🐾 Potty Training & Crate Training Your Puppy

Helping Your Puppy Thrive in Their New Routine

At Classic Heritage, our puppies begin crate exposure around seven weeks of age, so they already have a gentle introduction to this important training tool before heading to your home. With consistency and patience, crate training will make potty training smoother, safer, and far less stressful—for both you and your puppy.

​

🏡 The Crate: A Safe Place for Your Puppy

Crate training isn't about confinement—it's about creating a cozy, secure space your puppy sees as their own. It helps prevent accidents, encourages bladder control, and gives your puppy a structured environment to rest and reset.

Here are a few helpful tips to get started:

• Place the crate in a high-traffic area of your home so your puppy feels included

• Keep the door open when you're home so your puppy can explore in and out freely

• Toss in treats, toys, or chews to build a positive association

• Always praise your puppy for entering the crate—never force them in

• When leaving home, ensure your puppy is safely crated to avoid accidents or unsafe behavior

If you prefer your puppy to sleep near you (which we support), keep the crate next to your bed or just outside your room at night. This setup supports bonding while still helping your puppy develop healthy sleep and potty habits. We recommend doing this until at least 4 months of age.

​

🌙 What If My Puppy Cries at Night?

It’s completely normal for your puppy to cry a little in their crate at bedtime—this is a big transition after leaving their littermates. Stay calm and consistent:

• Don’t take them out immediately if they cry. This can unintentionally reward the behavior.

• If the crying continues beyond 10 minutes, take your puppy out briefly for a potty break, then return them to the crate without extra stimulation.

• Stay consistent, and your puppy will adjust quickly—many of our puppies settle in within just a few nights.

​​

🚽 Potty Training Basics

Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, and with a little routine and attentiveness, potty training can come together quickly.

​

Here’s how to set your puppy up for success:

• Watch for signs: circling, sniffing, or pacing often means they need to go

• Immediately take them outside to your designated potty spot

• Go at least once every hour when they're awake

• Offer exaggerated praise and a small treat when they go in the right place

• Feed your puppy at least 2 hours before bedtime and always take them out right before sleeping

​​

Accidents may happen—but don’t stress. Just clean the area thoroughly and try to anticipate your puppy’s schedule more closely next time. Patience is key.

​

🐶 Introducing Your Puppy to Other Dogs

If you have another dog at home, we suggest:

• First introduction in a neutral space (like a nearby park or quiet outdoor area)

• Bring them home together after the introduction

• Never leave your new puppy alone with other dogs, especially in the first few weeks

Monitor interactions closely and give everyone time to adjust. Even friendly adult dogs may need space and supervision during the transition.

If you ever feel stuck, don’t worry—there are wonderful books, videos, and trainers out there to help support your journey. And as always, we're here for you too. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth and joy-filled as possible.