Back to Puppy Training
Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Fort Wayne, IN

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

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.

See Training Packages

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?

Read More
Read Less

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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN

Classical Conditioning Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Puppy Obedience Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Off Leash Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Dog Agility Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

Two well-behaved puppies after training in their crates.

Start Crate Training Today


Read More
Read Less

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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Carly Turner
    Nov. 6, 2025
    We had a wonderful experience with Nathan! He came to our home and was so patient, knowledgeable, and great with our dog. He took the time to explain everything clearly and gave us easy, effective techniques that made a big difference right away. You can tell he truly cares about both dogs and their owners. We’re so glad we worked with him and highly recommend Nathan to anyone looking for a professional trainer!
  • Liz Kearney
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Nathan was awesome and really helped our puppy and us learn how to do the right commands at the right time. Our little Molly is now the best puppy and loving the learning process. So excited to keep the training going. Thank you Nathan and Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!!!
  • Tom Tsuleff
    Sep. 8, 2025
    Dog training elite has a great program. They not only trained Tonka but our family as well in how to help us reinforce the training session throughout the week. By demonstrating the techniques and then empowering us to take over allowed us to go from not having people over to our house to having guests. Nathan was great with Tonka and you can see he wants the best for him. Great experience, especially if you do the homework.
  • Carl Park
    Sep. 2, 2025
    Clint has done such an Amazing job with our German Shepherd Puppy Jax. From the first session it's been so much better in our household. Jax being a puppy wanted to bite us all the time. We tried everything but he wouldn't stop. That was until we hired Dog Training Elite and Clint was the trainer. I Love the fact that the come to our house to do the training so you can see what and how they do the training. If you are having any issues with your dog, please reach out to them. Thank you Clint for all you do for our Jax and for us.
  • Aidan Sullivan
    Aug. 24, 2025
    We’re very pleased with our DTE experience. Through our private sessions we worked with Nathan, who did an excellent job at focusing on not only on our dog, but also teaching us how to be better handlers. Our puppy, Dazzle, has grown miles in confidence and handler focus, and we’re now able to take her on adventures without stressing about her anxiety! We’re super grateful for the relational benefit that training has given us, and excited to continue on to group classes!
  • Craig Blume
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We are SOOO impressed with Clint's skills and ability to understand how to train our dog. She is a totally new animal and we couldn't be happier. The training is worth every penny and will change our relationship with Tessa for the rest of our lives!!
  • Tami Brooks
    Jul. 16, 2025
    I had one on one sessions with Clint and he did a phenomenal job!! This experience has been worth every dime!! I am the Assistant Director of 911 and working on having a Therapy Dog in Dispatch and this has been a fantastic experience. It is so nice to have a dog that listens and does what you say!! Clint understands the dog and knows when she's "done" with training. I would recommend Dog Training Elite every time!! You will not be disappointed!!
  • Staci Lugar Brettin
    Jun. 11, 2025
    We adopted a Siberian Husky puppy from a shelter. She is full of energy and super destructive. When I learned that we would be using an e-collar for the training I was a little concerned at first that perhaps it would be harmful to our puppy. What I learned was completely the opposite - the e-collar does not hurt the dog and it's super effective. I honestly don't even know how we would train her without it. Clint is amazing! When he came to our house to work with both of our Siberian Huskies he was patient and thorough and used a discipline I have rarely seen. If you're worried about the e-collar - don't be. It doesn't hurt the dog and it helps them understand boundaries and commands. You should call Dog Training Elite. There is no other service you will need! They work with service dogs and hospitals and are trusted 100% in the community!
  • Joey Bushey
    May. 18, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Nathan and Clint. When we first started, Tucker wouldn’t let either of them come near him—he was reactive and nervous around strangers, and I wasn’t sure how far we’d get. But thanks to their patience, consistency, and expert approach, Tucker is now a completely different dog. They took the time to build trust at Tucker’s pace, and the results speak for themselves. I can now take him out in public, around new people, and he stays calm and under control—something I never thought possible just a few weeks ago. If you’re struggling with a reactive or anxious dog, I highly recommend working with Nathan and Clint. They gave Tucker the confidence he needed, and gave me the tools to support him every step of the way.
  • Samantha Pickett
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Clint and Nathan have been great with my dog Louie! Learning their training methods has helped Louie listen and helped me regain control! Thanks!
  • Alexandra Fitzwater
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Thank you to Nathan and Clint! Tripp made a complete 180 in his obedience from his first class to only his 4th class. We look forward to his future progress with DTE!
  • Erica Deathe
    Apr. 22, 2025
    We've been so pleased with the customer service. They are so easy to work with and make things so easy to understand and be a part of. We can't wait to see how our pup will grow and learn!
  • Natalie Knoblock
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Clint and Nathan were great to work with! I appreciate all their guidance and knowledge in helping me and my dog, Mika, become a certified therapy team!
  • Kris Grimmer
    Apr. 15, 2025
    I have had Clint and Nate come train my Grace. They are excellent at not only training Grace, but training me as well. I have had trainers before for other dogs and they no way compare to these two gentlemen. I would definitely and have recommended them.
  • patricia leazier
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Clint has been amazing, within the first visit I noticed a change in my puppy. With his knowledge and my practice she is showing great growth just within a few weeks. I cannot wait to see what the future brings. And to show her off!
  • Kim Myers
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Great group of people!! So knowledgeable!!
  • Meganne Smith
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite NE Indiana has been an absolute godsend for me. I rescued a Staffordshire/Pitbull mix almost 2 years ago and only recently started seeing protective/aggressive behaviors that concerned me. My husband and I called and they set up a meeting. We ended up going with them, and I am SO grateful we did. I am ENJOYING walks with my dog (previously those were exhausting with pulling and fear of being able to control her). We can have people into our home and we actually worked through several of her unusual fear responses to different things in the home as well. I am SO proud of her, and SO THANKFUL that my husband and I made this investment into her for our family. I feel like these tools can be used for any other dog that we might get in the future, and having a lifetime of help with this dog is huge so that we can continue working on the commands that Dog Training Elite taught us.
  • Katie Steenport
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We had a great experience with Nathan and Clint. They are both very knowledgeable and really helped us with our pup. We are super thankful.
  • Justin & Kara Branock
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We LOVE dog training elite! Nate is so patient and explains things so wel. Diesel loves training just as much as we do. I highly recommend them to anyone who asks!
  • Woo Dannenfelser
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our experience with our St. Bernard was amazing! Nate was great with our girl Elly. She progessed from a crazy puppy to a well-behaved dog. I was not a fan of e-collars before this but I'm a believer now after being trained in how to use them properly. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants a high quality experience with their dog.