Remember when you bring home a new golden retriever puppy, you are bringing home a new baby. This baby has had its mother and littermates available for the past eight weeks. Now it may feel as if it has arrived on another planet. Try to make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. Try to think like you are a new puppy coming to this home for the first time. How would you feel? Here are some tips for making a smooth transition.
Crate Training Help
CRATE TRAINING
I highly recommend crate training and I have posted an article on my blog which will be beneficial if you have not crate trained before.
This is the recommended way to housetrain your pet. Avoiding accidents from the start will have you removing your puppy from his crate and taking him quickly to the potty area you have set aside. A newspaper bed/ or potty pads laid on some waterproof linoleum will protect your flooring. Try to do this the same way each time to avoid confusion. Keeping a little scent on the pad or papers helps your pet use his nose to find the right spot. Use the same words each time, for example “Go Potty.” Follow the act of elimination with verbal praise and treats. You may also remove from crate and take straight to the grass outside. Again, a chosen spot for elimination is going to help you later on. Please instruct the family on how this is being done so all members can help with this important task. Puppies should not be punished for accidents, it isn’t their fault if no one took them out or got them to their spot fast enough. Positive, positive, positive!
I find crate training helps keep your new baby safe and secure when you can’t directly supervise. This becomes your dog’s safe refuge and a place to sleep, just like a little den would be. Most dogs who have been crate trained love to be in their crates when there are parties, etc. It gives them their own personal space.
The crate size I have at home is the Life Stages by Midwest 42L x 28W x 31 H #1642DD. This one comes with a crate divider so you can make the space smaller for your puppy but will later be the right size for a full sized dog.
My favorite size wire crate for taking everywhere and easy to move is the 36L X 24 W X 27 H. I like the MidWest brand because they are constructed well and the wire is of good quality. If you don’ have room for the large crate, get this one.
I do not recommend a canvas crate until later because an upset puppy can topple it and create a dangerous situation. These are mainly for hotel sleep or obedience trials where your puppy is directly supervised and a puppy cannot be left unattended in a canvas crate.
If your puppy seems uncomfortable in his or her wire crate, try draping a blanket over it to give privacy and if you still have fussing put a fan on low where it can provide a noise and a breeze. Some puppies “sleep hot” and need a breeze to fall asleep. If you must leave your puppy longer than normal, you can leave on soft music or a television show like Animal Planet. Usually, this is soothing to your puppy.
Add an indestructable crate mat. You can try a cozy one but make sure your baby is not eating it. A tough canvas one is great and less to worry about.
Here is a good article on Crate Training from Humane Society. Click Here
Also, please refer to the book Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar. Please make sure that you have read this book several times. This book will help you have your home ready for your new family member and also help with house training, chew toy training, and the basics of raising a happy, healthy, well trained pup!!!!
The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete is also a favorite full of great ideas for training.
Moonlit Meadows of the South 