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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

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 Fitchburg / Leominster, MA 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 Central Massachusetts

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 Fitchburg / Leominster, MA 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 Central Massachusetts, 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

  • Hoff Stauffer
    Feb. 12, 2025
    He was very helpful. She will walk on a leash now. 🤗
  • Mr. Kelly Kim
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Marcus is friendly and quite accommodating to my communication needs. He was very thorough when explaining the programs and he gave some light training which was fun!
  • Kitty Desharnais
    Jan. 17, 2025
    Buddy really responds well with the training, Matt does a good job and is very knowledgeable.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Patrick was amazing! He answered all our questions explained everything in depth, a lot of info, but very informative.
  • Mara Simon
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Patrick was very helpful on our evaluation with Hercules today. Answered all our questions and already knew off bat what Hercules needed to work on. Thank you for your time Patrick!! Highly appreciated.
  • Mike Corrado
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Patrick is top notch!
  • Franny Osman
    Jan. 25, 2025
    First visit with Patrick from Elite and we and Poppy learned a lot. It was very successful!
  • Ilene Holman
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Marcus is a great trainer. I am very happy with all of the trainers.
  • ZE ze
    Jan. 9, 2025
    Five stars! We were fortunate to have started and completed most of our training sessions with Matt Keefe who is key to the transformation of our anxious 3-year-old cockapoo Noodles (prone to aggressive barking and growling). Matt is the ultimate professional dog trainer. He is extremely knowledgeable and patient. In the beginning, he carefully explained and outlined the plan which convinced us to sign up for the Platinum Obedience Training. He tailored each session to Noodles’ needs (i.e., overcoming stranger anxiety especially toward male strangers). We transitioned gradually from training inside the house, to outdoors and then to public spaces in a comfortable pace. We learned so much from him during each session. He would always ask if I had any specific concerns or questions and I appreciate his step by step directions and demonstrations on what to do for different scenarios. The group sessions were very helpful too, for the exposure to other dogs and simulation of different types of situations. This is probably the best testament to our dog’s positive transformation: when we brought Noodles to a holiday party after 3 months of training, my brother-in-law asked if we “sedated” our dog prior to the party because Noodles was not barking at all and was so well-behaved. Thank you to Matt K and the entire staff of Dog Training Central Massachusetts.
  • Verda Abulaf
    Jan. 2, 2025
    Matt is amazing, patient and knowledgeable. We have already started to see progress throughout the second meet, I am very happy. Highly recommended
  • Ilene Holman
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Marcus was great!
  • Brianna LaGuardia
    Sep. 17, 2024
    Marcus was great! Training was something I had debated doing for a long time, especially since my dog was 4 but I’m so glad I did and so glad I chose Dog Training Elite. From the beginning, there was no judgement and they were flexible and accommodating. My dog has come a long way and I have so much more trust in him than I did before. I also appreciate being able to email questions and notes and get feedback that way (outside of our sessions). Overall, I’m very happy with the service provided and would highly recommend!
  • Kathy Friberg
    Sep. 9, 2024
    Dog Training Elite Marcus came today and explained everything to us! We have a Parson Jack Russell who is out of control they will help us get Maggie trained and be a better dog.. we can’t wait for training to begin.. They showed us another dog who was trained it was a real treat to watch Duncan. We are hoping Maggie will do as well as Duncan ( there’s hope)
  • Michael Shannon
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Our experience with this company has been truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. Matt Fennell, in particular, was an outstanding trainer and exceeded all of our expectations. It's important to note that the trainers focus on equipping you with the skills to effectively train your dog, and Matt excelled in this regard. As someone who has always had a deep connection with dogs and grown up with them, this was my first time seeking professional training. The results have been so amazing, and the bond I now share with my dog is stronger and more rewarding than ever before. If you are committed to following the guidance provided by Matt or any of the trainers, and are willing to put in the effort both during and outside of the training sessions, you will notice the same results I did. Such a great experience!
  • Lisa Blanchard
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Matt was informative and helpful!
  • Courtney Tompkins
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Marcus and Patrick were amazing. They helped us train our lab puppy. She had a lot of energy and was a bit of a challenge compared to our last pups. The trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful. If we had questions in between sessions we could just reach out and they would guide us on whatever challenges we were having. They accommodated my work schedule which was a huge help. We feel it was definitely worth the money and highly recommend them!
  • Nichole McIvor
    Sep. 4, 2024
    I have been very happy with the services both Marcus and Matt have provided me and my family while working with my 6-year-old German Shepherd, Whiskey. She is so smart but very high strung and constantly in overdrive and they are committed to leading my partner and me in navigating her training while helping her to meet her full potential! I’m excited to continue with them!
  • Sarah Geller
    Jul. 31, 2024
    DTE and especially Marcus are THE BEST. No one I’ve ever met knows and works with dogs like Marcus at dog training elite. We call him the “dog whisperer” but in truth mostly he has to train me, the handler, as much as my dog Wally. He has a really clear and consistent way of communicating which has transformed Wally from a nippy jumping puppy into a dog who is about to pass his public access test for service dog work. The company in general is excellent and all the staff and trainers are really responsive and work with me and Wally to make the best training sessions around my schedule, meeting at our house or public places to practice his service work. I would absolutely recommend Dog training elite and Marcus to anyone who wants to properly and seriously train and develop their relationship with their dog and is willing to put in the time and energy! Wally is learning so much so fast and is doing great. Thank you!! Update: Wally just passed his public access test!! Thanks so much Marcus for everything you’ve taught us both!!!
  • Christine Fuller
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Patrick was friendly and knowledgeable, great experience so far!
  • This is Life
    Jul. 29, 2024
    You guys are amazing! We are learning so much, we’re making a lot of progress I’m so thankful.!!