I do wish that the breeder had spent more time with this early on . It could have been headed off then .
How do you know? Why do you assume this breeder is in the wrong?
There are many things that could be going on. And not all goldens are smushes of dogs with no drive. Not all people want smushy dogs, I have met some fantastic goldens who are 'harder' and drivier, and more of a handful than the pet (and some conformation lines) smushy dogs.
To the OP Not all pups like to be held (of any breed) and those just have to learn how to tolerate it. You have had some great advice. I would still make sure he feels safe in a crate-but I personally would hold him until he starts to settle, then put him down. The reward for settling is for the holding to stop. Soon he will learn that struggling just prolongs the experience.