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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Fort Wayne, IN from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Fort Wayne, IN

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 Fort Wayne, IN 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 Northeast Indiana

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 Fort Wayne, IN 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.

Start Crate Training Today


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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 Northeast Indiana, 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!

Get Your Free Assessment

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

  • Rich Heiser
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite knows dogs! It’s that simple. They understand what it takes to help your dog become an obedient, loving companion. We used them for our adopted Elsie and she is doing great! Nathan was our primary trainer. He explained everything right from the start and throughout the whole process. He really helped us see that OUR learning more about Elsie’s innate characteristics helped us to participate in her successful training. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Jody ann Collins
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Nathan was great! Our dog Rocky learned so fast and Nathan was very professional and friendly each visit. He communicated great with us and explained everything to us perfectly. Would definitely recommend their service to anyone needing their dog trained!
  • Katie
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Please use this service if you are in need of a good dog trainer!!! Clint was so great working with my dog. She was very ill-tempered and suffers from separation anxiety. She had biting issues and was very temperamental to others and other dogs. When I inquired with other trainers they were not helpful and did nothing but throw kibbles on the ground. Clint on the other hand honed right on to the issues and helped me greatly when all other avenues seemed lost, especially when evening walking my dog was difficult. I was completely grateful for his fast service and the patience he had with my dog. Thank you Clint and Elite Dog Training for helping me and my dog!
  • Nicole Gunn
    Dec. 15, 2024
    My dog was very anxious about a lot of things. I tried independently to help him, but I wasn't getting results. This company has shown me techniques that have now gotten us to the point where my dog is getting so much braver. Nathan was patient and reassured me that even my dog, a little older, a rescue, and with severe anxiety, could be helped. He was right. I love that now that personal training is over, I can get in group classes, which helps my dog get more socialized and confident. I can email with questions that might come up. This is a great company.
  • Eva Doucette
    Nov. 29, 2024
    Nathan was our trainer and he was great! Explained everything thoroughly and helped my dog so much.
  • Stephen Doucette
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Nathan was outstanding training with our teen daughter and her puppy! Super educational and patient - was a great experience from start to finish. I highly recommend!
  • Kevin Musselman
    Nov. 10, 2024
    Excellent training program. Nate is fantastic. Highly recommend
  • Tori
    Nov. 8, 2024
    When we reached out to Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne, we were desperate for help in training our 7 month old stubborn French bulldog. He is such a sweet soul but his behaviors were exhausting and nothing we did seemed to work. Within a week of requesting a consultation we were signed up and working our first session. We noticed a huge improvement immediately and continued to be overjoyed with the progress our puppy made. We are finally in a place where we can really enjoy him and he can do so much more with us now! It has been truly life changing. We had Nathan for all of our private sessions and he was wonderful to work with. We cannot thank him enough for the time and energy he dedicated to Porkchop’s training. I would highly recommend reaching out to Elite and working with Nathan for all of your training needs!
  • Julia Patton
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Nathan was wonderful at training our Cavapoo to be a therapy dog. He was very professional, knowledgeable and fun to work with! I highly recommend 👍
  • Patrice Jordan
    Oct. 1, 2024
    The training was exceptional. Both Nathan and Clint were fantastic. Knowledgeable and professional. My two older dogs 10 and 8 had never received training and really needed some help - I needed some help - and within a few sessions and I really saw a transformational change. I feel much more comfortable taking my dogs out in public. On walks. One of the best investments I’ve made. Highly recommend!!!
  • Jenna Harter
    Oct. 1, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne! Our 5-month-old English Shepherd didn’t even know her name or how to wear a collar before we started training. Nathan and Clint worked with us over six sessions, and the transformation has been incredible. They not only helped her learn commands but also taught us why she behaves the way she does and how she responds to different situations. We learned what behaviors to watch for and how to set her up for success. Each session was informative, and they were always available to answer questions, review commands, and provide guidance for at-home training. Highly recommend for anyone looking to build a strong foundation with their dog!
