There are many benefits to crate training a golden retriever, however when talking about crating, people often react with the notion of locking up a dog against his will, having him whining for hours until he eventually gives up and stops. Although inexperienced or misinformed dog owners often make this mistake, it should not reflect the purpose and benefits originally envisioned in dog crating.
Dogs will instinctively search for a small and safe place to burrow into that will keep them safe and warm, crate training exists to respond to this particular need. Crate training is mostly about teaching your dog to become used to his crate, to consider the crate his own private space where he can sleep and be at ease.