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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Naperville

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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 Naperville

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 Naperville, 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

  • Meghan Grzetich
    Feb. 22, 2025
    Amazing! Wonderful , caring staff and very effective training
  • Macie Samek
    Dec. 27, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility are the best and most reliable people I have met! Everything is well communicated and easy on my side. The facility is so clean inside and out. DTE hosts also amazing activities themed after holidays! Overall they are an amazing experience! Pauline is Benny main trainer and let’s just say me and Benny both love her. She has made such an amazing impact with Benny basic obedience and I can’t wait for our next step with DTE and start service dog training! Thank Pauline and Grace for helping Benny get to wear he is now!
  • Antonia Tienda
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Grace and the team were so patient with our Lab Puppy Duke. They took their time with him and kept a consistent tone to keep him engaged and listening at all times.
  • phil kotas
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Grace at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility demonstrated exceptional patience, reliability, firmness, encouragement, and knowledge throughout the training process, helping my dog master various commands and behaviors. Grace's expert guidance and personalized approach made Dog Training Elite, and of course Grace, the perfect choice for my puppy's in-home dog training needs.
  • Kelly N
    Oct. 14, 2024
    DTE is incredible. They have helped my dog and I develop a deeper bond and trust, all while teaching her how to be a good listener!! Grace and Pauline are super experienced, make group classes fun, and truly love what they do which the dogs can tell! The owners, Katie and Tim are so knowledgeable, I have seen them help dogs and owners come into their own (myself included). I simply cannot express how amazing DTE has been for me and my dog.
  • Carly Paluszek
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We chose Dog Training Elite because they do e-collar training, which is a really great communication tool for our stubborn Great Pyrenees. We did the 7-day training camp with trainer Pauline and noticed an improvement after day 1 in our dog’s recall. We’ve also been able to better manage her leash reactivity. The group classes are fun and engaging, and they host them at different locations around the area. All of the trainers are awesome - patient and sweet with the dogs and always willing to answer questions. We will 100% be using Dog Training Elite for any future dogs we get!
  • Gregory Long
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Our dog didn't play well with others. If another dog showed any interest she responded by lunging, barking, and generally being out of control. Not only was this embarrassing, it was unsafe. She nearly caused my son to fall as she dashed to get other dog. Prior to working with Dog Training Elite, we tried two different trainers. Both relied exclusively on positive reinforcement and neither was able to change our girl's behavior. While this approach works with a lot of dogs, it wasn't helpful for us. We found the combination of e-collar training coupled with treats and praise to be very effective. I couldn't be happier with the results.Also, I'm a fan of the Saturday morning group classes. The opportunity to interact with other dogs has made ours much more relaxed. Although she's still a work in progress, she's so much better and safer now.
  • Cindi Clark
    Apr. 8, 2024
    I am so grateful for finding Dog Training Elite Naperville, the owners and the rest of the team are off the charts amazing, kind, caring, knowledgeable and supportive. Ollie and I are forever grateful and will be their cheerleaders, we both highly recommend Katie, Tim, Pauline and the rest of the team! ☮️❤️🐾
  • Kizito Chibyke
    Mar. 25, 2024
    Dog Trainingin Naperville, IL Very interesting and good quiet place to relax,
  • Kathi Goveia
    Feb. 1, 2024
    I am so happy with the progress that my dog has made since starting at dog training elite! Pauline was absolutely fantastic in explaining everything thoroughly and I’m looking forward to seeing my dogs progress!
  • Janet Anderson
    Jan. 17, 2024
    Tim and Katie are the ultimate dog trainers! My Quinn’s behavior has improved dramatically since we trained there. They came to my home annd eventually we did location tests at various stores and locations. And this is a Western Chicago location but I love that now, no matter where I move, I can find another location and join them for weekend group training for free. My dog is now my certified service dog. She knows when she’s “on the job” and is so excited to wear her vest. Thank you Katie and Tim!
  • Nadine Stanley
    Dec. 30, 2023
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing every step of the way with my son's service dog. From assisting us in finding a dog/breeder for autism service dogs, preparing our family prior to the arrival of Scout, working with us in defining Scout's service skills, to helping us refine my son's understanding of how to be the main handler! We consistently get compliments on his manners, gentle mannerisms (he's a 95lb sweetie!), and the support others see him providing my son. Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!
  • Ana M
    Dec. 10, 2023
    Ms Katie and Ms Pauline are absolutely incredible! So much care and love in their work. They transformed my crazy pup to a manageable good girl! Of course still a puppy but now I have an amazing foundation of obedience to work with. Ms Pauline your amazing walking us through the day. Thank you so much and we will see you soon for more! BB sends hellos to Russo!!
  • Samantha Reimann
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Pauline did such a great job with Harlies (my dog) training! She makes you feel so comfortable when discussing your pups progress and you can tell she genuinely cares about the success of your dogs training. I love that we went with them for our dogs training and cannot wait for the group classes!!
  • Chelsea Ochs
    Sep. 27, 2023
    If I could give more than five stars I would! My experience with Dog Training Elite has been incredible thus far. Katie and Pauline have been incredibly kind, thorough and helpful throughout our entire training process! Every morning and evening Pauline has walked me through specific training focuses and how Hendrix,my two year old Newfie,has responded each day. Not only that, but she puts very detailed effort into training write ups & videos so that I can apply what’s been taught each day! They have been so helpful to reference for continued training at home. It can be challenging trusting others with our pets, but Hendrix loves training and spending time with Pauline. I can tell she’s so loved by your team and we are forever grateful for the hard work and help. Can’t wait to continue with group training & additional courses. :)
  • Diana Kassel
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Drop off days not helps reinforce their training, but for the young pups that need more activity when moms at work it’s great!! Money well spent
  • Karen Vetrovec
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Kate and Tim very effective. Social dog sessions beyond our home just not close to where we live like we thought.