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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.

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, 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

  • Valorie Warth
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Elite Upstate was amazing. They are super responsive with any questions and super helpful. Our in-home trainer, Sydney, was so good with Penelope and patient with us humans. :) I also love that we are able to train without treats. We attended our first group class today and it was great. Great way for healthy dog interactions and learning with distractions.
  • Kirk
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Austin has been incredible! All of the interactions we have had with the team since we started have been great! Courteous, professional and prompt with every lesson. Whiskie has improved dramatically, she is still a puppy and we know she’s not going to be perfect. Now part way through the training we have confidence to take her with us on errands, public places and even just in the yard off leash. It takes time and you need to work with the dog every day you can but if you get stuck or have questions the team is super helpful!!
  • Anne Mitchell
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Wonderful first time experience; professional, timely, considerate, and knowledgeable. There was clear communication throughout the entire process. Debbie and Kandace worked well together with me and my dog. During the evaluation , they explained goals and worked with my schedule. They were sure to explain the whys and other curiosities of training and my dog's behavior. I can see this being a remarkable journey with my pet. .
  • Lexi O.
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Meggie was great! She listened empathetically to my concerns about training my corgi menace, and we came up with a plan together. Most dog trainers I have worked with in the past bulldozed through a training program without truly trying to understand my dog or what he needs. I felt heard and seen, and I am excited to keep up with the training so my dog can live his happiest, healthiest life! :) Thanks, Meggie ❤️
  • Mary Jane Holmes
    Aug. 14, 2026
    I have had a wonderful experience with Elite Dog Training. We started our 6 month old Doberman puppy in their top level basis training. It went great and he learned quickly. We have continually worked on our skills and we attend the weekly class at the park. He is able to go with me most places in public and behave with good manners. People in public often comments on how well behaved he is. He is currently 18 months. The skills we have learned, have made us a very happy dog family. He loves learning and minds all the commands (most of the time). But when doesn’t mind, I have the skills to solve the issue. We decided to take things to the next level and have Rocky become a service dog. My folks are getting older, need more assistance and live out of state. I want him to be able to fly with me and do all the other things I do. We are in our second week of training and we have learned so much! Kristi and Jeremy know their stuff!!!!! We have been very impressed with their knowledge, skills and ability to teach a variety of people and dogs the most important training dogs need. If you use EDT you will be excited to take your dog out in public and have guests over. They will no longer rule your life. They will be the well mannered dog you’ve always dreamed of having. I can’t say enough good things about this company. They love dogs and training dogs. It’s not just a business to them - it’s a passion!!!
  • Suzie
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Dog Training Elite has truly changed our lives! From our very first phone call to our in-home sessions and group classes, everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, and amazing to work with. Meg and Jeff genuinely love what they do, and it absolutely shows! They complement each other so well and make an incredible team. We have loved every part of our experience with Dog Training Elite and couldn’t be happier with the progress and success our dog has had. We are so grateful for all of their help and highly recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional dog training!
  • Mac
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Great trainers! Great program! Austin always takes his time to explain the why behind a thing not just the what.You can tell he wants teams to succeed and it shows every session he works with them. My pup and I have learned alot working with Austin and DTE. We look forward to our next phase of training.
  • Lisa Lane
    Jul. 31, 2026
    3rd session today and it was great!! Rheyt and Kaitlyn ate fabulous!
  • Dawn Brindamour
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Amazing results through tailored training designed to address my Aussie’s reactiveness. Shelby and Danielle are awesome!
  • Angela Dephilips
    Aug. 14, 2026
    I am a master trainer who travels the country saving dogs in line for euthanasia, I met Josh and his team a little over a year ago and not only were they welcoming, friendly and supportive they allowed me to come work dogs with them and they have come over and helped me with my dogs too. The owner of this facility is transparent and very knowledgeable . I count on Josh for some of my hardest questions and hardest dogs. I highly recommend Josh and his team to anyone looking to level up their knowledge on working dogs or pets!
  • Mark Dephilips
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Amazing place great trainers. Josh came out tested a potential protection dog for us. Amazing work. 💯 great company
  • Jane Tyler
    Aug. 13, 2026
    . Things we never were told by doctors or Digs Inc staff - Jessica explained Olives issue which made sense to us. She was to the point and we trusted her.
  • Jane Tyler
    Aug. 13, 2026
    . Things we never were told by doctors or Digs Inc staff - Jessica explained Olives issue which made sense to us. She was to the point and we trusted her.
  • Bridgett Hipps
    Jul. 7, 2026
    Justin was exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. My Bentley loved him! He took the time to explain everything thoroughly, answered all of my questions, and made sure I had all the information I needed to make an informed decision. I look forward to working with Justin and the rest of the team, and I'm excited to see the final outcome! I highly recommend them! Mrs. Debbie has also been absolutely wonderful with Bentley! She’s knowledgeable, patient, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping him succeed. What I appreciate most is that she’s not only there for Bentley, but for me as well. The entire staff has been incredibly supportive, helpful, and phenomenal throughout this journey. We’re so grateful for all they do! Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Carissa Nusbaum
    Aug. 13, 2026
    Larissa is a gifted teacher and dog lover. She has clearly studied and has an in depth knowledge of dog behavior, which she imparted to us with patience. And the lessons were fun!!! Our puppy has learned so much in just 8 lessons, and we really can’t thank Larissa enough!!
  • James Wilson
    Aug. 13, 2026
    Aidan was very professional, was detailed in learning about our pup and informative in how the training process would work. Looking forward to working with Aidan and DTE!
  • Laura Ashley
    Aug. 13, 2026
    I cannot speak highly enough of the folks at Dog Training Elite Springfield! I got Archie as a puppy last year and he was (still is) a wild man full of personality and energy. I was definitely overwhelmed and trying to train him using YouTube videos which just gave me conflicting information. We did the puppy school and the adult dog training program and go weekly to the group sessions. The support and care the staff show to the dogs and their owners is so impressive and has helped me and Archie build better communication and a deeper connection as a team. Every time we are in group class I notice Kristi and Jeremy remember all the dog’s names and the specific things they are working on and check in to offer personalized support. They also really seem to have a great time doing it! It has been worth every penny!
  • Jacquelyn Grace
    Mar. 17, 2026
    The Trainers at Dog Trainihg Elite Central Nashville have been phenomenal. My dog, Friend Lee D(awg) is a very sensitive Kerry Blue Terrier who is so grateful I took the leap to get myself trained 🤣 Each trainer has been cordial, professional, quite knowledgeable in their training of Friend Lee. There is awesome communication with calls, texts, and appointment reminders. They have been patient with me and my dog -- very firm, gentle and consistent in their positive approaches. Friend Lee D is a totally new and improved dog. My family immediately noticed how calm and obedient he is. Friend Lee now has commands, assignments and purpose. We both know what we're doing and feel a sense of peace and calm. Our stars align!. I am grateful for entire Dog Training Elite team. Thank you all for your excellence! ~Jackie Grace
  • Gianna Howard
    Aug. 13, 2026
    Super grateful that I connected with Michael and was able to get support for my Yorkie, Laila! He was very patient with her and saw her potential from the moment he met her. Laila has made tremendous improvement and will continue to as we use the training that was given to us. His flexibility was a lifesaver given our limited time over the summer before heading back to school. I am excited to see Laila's future progress, which couldn't have been done without Michael's help. Thank you again so much!
  • gagan saini
    Aug. 12, 2026
    Doug did an amazing job describing different programs and listening to my concerns, very kind and patient and super knowledgeable /experienced and what he and the team does, Marlene has been amazing as well. Would def recommend them to other dog parents 🥰