Crate Training a Goldendoodle

How to Crate Train a Goldendoodle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Happy Pups and Peaceful Homes

Crate training your Goldendoodle is one of the most valuable tools in creating a balanced, well-behaved dog. It not only helps with housebreaking but also gives your Doodle a sense of safety and routine. Whether you're bringing home a playful puppy or a new adult rescue, here’s a complete guide to crate training your Goldendoodle in a way that’s effective—and kind.

🦴 Why Crate Train a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, making them great candidates for crate training. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Establishes a routine

• Speeds up potty training

• Reduces anxiety and destructive behavior

• Provides a safe haven for your dog

• Helps with traveling or vet visits

🛑 Before You Start: Choose the Right Crate

Select a crate that is:

• Just large enough for your Goldendoodle to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

• Not too large, as too much space can encourage potty accidents.

• Ventilated and cozy—wire crates with a soft crate pad work well.

For a standard Goldendoodle, a 36" or 42" crate is usually perfect, depending on their adult size.

📅 Step-by-Step Crate Training Guide

Step 1: Make the Crate a Positive Space

• Place the crate in a common area like the living room.

• Add comfy bedding, a favorite toy, and a treat or chew.

• Leave the door open and allow your Goldendoodle to explore it freely.

Tip: Toss a few treats inside and praise your pup every time they step in, even for a moment.

Step 2: Start Feeding Meals Inside

• Serve your Doodle’s meals inside the crate to create positive associations.

• Close the door during meals, then open it as soon as they finish eating.

Over time, increase the amount of time they stay inside after eating.

Step 3: Practice Short Stays

• Ask your dog to enter the crate using a cue word like “crate” or “bed.”

• Close the door for a few minutes while you stay in the room.

• Gradually increase the time you leave the room while they’re in the crate.

If they whine, wait until they stop before letting them out—so they don’t associate crying with being released.

Step 4: Use the Crate for Nap and Bedtime

• Encourage crate naps during the day.

• At night, place the crate in your bedroom for comfort and easier potty breaks.

• Stick to a bedtime routine so your Doodle knows what to expect.

🧼 Housebreaking + Crate Training = Success

Since dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, crate training helps reinforce house training. Take your Goldendoodle outside:

• First thing in the morning

• After meals or play

• Every 2–3 hours for puppies

• Right before bed

Praise heavily after every successful potty break outside!

🧠 How Long Can They Be Crated?

• Puppies: 1 hour per month of age (e.g., 3-month-old = 3 hours max)

• Adults: Up to 6–8 hours, but less is better

• At Night: Longer is okay if they've had adequate exercise and potty time before bed

Never use the crate as punishment. It should always be a safe, comforting place.

🐾 Common Crate Training Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Leaving your dog crated for too long❌ Using the crate to discipline or isolate❌ Not providing enough exercise before crating❌ Skipping the gradual steps and expecting too much too soon

❤️ Final Thoughts

Crate training a Goldendoodle takes consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement—but the rewards are enormous. A well-crate-trained dog feels secure, learns boundaries, and adapts well to new environments. Remember, your Goldendoodle wants to please you—they just need your guidance and love along the way.

Want more Goldendoodle training tips? Follow our blog for everything from grooming to behavior advice, tailored for Doodle lovers just like you!