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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Columbia, SC from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Columbia, SC

Crate training for puppies helps your dog develop a sense of security. Crates appeal to a dog’s natural instincts, offering them a safe, familiar area to relax and retreat when needed.

Crate training also plays a key role in housebreaking. Once a puppy learns that their crate is a safe place, or 'den', they will instinctively want to keep this area clean. During house breaking, keeping your puppy inside the crate dramatically reduces accidents. Keep eyes and ears open to your puppy's bathroom signals and quickly bring him or her outside. This will help your puppy learn that outside is the place to go, not inside.

At Dog Training Elite, we offer expert puppy crate training in Columbia, SC to help guide you through the process. Our trainers work with you to help your puppy become comfortable with their crate and use it as a positive training tool.

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Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

Crate Training Tips

Crate training is a valuable tool when done correctly, but it's important to follow best practices to ensure your dog remains comfortable and secure. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of crate training.

Avoid leaving your dog in the crate for more than two hours at a time to prevent discomfort and ensure they don’t associate the crate with confinement.
If you’re away for long periods, consider leaving your puppy with a friend or in a safe area where they have more room to move.
Choose a crate that fits your puppy’s size, or use an adjustable crate to accommodate their growth and ensure ongoing comfort.
Leave the crate door open when possible so your dog can enter and exit freely, helping them feel more at ease with the space.
Add a soft bed, blankets, and toys to make the crate a cozy, inviting space your puppy will enjoy spending time in.
Never use the crate for punishment—this can create fear and negative associations with the crate instead of security.
A puppy looking up at its owner during crate training in Columbia, SC with DTE.

Why Should You Use Crate Training?

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Crate training can also improve other aspects of your pet's life. A dog that is used to a crate will feel more comfortable when traveling and have a safe place to retreat during thunderstorms or noisy guests. At Dog Training Elite, we believe that crate training can enhance the lives of both dog and owner when done properly.

Additional benefits of crate training include:

  • General Safety: Having your pup in their crate allows them to be alone while you are unable to watch them. Whether you are busy at home or out of the house, a crate trained puppy can give you peace of mind that your pup is safe and secure.
  • Effective Evacuation: In emergencies, crate training can save your dog’s life as a quick, low-stress way to evacuate.
  • Calmer Vet Visits: Should your pup be required to stay overnight at the vet’s, they will experience less stress and put up little resistance in their cage if they have been crate trained.

Crate training young, starting at about 8 weeks, is the best option for most pups and their owners. Keep in mind, though, that puppies under the age of 6 months should not be confined to their crate for more than three or four hours at a time. Allowing them to stay in the crate for too long will lead to a messy space, as young puppies are unable to control their bladders or bowels for extended periods. This also applies to adult dogs who are being housetrained.

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Two well-behaved puppies after training in their crates.

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Crate training helps puppies feel secure by providing them with a safe and comfortable space of their own. It also speeds up housebreaking, reduces accidents, and prepares your puppy for situations like vet visits or travel. When done right, crate training fosters a sense of security and builds healthy routines.

At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we’re here to support you and your puppy throughout the crate training process. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a well-trained and happy pup!

