i am getting a golden retriever in the new year and would like your views on crates.thanks in advance

excelent things :)  Dogs love them too, well mine do :)

We have just got a cavalier puppy and he absolutely loves his crate.  I thought it might be a bit cruel but the crate is left open all day and he comes and goes as he pleases.  When he has had enough of us all he goes in there for some "quiet time".  The only time we shut the door is at night which is for his own safety as we have other pets.  He doesn't mind at all and settles down to sleep straight away.  I think they are great