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Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Naperville, IL

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Naperville, IL from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Naperville, IL

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 Naperville, IL 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 Western Chicago

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 Naperville, IL 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 Western Chicago, 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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Carlie Wilson
    Nov. 10, 2025
    Pauline has been amazing training our Sheltie puppy Fin. She helped us and stayed very flexible with our crazy schedule along the way! Fin was able to learn basic commands in a timely manner and Pauline was always very patient and kind with Fin. Can’t recommend her enough!! She’s very knowledgeable and good with dogs and with dog training.
  • L V
    Nov. 2, 2025
    Paulina, Jaime, and Grace are amazing ladies! They were so patient with Benny as he was very anxious attending facility classes. Hes been so much better with his obedience, behavior, and commands. He loves classes as much do I. The classes are so much fun, Benny is tired after class. I love how the girls change it up every weekend with different challenges. They put in a lot of hard work, love, and effort in Benny. Appreciate you all!
  • Kelly Schaffer
    Nov. 1, 2025
    My 7yo dog and I have worked worked with several trainers through out the years, and the group at DTE in Naperville has been my favorite. They really listened to what it is my dog and I were looking to get out of the training and work so that their program fit our situation! Grace does a phenomenal job listening f to the owners and reading the dog during the one on one session!! Cannot wait to go join the group classes.
  • BMF
    Oct. 28, 2025
    The team at DTE have been fantastic helping us work with our anxious Rottie. I am very grateful I found them because he is doing better already. It takes time and patience but it is worth it.
  • laura keefer
    Oct. 28, 2025
    Excellent facility. As with any training, it’s really what you do at home that makes the most difference. DTE gives you the tools to make that difference!
  • Jeanne Kestel
    Oct. 22, 2025
    We found DTE after looking for additional training support when one of our dogs attacked our other dog. It was a beyond stressful experience for us, but when I first reached out to DTE, the owner (Katie) was so kind and patient and empathic as I shared our concerns and she shared the training options. We just completed the in-home training program with Grace, and are looking forward to starting the group component. Grace has also been extremely kind and understanding. She is extremely knowledgeable and always ready to answer our questions and provide any additional direction. We are so grateful for Grace's help and guidance, and our dog has shown incredible growth in terms of his response to our commands. Our deepest thanks to Grace and DTE
  • kelly mcdonnell
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Grace has been super helpful with our dog. A once super timid and shy boy is growing confidence by the day thanks to the detonation and knowledge of DTE
  • Dawn Hoover
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We love going to the group classes they offer. We had a great time Saturday in downtown Naperville walking the river walk. It was a great teaching lesson for Holly with all the people and distractions that were around. Holly is doing so well with the training she gets from Pauline, Grace and Jamie. At almost one year old we are so pleased at all she has learned. 5 Stars all around!
  • Vicky Crane
    Oct. 3, 2025
    DTE is genuinely AMAZING!!! They have helped teach me and my girl luna so much and they do it all with love. Definitely give them a shot you won’t regret it!
  • James Keefer
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Wonderful experience. Great training. Seeing results a few days in. Looking forward to the group classes for more socialization. Would highly recommend. They’re very experienced and knowledgeable.
  • Lindi Hannigan (LHannigan)
    Oct. 2, 2025
    We reluctantly decided to try e-collar training after not having the success we desired with only positive reinforcement methods and we are SO glad we did. Our very yappy and reactive miniature dachshund is well on her way to being the pet we always knew she could be. After a very pleasant and informative initial interview with Pauline we decided to proceed with DTE. Grace and Pauline helped us understand and debunk our misconceptions regarding using e-collars. Our in home sessions were with Grace who's patience and incredible knowledge about dogs and training has been amazing. We, Lexi's humans, have been the main training challenge but Grace never made us feel like we were failing. With encouragement and humor she patiently helped train us as much as she did Lexi. We are looking forward to joining the group classes and will update our review as we progress. Thanks DTE for giving us an option that actually worked for our issues! Lexi is quieter and calmer in what used to be embarrassingly chaotic situations. We can't wait to continue this journey with you all!
