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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Raleigh

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Raleigh / Cary, NC from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Raleigh / Cary, NC

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 Raleigh / Cary, NC 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 Raleigh

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 Raleigh / Cary, NC 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 Raleigh, 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

  • Denise Gutschmit
    Dec. 12, 2024
    I could not have had a better, more personal experience than what we received from Cindy at Dog Training Elite. Communication was always responsive (at all kinds of hours and packed with helpful information!), and she made scheduling a breeze. Most notable though was Cindy’s ability to see the dog and handler as a team and as separate individuals — each of the 3 with their particular training challenges. She was quick to recognize when reframing would be helpful, and she was creative in applying those strategies with clarity and patience. My pup and I flourished under her coaching, and I remain grateful for all that we have learned. Thank you, Cindy!
  • Sarah Melville
    Nov. 17, 2024
    Elite dog training is an exceptional dog training organization! I love working with Cindy, she is an excellent trainer! She is very patient and kind while also assertive with my dog. I love that with this program we do a lot of the training in my home where my dog is most comfortable and then as she learns new skills, we take her outside and then with a group. Groove training is available every Saturday and you are invited to meet with them even if you have graduated. I recommend training your dog with elite dog training!
  • liz scheltinga
    Jul. 15, 2024
    Dog elite is absolutely wonderful dog training experience. I was looking for an affordable dog training company and found dog elite they are very accommodating and easy to work with! Teddy has home so far so fast. I mainly work with Alexx and she is very kind, professional and seems to love what she does!
  • Robyn Bemis
    May. 19, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is an amazing company with amazing people! They helped me train my dog Odin as a Service Animal and there isn't a single negative thing I can say. They're all very friendly and Alexx is an amazing trainer!!! She is very knowledgeable, kind, and personable. I 100% recommend them to anyone - whether you're looking for service dog training or basic obedience.
  • Taylor Gustafson
    Nov. 16, 2023
    We’ve had our dog with DTE for the past 6 months and seen huge improvements as he is a poodle puppy and we needed him to be a service dog. Alex is the all-star team member and the trainer you’d want to prepare your family. Alex makes herself available for questions we have outside our sessions, is on time, friendly and goes the extra mile during Saturday classes at the park where our dog learns from other dogs/handlers.
  • Darren Pierce
    Aug. 25, 2023
    This training saved our poor dog! Virginia was always so anxious. We tried everything we could think of including local dog training where you go to their facility. It wasn’t until Alexx came to our home that the light bulb went off for us as owners. She needed to be taught what she was supposed to do. Once Alexx started training Virginia, everything clicked. Now she is so happy to lucky and rarely shows signs of anxiety. She goes to her designated “place,” she doesn’t bark, she walks on a leash without pulling, and is very well behaved. In home dog training is the way to go and we highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Carolyn Allen
    Jul. 15, 2023
    Cindy and Alexx are very responsive and helpful! Our “pandemic puppy” had become a terror and was extremely reactive around other people and dogs. When our teen wanted to get a service dog, we knew we needed help with our current pup before we could even consider bringing another dog into the household. Once our family started working with Alexx, we noticed a difference right away. Our pup started responding to commands and visitors to our home noticed how much calmer she had become. Our pup is still a work in progress but Alexx always has helpful suggestions to help us work through every issue. Cindy helped us find a reputable breeder for our daughter’s service dog in training and we will be working with Alexx again to train the new pup! I am so thankful that we found them!