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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC

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 Durham and Chapel Hill, NC 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 of the NC Triangle

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 Durham and Chapel Hill, NC 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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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Durham and Chapel Hill.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
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 of the NC Triangle, 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

  • Chris Williams
    Sep. 19, 2024
    Alexx and Cindy are just great! Blue, our 4yr old Australian Shepherd is very reactive around other dogs and unfamiliar situations and we have let her world become very isolated as a result. After working several sessions with basic commands, Cindy's husband brought their very sweet doggo to the house allow Blue and I to practice our techniques to keep her focused on her job and me rather than worry about the other animal. He even shouted into his phone pretending to have an argument when approaching to provide us with a different situation to manage. I was so touched that they have such dedication to have ALL THREE trainers at once help us work towards achieving our goal of taking her where we go and visiting the brewery where my husband works, feeling safe and confident as owners. She recently went to her first group session with my husband who is less confident with Blue. They supervised her closely and were ready to step in if necessary but gave him space to work with her - it went great! The team at Dog Training Elite is truly dedicated to our success and have been genuinely joyful with the accomplishments we have made thus far. We know both our and Blue's ingrained behaviors will take time to change and feel confident we will have their support now and in the future.
  • Evie Rocko
    Sep. 13, 2024
    Alexx and Cindy are amazing! They listened to us and acknowledged all our concerns for my dog and have worked with us to achieve all our goals! For context when we adopted our pittie, we’ve had hopes of having her become a service dog. We started with obedience training and after seeing the amazing difference that all the training with them has made we are so excited to have our pup be an amazing service dog! They truly care and love what they do and it shows very much!
  • Ellen De La Garza
    Jul. 6, 2024
    When Cindy and James came to see my Annie, I was nervous. I didn’t want Annie to misbehave, even though they were there to train her. They made me feel so comfortable as well as Annie. After the first visit, Alexx started coming weekly to teach my Annie good manners. With her patients and professionalism, Annie was improving and was eager to impress which made me proud. I would recommend anyone who needs help with their pet, big or small, to train with this company. I would pay double the price with the results my Annie and myself have received. Thank you Cindy, Alexx and James for your love and compassion!!!
  • Adrianna Tozier
    Jul. 10, 2024
    They are absolutely amazing so kind and willing to work with u the vibe they give off can calm any dog and make them fall in love with the training and trainers very knowledgeable and amazing to work with i cant say enough great things about them
  • Barbara H
    Jun. 15, 2024
    Great experience with Dig Training Elite. Cindy, the owner, is very service oriented. Worked with good trainers, Alex and James (and Cindy). Our puppy has made incredible progress in two months.
  • Jonathan Forman
    Feb. 15, 2024
    I was thoroughly excited with Cindy and her colleague to visit my baby dog Daisy may. They spent two hours listening to my story’s and wants of Daisy. They are a compassionate company from my observation. The only thing I would have liked is if they had more experience in time but I also understand a person can have desire and drive for perfection. So they brought their sweet dogs and showed me their lab. I have to say I was impressed none the less and because of our conversation and seeing a confident dog in action is why I decided to go with them. I’m looking forward to working with them and will write a review based off my experience after that is done. They left me feeling confident in their abilities as trainers that take their job seriously in like other. So I will update this review with images of the success and support that the company provides. Sincerely, Jonathan
  • Sarah Hardin Gustafson
    Nov. 16, 2023
    I am so grateful to have the privilege of working with Alexx to train my sweet and curious puppy to be the perfect service animal. Alexx is an amazing listener and draws in humans and animals alike with her empathy and genuine personality. She always patiently answered all of my questions and helped my dog through even his most stubborn phases. We can't thank Alexx enough for everything!
  • Rebecca Cook
    Sep. 18, 2023
    While I am just starting my journey with Dog Training Elite, I could not be more impressed. The owners are patient and kind and go above and beyond to answer any and all questions. They are very knowledgable and flexible and have gone above and beyond in the initial interviewing process. I will be training my service dog with them and can't be more excited!
  • Kisha Williams
    Aug. 17, 2023
    Alexx was awesome with training my daughter with her dog Xena. She was patient with them and gave my daughter the confidence to train and be consistent with Xena. Xena learned not only obedience but task to help my daughter function when anxious. Awesome job!!!
  • Margaret Skillman
    May. 13, 2023
    Alexx helped me train my 4-7 month old German Shepherd to be my psych service dog. He is so amazing thanks to our work together. Because of her amazing instruction I felt confident and supported in the process. She is kind, personable, and empathetic which I found very important when working with her to help my dog help me. I have really loved learning from her and feel that I gained a friend. Can’t imagine learning from anyone else. We love Alexx!
  • Janet Sanchez
    Oct. 12, 2022
    Alexx has been a tremendous trainer. She is so patient, easy-going, and direct with her steps to train my dog. She equips me with the tools and knowledge to tackle on each week's focus. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to any friend, family, or stranger. They will come to your house and work with you and your dog.
  • Pam Godwin
    Jun. 16, 2022
    We could not be any happier with your company and the wonderful loving staff. Our dog Cody is a 130 pound German Shepard that was Mr Man, ruler of all things in our yard, next door, across the street, in the sky… ha. He chased and barked at everything. Thanks to you guys he now has manners. Everyone that visits can’t believe the difference. People that use to be afraid of him, now visit and compliment us on how sweet he is. He just needed some training and so did we. Thank you!!!! Pam, Tony snd Cody!!!!!!❤️
  • Paul Hearn
    Jun. 16, 2022
    DTE is amazing! Though skeptical at first, I'm now convinced that they are the best and have an awesome dog to show for it! The team is great and I highly recommend!!!
  • Cassie Frank
    Jun. 16, 2022
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! From their training methods to the care and respect they show towards the dogs and owners, you can’t go wrong!
  • Pablo Riboldi
    May. 31, 2022
    Cindy and her team are so amazing to work with! I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for the best dog trainer in the Durham/Chapel Hill area.
  • Bruce T
    May. 28, 2022
    A little over a year ago we adopted two rescues from Saving Grace(amazing group). However one was so anxious and scared of everything, even his shadow, would upset him. We tried training with another company and were told he was untrainable since he wasn’t treat motivated. We were running short on options. Dog Training Elite has given us a way to communicate and bond with Henry and appreciate each other. Henry is a happier pup We are enthusiastic advocates for the e collar and Dog Training Elite. Within hours, we are walking Henry with ease and at a comfortable pace. All of our challenges have been overcome and outings with Henry are a great experience. Henry has moved from being very anxious and hard to walk to a pleasure and fun. Henry has progressed so well that we have been able to go to lowes where loud noises and commotion were triggers for Henry and he overcame and interacted in a friendly manner. We are very excited and so impressed with the program. Henry’s growth has been nothing but phenomenal. Dog Training Elite is outstanding! We are very excited and so impressed with the program.
  • Kyle Christie
    May. 17, 2022
    Cindy's passion for business and for animals is unmatched. She is very personable yet professional and she truly cares about driving high quality results for dog training. She and her team will work their tails off to deliver the quality service you sign up for. She's also passionate about community involvement and giving back to the community especially through service dogs. She truly wants to strengthen the relationship you have with your dog. I wish I could give 10 stars, highly recommend!