  • Todd Mullins
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Our little Georgi had a great time learning from two great trainers, Nathan & Clint. They both loved on Georgi while training her and she looked forward to the training. They were very clear and consistent with their commands to Georgi and with explanation of the commands to both my wife and myself. We are able to continue our training throughout the week with ease. The 5 weeks flew bye and we look forward to the park visits on Saturdays. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to build a stronger relationship with their puppies.
  • connie McDaniels
    Sep. 13, 2024
    Our dog Pete has made a major transformation. Nate has been so helpful and has great knowledge. He has helped us to learn how to be better pet owners. Thank you Nate. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • kelli faulkner
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Nathan was my trainer and he was great. My dog is smart, but easily distracted and very stubborn. Nathan was very good with my dog. He was very good at explaining how the training works and giving me good tips when my dog was being challenging. I would recommend this training to anyone who wants their dog to be well trained and happy.
  • Brandi Bilger
    Aug. 25, 2024
    Dog training Elite training program did wonders for my boy. They were fexible and accommodating to my schedule for training. Trained me as well as my boy. Great people to work with and their knowledge is extensive.
  • Zack Solmonson
    Aug. 18, 2024
    Clint and his team have done wonders for my 3 year old GSD. I would highly recommend their program.
  • Scott Herman
    Aug. 4, 2024
    We had a Soft Coated Wheaton who needed help with some behavioral issues (aggressive towards other dogs, barking, walking, etc.). Dog Training Elite has helped tremendously. The in home training was great for our whole family to learn together. Also the in home training helped our dog learn in a familiar environment (full of the usual distractions). Nathan the trainer was always kind, patient, and helpful in answering all of our questions. Nathan has taught our whole family tools and commands to help our dog improve tremendously with his behavior issues. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Louis Carravetta
    Jun. 28, 2024
    Great Group of Trainers
  • scott Tegtmeyer
    Jun. 27, 2024
    Nathan is phenomenal! Our Great Dane Tiberius has transformed and became manageable. We are very grateful, and could not be happier with the results.
  • Lisa Holler
    Jun. 19, 2024
    My 2 year old shih tzu, Buddy was driving me crazy with all the barking and lunging at other dogs and cars. I now have a much calmer dog - who listens when I give him a command. The difference is AMAZING! Nathan is great at communicating the method and why. It's obvious he loves dogs. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Rich Heiser
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite knows dogs! It’s that simple. They understand what it takes to help your dog become an obedient, loving companion. We used them for our adopted Elsie and she is doing great! Nathan was our primary trainer. He explained everything right from the start and throughout the whole process. He really helped us see that OUR learning more about Elsie’s innate characteristics helped us to participate in her successful training. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Jody ann Collins
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Nathan was great! Our dog Rocky learned so fast and Nathan was very professional and friendly each visit. He communicated great with us and explained everything to us perfectly. Would definitely recommend their service to anyone needing their dog trained!
  • Katie
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Please use this service if you are in need of a good dog trainer!!! Clint was so great working with my dog. She was very ill-tempered and suffers from separation anxiety. She had biting issues and was very temperamental to others and other dogs. When I inquired with other trainers they were not helpful and did nothing but throw kibbles on the ground. Clint on the other hand honed right on to the issues and helped me greatly when all other avenues seemed lost, especially when evening walking my dog was difficult. I was completely grateful for his fast service and the patience he had with my dog. Thank you Clint and Elite Dog Training for helping me and my dog!
  • Nicole Gunn
    Dec. 15, 2024
    My dog was very anxious about a lot of things. I tried independently to help him, but I wasn't getting results. This company has shown me techniques that have now gotten us to the point where my dog is getting so much braver. Nathan was patient and reassured me that even my dog, a little older, a rescue, and with severe anxiety, could be helped. He was right. I love that now that personal training is over, I can get in group classes, which helps my dog get more socialized and confident. I can email with questions that might come up. This is a great company.
  • Eva Doucette
    Nov. 29, 2024
    Nathan was our trainer and he was great! Explained everything thoroughly and helped my dog so much.
  • Stephen Doucette
