What Size Crate For Golden Retriever? Crate Cover Ideas?

[Bailey9]

Hi, I'm picking up my golden retriever pup next month and just wondering what size crate I should get. I have never used a crate before, but have read lots on them, seems to be all the rage, especially for toilet training. I've done a few google searches for what size I should use, and all seem to give a different answer!

I have had a search around on ebay and other online stores. I've found one that seems the best by far price wise, but I just want to confirm with others that the size is ok before I click "purchase"!

104(L) x 63(W) x 71(H) cm

Also Ideas on a water/weather proof cover - I can access free water-sealed canvas/tarp, and just trying to work out what I what i can use for stitching the edges to make a cover . I don't have access to a heavy duty sewing machine... so any other ideas would be welcomed. I want the cover to be water/weather proof for those times that outdoor creating is necessary.

My 2 Jack Russell x Mini Foxies I have owned over the years were/are very well behaved little doggies, and from what I can remember we never had much trouble toilet training Tilly when we got her as a pup (that was nearly 12 years ago!!) - but from some of the stories I have heard over the years, and read online... I'm preparing myself for the very real possibility that I may have a terror on my hands in a few weeks! I would like to think my other 2 were so well behaved because I was a good mum.... but perhaps they were/are just good dogs??!!! hehe. My Mum keeps reminding me about the book MARLEY & ME.... my reply is simply "that was a male Lab... I'm getting a female Golden!!.... hmm.... let's hope it makes a difference! HAHAHAHA!

I live in SA, and will be traveling to Adelaide to pick the pup up, so if anyone knows of any places in Adelaide that are nice and cheap let me know!!

Also while I'm on here, the trip home from Adelaide will be about 7 hours, so going to have to have a few puppy toilet stops along the way. She will be 8 weeks so not have completed all her vaccinations and I know it's not recommended to take the pups out in public areas until fully vaccinated. Any ideas on how I can toilet her without taking the risk of exposing her to nasty germies?

Thanks

Edited June 7, 2008 by Bailey9

[Caesars mum]

the crate size sounds about right for a GR, the covers are also available on ebay.

toileting on the way home try to avoid places where dog would frequent like parks

good luck with your puppy