  • Amy Meyer
    Sep. 30, 2025
    DTE transformed Glory, my exuberant 5 mos old Irish Wolf Hound puppy! The staff at DTE took in my enormous, clumsy and eager pup with open arms. Among many improvements, she walks nicely (never thought that would happen), she is crate trained (never thought that would happen), and she is a more confident dog (significantly reduced whining). I always wanted a dog who was a pleasure, and because of the whole staff at DTE, I have one! And our family time with Glory is just beginning!
  • Stephanie Esposito
    Sep. 26, 2025
    I have seen a difference in my dog’s behavior. The trainers do a great job and are very kind and patient.
  • Jennifer Corso
    Sep. 19, 2025
    professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Grace, Jamie and Pauline are all wonderful trainers.
  • Jackie Vasquez
    Sep. 12, 2025
    We love Dog Training Elite! Our puppy lights up every time he sees Grace, Pauline, and Jamie. They are so patient, knowledgeable, and caring, and they’ve made training such a positive experience for both our pup and us. We’ve already seen amazing progress, and it’s clear how much they truly love what they do. We couldn’t be happier with the training and support we’ve received—highly recommend!
  • Pasiri Carvalho
    Sep. 5, 2025
    We love Grace! She’s been such a great trainer for our pup, Pipoca. Super patient, caring, and really knows her stuff. Pipoca is happier and better behaved thanks to her. Highly recommend! From the first picture this is her first time in years that she could be that close to other dogs. I’m so proud🥹
  • Dani Kelley
    Aug. 23, 2025
    My dog, Scout, completed the two-week day camp at Dog Training Elite Naperville, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! Each morning I dropped her off around 8am and picked her up after work around 5:45pm. From day one, she was so excited to go to “school” with her tail wagging, vocal (woo-woo barks), and eager to see her favorite teachers, Pauline, Grace, and Jamie. Scout is a very friendly, eager-to-please “velcro” dog who had a hard time watching me leave at first, but over the two weeks, she gained confidence and independence. The trainers not only reinforced the basics but also introduced new skills. Before camp, Scout was a great dog but tended to be selective about which commands she listened to. Now, I notice the difference instantly. Even on the walk to the car after pick-up, I could start practicing her new skills right away. Walks are smoother, she understands “place,” and she responds so much more consistently. One of the things I really appreciated was how much they involved me in the process. Every day I received report cards, photos, and even personalized videos showing me how to practice commands at home. They also made themselves available by phone whenever I had questions. I felt supported not just during the camp, but in continuing the training afterward. The transformation has been worth every penny. It’s an investment, but for the instant results and the foundation they’ve built for Scout and me, I found it more than fair. Honestly, I almost wish the camp could run in phases (two weeks for basics, a week off, then another two weeks for more advanced skills) because Scout and I are ready for more! If you’re looking for a program where your dog learns, has fun, and comes home happy, balanced, and tired, I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite Naperville enough. And a huge thank you again to Scout’s amazing teachers (Pauline, Grace, and Jamie) for helping us start this journey.
  • Elise V.
    Jul. 29, 2025
    We loved our experience with DTE! Grace was so great to work with! She was great at not only teaching our dog, Ziggy his basic commands, but also at teaching us how to set him up for success during his training.
  • Debra P
    Jun. 25, 2024
    We have just finished our at home classes are excited for group class which will start tomorrow. Grace came out to our home and every class was a success and Sam, my rambunctious 11 month old Labrador was always so excited to see Grace. She was very professional and very friendly. Grace always took the time to answer all my questions and helped out with a couple concerns I had with Sam. He learned quickly and is always excited to work. Dog Training Elite has very knowledgeable owners and trainers and I’m so very happy to have them to work with me and my dog. I’m looking forward to a long relationship with them and they are worth every penny. Also of note, they always respond in a very timely manner whenever you need to text with questions, concerns or scheduling times.
  • Gabriela Davila morell
    Jul. 14, 2025
    We had an amazing experience with training! Our puppy Rossie loved training sessions with trainer Pauline and she did such an amazing job helping us through the process. We can’t wait to continue learning with our puppy at Dog Training Elite.