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Nathan was outstanding training with our teen daughter and her puppy! Super educational and patient - was a great experience from start to finish. I highly recommend!
  • Kevin Musselman
    Nov. 10, 2024
    Excellent training program. Nate is fantastic. Highly recommend
  • Tori
    Nov. 8, 2024
    When we reached out to Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne, we were desperate for help in training our 7 month old stubborn French bulldog. He is such a sweet soul but his behaviors were exhausting and nothing we did seemed to work. Within a week of requesting a consultation we were signed up and working our first session. We noticed a huge improvement immediately and continued to be overjoyed with the progress our puppy made. We are finally in a place where we can really enjoy him and he can do so much more with us now! It has been truly life changing. We had Nathan for all of our private sessions and he was wonderful to work with. We cannot thank him enough for the time and energy he dedicated to Porkchop’s training. I would highly recommend reaching out to Elite and working with Nathan for all of your training needs!
  • Julia Patton
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Nathan was wonderful at training our Cavapoo to be a therapy dog. He was very professional, knowledgeable and fun to work with! I highly recommend 👍
  • Patrice Jordan
    Oct. 1, 2024
    The training was exceptional. Both Nathan and Clint were fantastic. Knowledgeable and professional. My two older dogs 10 and 8 had never received training and really needed some help - I needed some help - and within a few sessions and I really saw a transformational change. I feel much more comfortable taking my dogs out in public. On walks. One of the best investments I’ve made. Highly recommend!!!
  • Jenna Harter
    Oct. 1, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne! Our 5-month-old English Shepherd didn’t even know her name or how to wear a collar before we started training. Nathan and Clint worked with us over six sessions, and the transformation has been incredible. They not only helped her learn commands but also taught us why she behaves the way she does and how she responds to different situations. We learned what behaviors to watch for and how to set her up for success. Each session was informative, and they were always available to answer questions, review commands, and provide guidance for at-home training. Highly recommend for anyone looking to build a strong foundation with their dog!
  • Todd Mullins
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Our little Georgi had a great time learning from two great trainers, Nathan & Clint. They both loved on Georgi while training her and she looked forward to the training. They were very clear and consistent with their commands to Georgi and with explanation of the commands to both my wife and myself. We are able to continue our training throughout the week with ease. The 5 weeks flew bye and we look forward to the park visits on Saturdays. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to build a stronger relationship with their puppies.
  • connie McDaniels
    Sep. 13, 2024
    Our dog Pete has made a major transformation. Nate has been so helpful and has great knowledge. He has helped us to learn how to be better pet owners. Thank you Nate. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • kelli faulkner
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Nathan was my trainer and he was great. My dog is smart, but easily distracted and very stubborn. Nathan was very good with my dog. He was very good at explaining how the training works and giving me good tips when my dog was being challenging. I would recommend this training to anyone who wants their dog to be well trained and happy.
  • Brandi Bilger
    Aug. 25, 2024
    Dog training Elite training program did wonders for my boy. They were fexible and accommodating to my schedule for training. Trained me as well as my boy. Great people to work with and their knowledge is extensive.
  • Zack Solmonson
    Aug. 18, 2024
    Clint and his team have done wonders for my 3 year old GSD. I would highly recommend their program.
  • Scott Herman
    Aug. 4, 2024
    We had a Soft Coated Wheaton who needed help with some behavioral issues (aggressive towards other dogs, barking, walking, etc.). Dog Training Elite has helped tremendously. The in home training was great for our whole family to learn together. Also the in home training helped our dog learn in a familiar environment (full of the usual distractions). Nathan the trainer was always kind, patient, and helpful in answering all of our questions. Nathan has taught our whole family tools and commands to help our dog improve tremendously with his behavior issues. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Louis Carravetta
    Jun. 28, 2024
    Great Group of Trainers
  • scott Tegtmeyer
    Jun. 27, 2024
    Nathan is phenomenal! Our Great Dane Tiberius has transformed and became manageable. We are very grateful, and could not be happier with the results.
  • Lisa Holler
    Jun. 19, 2024
    My 2 year old shih tzu, Buddy was driving me crazy with all the barking and lunging at other dogs and cars. I now have a much calmer dog - who listens when I give him a command. The difference is AMAZING! Nathan is great at communicating the method and why. It's obvious he loves dogs. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!