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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Los Angeles, CA from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Los Angeles, CA

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 Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • georgialawrence1
    Feb. 6, 2025
    I cannot recommend Clayton, Elite Dog Training, highly enough for anyone struggling with a reactive GSD, When I first reached out, I was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with my dog's reactivity towards other dogs. Clayton not only understood my concerns but also provided a clear, structured plan to help us both. From our very first meeting, Clayton took the time to assess my dog's behavior thoroughly. He listened to my experiences and helped identify specific triggers for my dog's reactivity. This initial assessment set the stage for a tailored training program that felt achievable Clayton gradually introduced my dog to controlled environments, allowing him to encounter triggers at a comfortable distance and the tools/instructions to counter these triggers The progress we made was remarkable! Within a few weeks, Luger showed significant improvement. Clayton provided practical strategies that I could use which empowered me as an owner. If you're facing similar challenges, I wholeheartedly recommend Clayton and Elite Dog Training. Their expertise and patience can truly transform your relationship with your dog. Thank you, Clayton, for your incredible work!
  • Kat McGinty
    Feb. 6, 2025
    I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough! Clayton has been incredible in helping me to train my terrier/pit bull mix. He's patient and clearly loves dogs. My dog was instantly comfortable with him. I'm already planning on adding more sessions because Clayton has helped me see just how much my dog is capable of!
  • Shelby Dash (Shelby & Kristina)
    Feb. 5, 2025
    We had such a wonderful experience with our trainer. He was knowledgeable, patient, and professional. I would highly recommend!
  • Julia Steinweg
    Feb. 4, 2025
    My experience with Clayton was fantastic. He understands the nature of dogs really well and is therefore able to adapt his training style to the specific personality of your dog to achieve immediate improvements of critical dog behavior with great results. I can only recommend Clayton as an experienced dog trainer who delivers great results in a short period of time.
  • Christina Hutchinson
    Jan. 18, 2025
    I honestly cannot say enough good things about Dogs Elite training! I rescued a ~5 year old male German Shepherd 5 months ago who was a lot to handle. He was a sweet enough boy and playful with my other GSD, but terrible to walk and dog reactive. I spent thousands with another trainer to be disappointed and only witness mild improvement; I felt like this poor dog was too much for me. So I interviewed a few other trainers and decided on Dogs Elite. What sold me on them is the final goal of walking him on a “J leash” (meaning a relaxed leash). Sure that sounds great and like I’m in control, but the real meaning behind it is transferring leadership from the dog to you. Rescues have had to be hyper-vigilant to survive, so that’s a lot of “on” energy. Once YOU are trained how to lead your dog, they can relax and be a dog who enjoys a comfy life going on walks and meeting other dogs at the dog park. Today was my 6th session with Clayton and I never thought my Jack would succeed in a dog park without incident, I couldn’t be more wrong. Look at this face after class: he’s happy, learning was a joy and not something negative, and he’s relaxed. He’s a different dog and I’m so happy to see these behavioral changes in him. It never would’ve happened with training that didn’t tap in to the psychology of his mind. I’m so grateful to what Clayton has done for us!!
  • Czarina Lim
    Dec. 29, 2024
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all your dog training needs. My partner and I rescued a 3.5 yr old puggle who exhibited episodes of aggression and actually bit my partner after a stressful road trip. I found DTE during my Google search of aggression-specialty dog training, and I'm so glad I did! Clayton, our trainer, does a fantastic job teaching both our rescue and us how to behave with each other, and continues to give us the right tools in helping us train our beloved rescue so that everyone has a good time. His patience while we all learn together has been invaluable. Also, just as an added plus for this program, DTE gives a discount for rescues! While the initial price tag may feel daunting, know that this is an investment you're making for both you and your dog, and everyone involved will be better off for it!
  • Nate Van Fleet
    Dec. 21, 2024
    Clayton is a fantastic trainer, and a great guy! My partner and I highly recommend Dog Training Elite
  • Natasha Radojcic
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Clayton is great, am I’m so grateful for his expertise and guidance!
  • Dane Larsen
    Nov. 6, 2024
    Very very thankful I hired them for their services. The perk of having them come to your house and working around your neighborhood is profoundly helpful. We were lucky enough to have Clayton train our dog (or rather train us on how to). My relationship with my dog has improved, my dog’s confidence has improved, and all my neighbors think I own a new dog. I couldn’t recommend hiring them more. Clayton really took care of us. His knowledge / insights into dog training are robust. He clearly loves what he does and he empowers you to find the balance between you and your fur baby. THANK YOU CLAYTON!!
  • Brooke Anthony
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been such an amazing company to work with. Our trainer Clayton turned our puppy into the most confident and obedient dog. Our excited young puppy struggled with pulling on his leash and a lot of displaced energy. Since the very first session with Clayton, our puppy learned and applied so quickly. Clayton is the best trainer and is so patient and knowledgeable. We are confident that anyone who uses this company will have a great experience and will be setting their dogs up for great success!
  • Brooke Viselli Anthony
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been such an amazing company to work with. Our trainer Clayton turned our puppy into the most confident and obedient dog. Our excited young puppy struggled with pulling on his leash and a lot of displaced energy. Since the very first session with Clayton, our puppy learned and applied so quickly. Clayton is the best trainer and is so patient and knowledgeable. We are confident that anyone who uses this company will have a great experience and will be setting their dogs up for great success!
  • Joneen Murphy
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Clayton has been a great trainer. He has not just been helpful for Poppy, but for us as his owners. He explains things clearly and is great to work with.
  • Ashley Santos
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Dog trainer Clayton has been excellent with his approach, showing great patience and skill in working with my dog Zoey. I’ve seen improvements in her behavior and obedience since we started the training sessions. His positive reinforcement methods make a difference, and I’m happy with our progress so far!
  • Maria G
    Oct. 15, 2024
    Great time helping my pup name Ace he’s a Belgian Malinos breed after his training he has been easier to handle Hard work has paid off We are expecting to keep with his training at the park with your facility Trainer took his time to explain n help us greatly I would Highly recommend them
  • Ryan Peterlin
    Oct. 15, 2024
    Would 10/10 recommend. Clayton was so helpful and understanding when it came to my reactive cattle dog
  • Brittney Post
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Clayton is an amazing trainer who has not only taught our stubborn Jack Russell Terrier to listen and respond…..he has also taught us to be consistent with the training techniques and the results are fantastic. The time we have spent training our dog Gary for the last 8 weeks will pay off for a lifetime!
  • Josh S
    Sep. 18, 2024
    Clayton was great and very knowledgeable. They do awesome work.
  • Mike Feldman
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Jon and Clayton are awesome. Our German Shepherd is a rescue and was very territorial at our house. The guys gave us great tools to redirect his aggression and teach him good manners. The whole experience has been outstanding. Highly recommend these guys.
  • Sonia Vera
    Aug. 7, 2024
    Just had my training session with Clayton he was so sweet and gentle with my big 92 lb dog. Taught me a lot in such a short time. Will be ordering Anya her little bed to focus on practicing her place command. Thank you again Clayton was a pleasure:)!
  • brianna gutierrez
    Jul. 31, 2024
    Amazing training session for my nervous puppy! She was able to learn 3 new training skills the first day.