Crate training is an essential part of house training and a way to make your dog feel comfortable and safe. Finding the right dog crate for your Golden Retriever can be a bit difficult, though, when you look at all of the different sizes and types of crates available. It can start to get confusing if your dog is one of those “in-between” size ranges where they are too small for a giant crate, but too big for a large.
There are also multiple pain points you should be considering before purchasing a crate for your pup. You’ll want to think through material, cost, quality, and how you plan to use it. If you are going to be traveling by car frequently, you’ll want to look at crates that are specifically made for cars.
Ahead, we’ll take a look at the best dog crates for Golden Retrievers and give you some more information about crate training and choosing the right type of crate. Let’s jump in and help you find the perfect crate for your golden pup!
At a Glance: Our Favorite Crates For Golden Retrievers
Best Overall Value
Frisco Double Door Crate
Heavy Duty Pick
Frisco Ultimate Dog Crate
Soft Sided Crate
Frisco Soft Sided Crate
Buyer’s Guide
There are five different kinds of dog crates you’ll find at the store or online while you’re shopping. These include plastic crates, wire crates, soft crates, heavy-duty crates, and aesthetic crates. There are many factors you’ll need to consider as well, like crate size, and how you plan to train your pup.
Let’s take a look at the different types of crates, and what you can expect if you decide this is the direction you’d like to take with your pup. There may be other items you’ll likely consider, but these are the ones that we feel are most important when making your purchase.
Wire Crates
Wire crates are usually the top option for larger breeds, including the Golden Retriever. They allow a lot of air to come in, which is excellent if you live in a warmer climate or have to deal with a lot of shedding. Speaking of shedding, it’s easier to clean most wire crates compared to other versions. A lot of wire crates have removable floor trays, which helps you get rid of the shedding fur of a Golden Retriever.
If you want to, you can always throw a blanket on the top of the enclosure to simulate nighttime during the day. These crates will sometimes have a divider as well, so your crate can grow with your dog. A wire crate is easily portable as well since most of them fold up and take up minimal space in your car.
There aren’t too many negatives when it comes to wire crates. Some dogs will escape them, but proper training will make them more comfortable inside. If your dog is a bit skittish about their crate, the noise of a wire crate may upset them. You can mitigate this problem by putting some cardboard at the bottom.
Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are another option for Golden Retrievers, especially if you frequently travel with your dog. You can take these crates on a plane with you, and you’ll be sure your dog stays comfortable in their little den. It’s also more difficult for a dog to break out of a plastic crate when compared to a metal crate (although the best defense against this is still proper crate training).
A plastic crate is a bit cozier than a wire crate, so it’s good for dogs who like sleeping in such spaces. They can get a bit warm, though, and prevent your dog from seeing what’s happening outside of the enclosure.
Soft Crates
Soft crates aren’t the best option for Golden Retrievers because they’re often small and easy to destroy. A Golden Retriever could easily chew their way out of a soft crate if they want to escape, which defeats the purpose of such a crate.
Most of the time, you should only use soft crates for smaller dog breeds. They’re also far more difficult to clean than other crate types if your dog has an accident. Soft crates are comfortable and easily portable, but that’s not enough of a reason to buy one for a Golden Retriever. We recommend sticking with one of the other crate types for your dog.
Thick Gauge Steel Crates
Heavy-duty crates are similar to plastic crates. They’re sturdy, nearly impossible to escape from, and relatively easy to clean. You can bring these crates with you on a plane as well – especially if you’re concerned about your dog breaking free.
This crate type is the most expensive, so it doesn’t fit the budget of everyone, nor does it necessarily fit their needs. Those who plan on keeping their crate at home would probably prefer a model made from wire or plastic.
Aesthetic Crates
Aesthetic crates look great – they can even double as an end table in some cases. Still, they probably aren’t your best bet if you’re on the market for dog crates for Golden Retrievers.
Dogs with destructive tendencies will likely go to town on an aesthetic crate. These crates are difficult to clean and often aren’t large enough to comfortably house a Golden Retriever.
