The Best Crate for Goldendoodles: My Professional Choice for Charlie
Looking for the specific tools I use with Charlie? Check out my Master Gear Page for my top-rated Goldendoodle supplies, from grooming tools to training crates.
When I brought Charlie home, the very first piece of furniture he was introduced to wasn't the couch or my bed—it was his crate. As a professional breeder, I see a crate as the single most important investment you can make for your puppy's safety and your own peace of mind.
However, if you walk into a store, you’ll see dozens of options: plastic travel kennels, soft-sided "tents," and fancy wooden furniture crates. Most of these fail the "Goldendoodle Test." Here is why I only use one specific type of crate for Charlie and why durability should be your top priority.
Why Wire Beats Plastic Every Time
For a high-energy, intelligent breed like a Mini Goldendoodle, I almost always recommend a Heavy-Duty Wire Crate.
Ventilation: Doodles can run hot because of their thick coats. A wire crate allows for 360-degree airflow, keeping Charlie cool during his naps.
Visibility: Charlie likes to see what I’m doing. A wire crate allows him to feel like part of the family while still being safely contained.
The Divider is Key: This is the secret to potty training. Puppies have a natural instinct not to soil where they sleep. A crate that is too big allows them to pee in one corner and sleep in the other. I used a divider to keep Charlie’s space small when he was 8 weeks old and moved it back as he grew to 13 weeks.
The "Durability" Factor
I’ve seen cheap crates with thin wires that a determined puppy can actually bend or get their jaw stuck in. As a breeder, safety is my absolute baseline. I look for crates with reinforced latches and rounded corners.
The crate I’ve linked on my Gear Page is the exact model I use for all my dogs. It’s built to last from puppyhood through adulthood, meaning you only have to buy it once. When you’re raising a dog that will be with you for 15 years, spending an extra $20 for a crate that won't rust or break is the smartest move you can make.
Making the Crate a Sanctuary
Charlie doesn't see his crate as a "jail" because I never used it for punishment. Instead, it’s his "den." I’ve equipped it with a durable, chew-proof pad and his favorite heartbeat toy. I’ve listed these specific crate accessories on my Gear Page as well, because what you put inside the crate is just as important as the crate itself.
Crate Training: The Professional Edge
Buying the right crate is only half the battle; you also have to teach the puppy to love it. I started "Crate Games" with Charlie on day one—tossing high-value treats inside and letting him go in and out voluntarily.
If your puppy screams the second the door closes, or if they’re having accidents inside despite your best efforts, there is likely a gap in your crate training protocol. I walk you through my "Zero-Cry Crate Method" in the Puppy Foundations module of my Goldendoodle Academy. For $45, I’ll show you exactly how to make the crate Charlie’s favorite place in the house, which is the key to a full night's sleep for you.
Once they are safe in their den, you’ll need the right distractions. Here is how I choose Safe and Durable Chew Toys for Charlie.
Final Thoughts
Don't be tempted by the "pretty" furniture crates or the cheap plastic ones. Get a high-quality wire crate with a divider, set it up for success, and stay consistent. It is the foundation of a well-trained Goldendoodle and the best way to keep Charlie safe when I can’t have my eyes on him.