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Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Reno, NV

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Reno, NV from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Reno, NV

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 Reno, NV 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 Reno

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 Reno, NV 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 Reno, 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Grace Wagner
    Aug. 6, 2026
    I love Chris and Alexis, both amazing trainers who listen and care! Enzo knew quite a bit before going into the premium training package. He now can be off leash with great recall, walk by other dogs and give them no mind. I really can’t recommend them enough!
  • Grace Wagner
    Aug. 6, 2026
    I couldn’t recommend Chris and Alexis more. I inherited a 1 year old Cane Coros and didn’t know where to start. Chris gave me so much ease and confidence when looking into the training program. He’s trust worthy and really cares. My dog Enzo ran away and Chris was out there searching for him. Enzo was scared of water and isn’t anymore due to Chris! This service is worth every penny, I would’ve paid more for how awesome the service is. We are members for life!
  • Brodie Man
    Aug. 5, 2026
    I would definitely recommend this training program. Very knowledgeable trainers who are supportive of your goals and needs! My dog is a different dog and more confident in situations with dogs and people. He can now live his best life!
  • Erica Cardona
    Apr. 20, 2024
    Thank you Chris (Dog Training Elite Reno) for the above and beyond work with Leo (the Hippo Face). Although I had some experience with pitts in the past, this guy was especially reactive due to his traumatic past. (rescue). Chris worked so well with him, he really connected with Leo and helped me be a responsible pet owner. UPDATE: This will not allow me to post a separate NEW review, so I will update my old one, therefore sad news good news. Sadly our Leo (Hippo Face) passed last year. I was not going to get another dog! Then..... my friend sent a pic of this 4 mo old rescue 1/2 Pitt 1/2 mystery demon. Good News, the demon moved in...(she was also going by "peesinthehouse". Back to Chris we go! Puppy Class!! She learned place, wait among other magical commands. I have learned to move forward with these tools as well, we are currently learning to use push the "potty" button to go outside!!! long story long... we now call her Frida! Thank you Chris, look for your wizard hat in the mail.
  • Kaerlig Huff
    Jul. 16, 2026
    When I got my seven week old Labrador hound mix I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I had nowhere to go and I knew I needed service but she needed a long road of obedience Chris Molly, and the whole team were with me promptly they go above and beyond the average trainer to make sure that you have the skills, the tools and are always answering all of your questions any timely fashion it makes you feel very special and they love dogs. I mean, they love dogs. My one year-old pup is still training for life with our extended family. Chris Molly and the team are our extended family. It has become such a personal relationship that “tulip “cannot wait to see them cannot wait to train and people look at me on the streets or on a walk and they say wow what a good behaved dog you have. Every time I have a problem they are there. Chris is great. Mollie is great and we’re still going to continue in service training. You have to trust people deeply with your pup and I trust and recommend elite Dog Training specifically Cris specifically Molly to everybody I know I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
  • Ryan Primeaux
    Jul. 13, 2026
    Dog Training Elite helped my dog Bluey so much! They spent one on one time with him, working on everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, allowing him to work through distractions and stay calm in situations where he was previously overstimulated.
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  • val andersen
    May. 27, 2026
    I've had my Yorkie-poo in classes with 4 different trainers. Elite is the first one that actually worked. Alexis taught my dog and me how to correct his issues. She worked with us in many different situations and his behavior is so improved that I can take him anywhere without worrying that he might misbehave. So worth the time and money!
  • JM Parker
    Mar. 19, 2026
    I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference this training has made. I was very close to re homing my dog thinking it wasn’t a good fit, his personality and my expectations. Within the first week, there were many big changes that took place. The training process with Alexa kept getting better and my dog’s retention was growing stronger each week. I now have a well behaved 2 yr old guy who is respectful and fun to be with. I can’t thank you enough, Alexa for your patience and kindness.
  • Jackie Pettitt
    Mar. 18, 2026
    Hi my name is Jackie and I have a 18 month old Rottweiler named Nova. I rescued her June 2025 from a Facebook add, she was covered in wounds and was living outside with a bunch of other dogs in a small gravel lot. She had never been inside, around people or experienced the world so she came to me very nervous and anxious. After about 6 months of getting to know her and bringing her around to new environments and people I began to notice an escalation in her response to meeting new people which went from cowering and hiding to lingering and nipping and it was impossible for strangers to be in the house and I no longer could bring her to work. Unsure how to help her I started researching and decided to meet with Chris! He was so kind and answered all of my questions and concerns. I was then paired with Karly for training and boy is she a wealth of knowledge!!! In just two sessions we have made HUGE GAINS! Yesterday she laid in her place cot with all of the distractions and triggers of Chris walking around the house and doing things that would normally trigger her. By the end of the session she was completely relaxed and unconcerned of what was happening around her and focused on me. I could cry I am so happy! If you are looking for compassionate, caring, and highly experienced and knowledgeable trainers look no further!