Training Tips
Properly crate training your dog is an essential part of making them comfortable. Ideally, you’ll want your dog to enter the crate when you sleep and leave voluntarily. Dogs are den animals, after all, which means they seek shelter when they’re in the wild. A crate will serve these needs as long as you crate train them properly.
Don’t Use the Crate as a Punishment
Using the crate as punishment is one of the best ways to associate them with negativity for your dog. As we’ve said, your dog should view the space as their den. They shouldn’t look at it as a time out. Use positivity when crate training your dog. Don’t cause them to associate their crate with doing something bad.
Likewise, you shouldn’t have your dog associate the crate with you leaving. You need to introduce your dog to the crate and get them comfortable before you can crate them when you leave for a bit.
Don’t Crate for Too Long
Another tip involves the time you leave your dog in the crate. You should never crate a puppy for anything more than a few minutes at a time. Take any whining or barking as a sign that they’re not comfortable, and bring them back to their human interaction.
You need to work up to the amount of time you keep your dog in the crate. Don’t throw them in there for 30 minutes right away. Start small, introduce the crate to your dog, and begin serving them meals inside. After a while, your dog will become more comfortable in the crate and stay there overnight and while you’re away.
Crating Your Dog at Night
After crate training your dog for several days, you’re going to want to start using the crate when you go to bed. Start this process by placing the crate close to your bed so you can hear if they start whining. After a few nights, move the crate further away from your bed. Make sure you have a proper crate bed so that your pup can be comfortable in their crate for longer periods at night.
Keep doing this until the crate is in your desired location. Moving the crate too far too fast will cause your dog stress and may jeopardize all of your previous crate training progress.
Top Crates for Golden Retrievers
In this section, we’ll 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. You’ll want to look at the cost, quality, and durability ratings of each crate before deciding which is best. Let’s jump in and look at our favorites in further detail.
MidWest iCrate Double Door
- Durable wire construction.
- Double door access.
- Rounded edges prevent injury.
- Fold and carry option.
- Easy breakdown and setup.
- Equipped with a divider.
- Plastic pan allows for easy cleanup.
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate is an excellent option – provided that your dog feels comfortable and safe inside. This is a simple and affordable crate that folds easily to make transporting it possible. The crate also comes with a divider, which allows you to use it when your dog is a puppy and when he or she is fully grown.
As we alluded to, the durability of the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate is a bit of a concern. Golden Retrievers that don’t like crates will find it easy to break free, which can be a problem for some. With proper crate training, however, your Golden Retriever should be content enough in their crate for the MidWest Homes iCrate to be a good option.
We love that this crate is budget-friendly, making it one of the best options for first-time dog owners. It’s easy to clean with the removable tray, and it folds nicely and is easy to transport. The divider allows you to use the crate throughout your dog’s development as he grows.
Frisco Heavy Duty Ultimate Crate
- Built with 22 gauge steel.
- Durable construction.
- Welded stress points.
- Perfect for anxious dogs.
- Hammer tone finish.
- Dual locking latches.
- Single point of entry.
The Frisco Heavy Duty Dog Cage Crate is our top pick for heavy-duty dog crates. It’s durable, strong, and has a lock that’s nearly impossible to break as a dog. The crate is also easy to clean through the removable tray. It’s on wheels as well, so you can bring it to other rooms without having to carry it. This feature is essential for heavy-duty crates since they’re so heavy.
Weight will be a concern with this crate. It’s very heavy – especially with a Golden Retriever inside. Bringing the crate with you is going to be a chore. Heavy-duty crates are more expensive than traditional crates, so this is going to be the most expensive of the dog crates for Golden Retrievers on our list.
We love that this crate has a tougher exterior than any others on this list. It has a removable tray at the bottom for cleaning, and because it has wheels it’s easy to move around your house as you train. It’s also nearly impossible to break out of. It’s a little harsher on the wallet, but if you can afford it – it’s one of the best you can buy.
Frisco Double Door Dog Crate
- Budget-friendly.
- Multiple size options.
- Durable wire construction.
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to clean plastic pan.
- Fold and carry assembly.
- Divider panel for growing dogs.
Frisco makes some excellent products, and their double door folding metal dog crate is one of them. The crate comes with an optional divider, so you can save some money if you’re buying it for an adult Golden Retriever.
