Retriever Rescue

Hi, I have just joined the website as I shall from Saturday be the proud new owner of a young male Golden called Oreo!
This is my first dog and I was wondering if any posters had some hints and tips for me.

Oreo is 9 month male pedigree and very happy playful. He belonged to my cousins but they unfortunately did not take to him. Because of this he was kept in a cage in the kitchen and not allowed into the house, the first bit of info I would like is what to do with the cage. Oreo shall be given access to all of my house and garden and I have bought him a soft bed which I plan on leaving in the upstairs hall way or in my room. Shall I erect the cage and leave it somewhere until he gets used to his new bed?
I also though I should keep him on the lead for the first two weeks' and see how he starts to respond to being called etc in the house before outside, does this sound reasonable?
Any tips and good reads to ensure my new dog feels very much like this is his new and permanent home are very welcome!

Hi Naomi welcome to the golden lovers site, you seem to be sensible about your new golden, but your best bet is to contact Jan on the phone. Her number is on the home page , she will give you the best advise possible. Nobody has such knowledge and experience as Jan, and she will be all so willing to pass it on to you. A lot of others have experience as well, but might give you conflicting information.So its better to start at the top so to speak.Hope you and Oreo have a happy and loving life together, im sure you will, they are such great companions. Please let us know how you get on, and hopefully post some pictures of Oreo.