  • Jackie Pettitt
    Mar. 18, 2026
    Hi my name is Jackie and I have a 18 month old Rottweiler named Nova. I rescued her June 2025 from a Facebook add, she was covered in wounds and was living outside with a bunch of other dogs in a small gravel lot. She had never been inside, around people or experienced the world so she came to me very nervous and anxious. After about 6 months of getting to know her and bringing her around to new environments and people I began to notice an escalation in her response to meeting new people which went from cowering and hiding to lingering and nipping and it was impossible for strangers to be in the house and I no longer could bring her to work. Unsure how to help her I started researching and decided to meet with Chris! He was so kind and answered all of my questions and concerns. I was then paired with Karly for training and boy is she a wealth of knowledge!!! In just two sessions we have made HUGE GAINS! Yesterday she laid in her place cot with all of the distractions and triggers of Chris walking around the house and doing things that would normally trigger her. By the end of the session she was completely relaxed and unconcerned of what was happening around her and focused on me. I could cry I am so happy! If you are looking for compassionate, caring, and highly experienced and knowledgeable trainers look no further!
  • DeAnna Jost Larsen
    Jan. 24, 2026
    Chris is absolutely amazing. I was nervous to start the training (we have only used positive reinforcement based training in the past) so I was worried about what this would be like. Chris is kind, caring, and compassionate and the training sessions are filled with positive reinforcement along with the use of the e collar as a training tool. Sessions are educational for both you and your dog and our dog Cindy has made so much progress. We love the pack walks. 🐾💜
  • Nicole White
    Dec. 8, 2025
    We can’t recommend Chris at Dog Training Elite enough! We have two five-year-old pit bulls who were already well socialized and knew basic commands, and Chris helped us take their training to the next level. We focused on leash pulling, reliable recall with distractions, and appropriate greetings, along with several other important skills. Chris didn’t just train our dogs — he taught us how to properly reinforce behaviors and avoid common mistakes. That guidance gave us so much confidence moving forward. We now understand our dogs and the training process on a much deeper level, and the results have been incredible. We’re extremely happy with the progress we’ve made and the lasting results we continue to see.
  • Jake
    Dec. 5, 2025
    Chris is a very solid professional and a wealth of knowledge. Trustworthy, respectful, patient and kind; all of the qualities needed to be the best trainer. You can’t go wrong with Dog Training Elite. Highly Recommended!
  • M Brooke
    Oct. 31, 2025
    5 stars are not enough for Chris and DTE! My shepherd mix was very reactive to other dogs and has literally pulled me off my feet to get to them. Chris's training and tools has turned this completely around, and I can't say enough for how grateful I am to have Chris working with my dog and me.
  • Amy Jakobsson
    Sep. 25, 2025
    Chris was amazing!!! He always has a suggestion when we were going through a tough behavior and was so great with our pup. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.
  • Cherie Pinkham
    Sep. 4, 2025
    I contacted Chris by seeing his advertisement on his car. We had a rescue dog that was giving us a hard time and we didn't know what to do. After checking into a few other options, we chose to go with Chris and we haven't regretted the decision one bit! I love the fact that he comes to us and works with us together. While working on this particular rescue, we had another dog starting to behave inappropriately. Chris, once again came to our rescue and gives me hope in having harmony in our pack and family unit. We recommend Chris and Leroy 100%. You will not be disappointed! Bonus: They love pitties too!
  • Andie Charley
    Aug. 6, 2025
    We enrolled our 1 year old German Shorthair and Chris was awesome!! We have seen so much improvement in Shadow and could not be more impressed by our pup and the training he has received!!
  • Gina King
    Jun. 24, 2025
    Chris has been amazing with our rescue pup. The training program is very structured and at the same time he has no issue pivoting to our personal needs, which is greatly appreciated. We’ve already seen such an improvement and we look forward to our sessions. Would recommend with no hesitation!
  • Jodie Gullickson
    Apr. 23, 2025
    5 Stars – Outstanding Trainer! Chris has been an absolute game changer for me and my dog, Nanuk. His professionalism is beyond measure—always punctual, calm, and completely in control. Nanuk listens to him instantly, which is incredible to witness. Chris also takes the time to explain everything clearly, so I feel confident continuing the exercises throughout the week. The value he provides far exceeds the cost. I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone looking for a truly exceptional dog trainer!