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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training

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 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

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 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, 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

  • Anneliese Parsons
    Jan. 21, 2026
    Jenny at Dog Training Elite is fantastic. Her training approach is clear, effective, and tailored to my dog’s specific behaviors. She took the time to explain the “why” behind each technique and made sure we felt confident continuing the training on our own. We started seeing results in our very first session, and we’re so grateful for her expertise. Highly recommend!
  • Shefali Patel
    Jan. 21, 2026
    Working with Mike through DTE's psychiatric service dog training has been such a positive experience for both me and my dog Sugar. From day one, she’s been completely comfortable with him, and it really shows in how quickly she picks up what he teaches. Mike takes the time to explain every small detail and why it matters, which has helped me become more confident and consistent as a handler. He also gently holds us accountable for practicing between sessions, and that structure has made a big difference in our progress. I’m genuinely very happy with the training and the growth I’m seeing in my dog. Highly recommend Mike if you’re looking for someone knowledgeable, patient, and truly invested in your success.
  • Melissa Forestal
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Marshall is great. My dog Toby took to him instantly and he's doing great. I appreciate the direction and the tips to help make Toby and I a success. Thank you.
  • Tess Wiltgen
    Jan. 20, 2026
    We’ve only just started platinum training for my stubborn 3 year old French bulldog, and two weeks in my boy is already following new commands both on and off leash. We still have a long way to go, but Montana has been nothing but professional, prompt, and thorough in walking me thru all the steps she takes to achieve the desired end result. We will miss her immensely as she embarks on a new, self owned professional training venue down in Georgia. Thank you for being so wonderful!
  • Kelsey Podmeyer
    Jan. 20, 2026
    Michael has been incredible to work with and learn from! My dog, Gio, absolutely adores him. He has made me feel so much more comfortable handling Gio & working towards our goal of becoming a therapy dog. Thank you DTE!!
  • Will Mohney
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Brennan knows his pups. Max 10 weeks old was attentive and open to the learning techniques. We, parents, learned the most in session one !! 5 stars.
  • Mary Gorman
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Excellent instruction and advice! Highly recommend!
  • Matthew Wilson
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Justin was through in his demonstration of expected dog behaviors, and of the different programs available.
  • Ilana Brown
    Jan. 19, 2026
    We’ve had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite Boston. The trainers are incredibly dedicated and clearly care about both the dogs and their owners. We received thoughtful, personalized feedback at every step, along with practical training strategies that were easy to understand and apply at home. The process gave us and our dog so much more confidence, and we now feel like we have real tools to handle situations that used to feel overwhelming. Highly recommend to anyone looking for effective, supportive, and results-driven dog training.
  • keith nizwantowski
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Cindy and Kyle were great to work with. DTE started working with me in July. They came with me to Saving Grace in Wake Forest to make sure we were adopting the right dog to train to be a service animal. Cindy and Kyle was very responsive to all communications and was a pleasure to work with. DTE has an amazing business concept that will put their competitors out of business since they offer their training packages at a substantially lower price than what you would to pay to other companies. Thank you Cindy for your amazing work
  • virginia schlies
    Jan. 19, 2026
    My dog was a dog that I love very much it was 6 month old puppy totally out of control. I brought him down here with hopes high hopes. And they were met more than met I have a dog that I am proud of I love and I can control. He's happier and I am happier. His trainer Stephanie and Mitch are the best ever. Answered all questions was there every time I asked for anything. This place will turn your dog into the well-loved behaved animal that you've always wanted thank you Mitch and Stephanie signed Virginia
  • James Pratt
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Very informative. Very knowledgeable Cant wait to start sessions
  • Jim Paragona
    Nov. 22, 2025
    My wife Sandra and I had a wonderful experience with Marcus from Elite. We have a 5 month old 60 pound Black and Red German Shepherd puppy. We all learned a lot with the experience. We are so pleased we chose the Platinum package and look forward to the results for Hans ! Thank you Marcus!
  • Pamela Schaefer
    Jan. 18, 2026
    We have been training our 18 month old German shepherd mix rescue and our 8 month old Golden Mountain Doodle during the past year. I cannot find the words to recommend Kayla highly enough. She is professional, kind, punctual, loving to our dogs and has done wonders training our dogs. She truly is the best!
  • Austin Dillon
    Jan. 18, 2026
    Highly recommend. Brought my pup to them who was overreactive to other dogs and they did excellent job helping her get over the hurdle. We have been able to get her back out in public and around other dogs with no problem!
  • Stephanie OKeefe
    Jan. 17, 2026
    Danielle has been terrific to work with! The in house visits were super helpful for our dog in calming his reactivity and now the group meet ups are great reinforcement for our dog (and us). Highly recommend!
  • Lillian Modak
    Jan. 16, 2026
    I am so happy that I found David and Niki and Dog Training Elite!! I have wanted to train a dog for pet therapy for many years but knew nothing about it. David and Niki have been so kind, professional and encouraging. My dog has learned so much and I look forward to the rest of our work. I can't recommend them enough!!
  • Ricky Vasquez
    Jan. 16, 2026
    Rebecca came to my home very professional gave me a lot of good insight and provided all the information I needed. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.
  • Sarah
    Jan. 16, 2026
    Working with these teams has been a mind blowing experience! The knowledge Kayla D and Kayla C have when it comes to training is phenomenal. Both of them have brought Rico into a place I’d never have thought we could go. I’m incredibly thankful I found them and can’t wait to work some more with them
  • MW Fults
    Jan. 16, 2026
    George is great - he made training our energetic golden simple and fun.