The locks on the crate are durable and secure. For less rambunctious pups, the stability of the Frisco folding folding dog crate does every bit as good as some other dog crates at a higher price point. The edges of the exterior of the crate are also rounded, so if your pup throws a fit, they won’t injure themselves on the way inside.
We love that the Frisco crate has a variety of benefits. It’s one of the cheaper options available, and it comes in multiple sizes, making it easy to purchase. The optional divider is great to help train your Golden Retriever from puppyhood through adulthood. It also folds up, making storage a breeze.
Paws & Pals Double Door Crate
- Budget-friendly.
- Durable wire construction.
- Steel wire welded for strength.
- Electro coated for rust prevention.
- Removable divider for growing dogs.
- Easy to assemble.
- Collapsable design.
The Paws & Pals Folding Metal Dog Crate is a durable wire dog crate that is comfortable, affordable, and easy to clean. The best feature of this crate might be the lock. It’s difficult to break out of, so you don’t have to worry about escape artist Golden Retrievers finding a way out.
Like a lot of other similar crates, the Paws & Pals Folding Metal Dog Crate comes with a removable tray for cleaning. It folds up as well to make storage and transport a bit easier. Similar to other wire crates, this crate also comes equipped with a with a divider. Because of the divider, this crate will be suitable for Golden Retriever puppies, as well as adults.
We love the Paws & Pals Folding crate as an option because it’s available for a variety of different sized dogs. It’s durable and difficult for dogs to break out of. This crate is available all the way up to 42 inches for some of the larger breeds.
Frisco Soft Sided Enclosure
- Budget-friendly.
- Soft-sided crate.
- Indoor & outdoor use.
- Lightweight construction.
- Three zippered doors.
- Mesh windows for airflow.
- Great for traveling.
The Frisco 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate can make a cozy crate for your dog, especially if they don’t like wire or plastic crates. The mesh on the front of the crate is breathable and allows your dog to see what’s going on around them. The Frisco 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate also collapses to a small size, so it’s easy to transport when you need to.
One of the downsides of soft crates is that it’s difficult to keep them clean. This crate has a removable cover, though, which slightly reduces this problem. Of course, the other major drawback of soft crates is that they’re easy to destroy – especially for larger breeds. If your Golden Retriever doesn’t like being in the crate, they’ll be able to chew their way to freedom easily.
We love that this crate is soft and comfortable, making it easy for your dog to get used to it. It collapses to a smaller size making it perfect when you take your pup with you on playdates. The removable cover makes it easy for cleaning, and there’s several color options to pick from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kinds of crates for a Golden Retriever?
Wire crates are often the best option for Golden Retrievers. They’re large, easy to clean, breathable, and comfortable for your dog. Plastic crates can work well too, but wire crates allow them to see out of the crate and know their family is still with them.
What size should I buy for my Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers require extra-large dog crates, which is another reason why wire crates are often the best choice. Crates that have dividers allow you to crate train your puppy and open the crate as they grow. Extra-large crates are typically 42 to 48 inches long.
How long does crate training take?
Crate training a puppy is much easier than crate training an adult dog in most cases. Crate training a puppy should only take a few days, but crate training an adult dog can take weeks – especially if they have prior negative emotions associated with the crate.
Why should you crate train your dog?
Crate training will keep your dog feeling safe and comfortable when they’re in their den. It will also prevent destructive behavior around the house, which is positive for you.
Are dog crates safe?
Yes, dog crates are safe. As long as the dog crate is large enough and you use the crate training best practices, your dog will be content in their crate.
Final Thoughts
Our number-one option for dog crates for Golden Retrievers is the Frisco Double Door Wire Dog Crate. It’s affordable, easy to clean, foldable, and it comes with a divider. The crate has nearly everything you need in a Golden Retriever dog crate, at a decent price point.
If you need a heavier duty option, consider the Frisco Ultimate. This model is sure to keep your pup secure, even if they have separation anxiety. However, it’s worth noting, that this might be overkill for some dogs. Overall, by considering any of the options we’ve mentioned, your pup should be safe and secure for the rest of their life.