on what your dog’s age and temperament are like, as well as their past experience.

When crate training, make sure that the crate is always associated with something pleasant. This will help you train them in small steps instead of all at once.

 

Visit this page for more information about your Golden Retriever’s crates.

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