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Lesley Coggiola
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Crystal did an excellent job of training my goldendoodle puppy (and the owner) to be an obedient dog while keeping her a happy loving puppy. The program is professional and well run. I would recommend them to anyone.
  • Mike Alexander
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Crystal is amazing! She is so patient and knowledgeable when it comes to training our Harley and showing us exactly what to do in between sessions. We are so glad we found her and can’t wait to see our “final product”. The difference we already see after only two sessions is UNBELIEVABLE! We are very impressed!!
  • Brooke Nardi
    Dec. 4, 2024
    It was so much fun getting to work with this team and they did a phenomenal job working with my doggo. Hands down the easiest money I’ve ever spent and was worth every penny. I’ve looked for trainers that would really get the job done and I’ve come up short for the past two years. Elite Midlands is the best I’ve seen yet. The entire team was super friendly, knowledgeable, and knows how to handle any type of dog out there. I foolishly thought that only certain dogs had capacity to do what they train dogs to do. However, I quickly learned that with the technique elite midlands uses, no matter your pet’s behavior, past, or struggles they can learn and love what they do with this team. Thank you guys so much for the experience! Shylah and I will be forever grateful!
  • Brooke D
    Dec. 3, 2024
    It was so much fun getting to work with this team and they did a phenomenal job working with my doggo. Hands down the easiest money I’ve ever spent and was worth every penny. I’ve looked for trainers that would really get the job done and I’ve come up short for the past two years. Elite Midlands is the best I’ve seen yet. The entire team was super friendly, knowledgeable, and knows how to handle any type of dog out there. I foolishly thought that only certain dogs had capacity to do what they train dogs to do. However, I quickly learned that with the technique elite midlands uses, no matter your pet’s behavior, past, or struggles they can learn and love what they do with this team. Thank you guys so much for the experience! Shylah and I will be forever grateful!
  • Erica Reyna
    Oct. 21, 2024
    We have had the best experience with Dog Training Elite Midlands! Everyone is so professional and friendly. Justin has been our main trainer and he is patient, knowledgeable and very caring! If you are looking for a dog trainer, I cannot recommend them highly enough!
  • BrennanOMalley
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Justin and Crystal did a wonderful job training my dad’s dog! I am leaving this review for him because he couldn’t figure out how to but, said he had a great time! We can definitely tell there is a lot more peace in the home already and a lot less barking in the background on our phone calls!
  • Nick Smith
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Justin was an absolutely amazing dog trainer. He trained my dog Kaden. I had so many issues with Kaden. He peed in the house, lunged at other dogs, didn’t come when called, pulled on the leash, jumped all over guest in my house, and many more issues. Justin solved every single issue I had with Kaden. His training method was fair to my dog. You can tell when someone truly cares about your dog and Justin 100% did. I highly recommend him.
  • Timothy Kinney
    Sep. 19, 2024
    We can’t say enough good things about Justin! From the moment we met, we knew our dogs were in great hands. Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge about dog behavior, but he also has a unique ability to connect with dogs on a personal level. My dogs, who used to be anxious and reactive around other dogs, and people, has completely transformed under Justin’s guidance. Each session was tailored to our specific needs, and I really appreciated the positive reinforcement techniques used, which made the training both effective and enjoyable for my dog. What impressed me most was the patience and encouragement Justin showed both to our dogs and us as pet owners. Thanks to Justin, our dogs are more confident, better behaved, and we all enjoy our time together so much more. We even are able to have one of our dogs working through the process of becoming a therapy dog. If you’re looking for a professional, compassionate, and skilled dog trainer, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Midlands SC—you won’t be disappointed!
  • Dana Lindsey
    Sep. 18, 2024
    We were referred to Justin and his team by a close friend for our Poppy, who 100% lives up to her name. She is smart but we needed training on how to outsmart her and get her to listen. Justin and Crystal have been so patient and supportive, their explanations thorough, instructions clear, and they make training FUN. Poppy adores both of them, and has learned so much. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to train and be trained. They know their stuff, and are just a delight to work with. 10/10 recommend.
  • Anne Brooks
    Sep. 18, 2024
    Justin and his team did an excellent job helping us train our dog, Coco. She is a 5lb feisty Morkie and we couldn’t get control of her “manners”. Justin patiently worked with her (and us) and she is literally a different dog now. We can take her in public without holding our breath and she is really doing well with the commands and understanding her place in our family. We recommend Justin for your dog training needs!!
  • Kat Pare
    Sep. 9, 2024
    Our pup and us absolutely love Justin and his team at Dog Training Elite! They have made training easy and fun! I definitely recommend them to anyone thinking about getting training for their dogs.
  • Paul Mishoe
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Extremely professional and effective service. I could not be happier with the process and results of the Gold training program
  • Pete
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Justin and the Dog Training Elite crew have been too-notch and have really helped me get my big guy trained and socialized! I would recommend him to anyone who needs training help with their dog.
  • Vera Timmons
    Sep. 5, 2024
    I just love this company - Justin, Crystal, Darlene and office staff! They are wonderful at what they do, are responsive and so thoughtful! I have used other dog trainers that come to my home and have not gotten the results I have gotten from Justin and Dog Training Elite. Justin is wonderful at what he does. My dog Dixie is a different dog after the training with Justin. He offers group classes on the weekends that solidify training, that I highly recommend. We also went to Lowes to work on training in new environments! I truly know that I can bring Dixie anywhere now! Besides being a great trainer, Justin is just a wonderful person who loves what he does and loves animals. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for dog training!
  • Joe Edens III
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Wishing Justin the greatest of Birthdays (30)!! Justin and his team have trained 2 Golden Retrievers ( Gunner and Murray ) for me and I good not be more pleased !! Highly professional and accommodating in many ways. Thank you for all you have done and doing and best to you and your family! Joe
  • Sonya Kennedy
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Honestly, I don't know where to begin. Day 1 was something like a consultation. My Jetti and I met Justin and Louie for the first time. I knew that day that Justin was the one to train my Jetti and me. We started back in February or March. Justin had a demeanor about himself that made it easy to talk to and listen to him. I am still in amazement of what Jetti and I have accomplished and learned in such a short period of time. Just recently my Jetti, my 2 other furbabies, and I went to petsmart. It was Jetti's first visit there. I was nervous about how it would go with Jetti, but she was the perfect furbaby. A number of people came up to me and shared how she was so well behaved. I felt like the perfect mom. All of this is a result of Justin's ability to train. Jetti now has a play date with a German Shepard during the week days. This is because of the Saturday training with other furbabies. Oh, did I forgot to mention, Jetti is now a 9 months Giant Schnauzer! I promise you, you cannot and will not go wrong with training your furbaby with Justin of Dog Elite Training. Justin is the GOAT!!!
  • Dale Donahue
    Aug. 28, 2024
    What a Wonderful team! Justin and Krystal are great trainers! Our Lucy is so polite now! We not only trained at our house, the last session we went to Lowes and walked off leash! We will go to the next session and meet other dogs that have been trained by Elite. Just can't say enough positive words about Justin and Krystal...Thank you both so much!😃😃
  • Rachael Mitchell
    Aug. 14, 2024
    They have been so great with my boy Rex. Always very helpful and there to explain and answer questions. Oh and they also put my shelf together for me because I'm having some physical issues at the moment! They definitely go above and beyond for their customers!!
  • Crystal Byler
    Jul. 2, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has quite literally changed my life! Before working with Justin, my dog was a reactive basket case. Kids, dogs, squirrels, cats - you name it, she was chasing it. Justin gave me all the tools needed to be confident and fully in control, even when Raya is off leash. I get so many comments from family about the before and after difference. We can now have family gatherings without jumping, barking, begging, or reactivity to kids. In turn, Raya gets to live a full and happy life, and she is loving every bit of it! If you've been looking for a team who truly cares about you and your dog- look no further!
  • Marshall Carpenter
    May. 29, 2024
    Justin is so knowledgeable about his craft. I was amazed at how quickly Honey responded to his training. He is a great communicator with the dogs and their owners. It’s very easy to continue the training we both learned. I recommend Dog training Elite whole heartedly.