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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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The Malionois Foundation logo.

Proud Sponsor of
The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite works with The Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Mandy Fennell
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Justin and Crystal are the absolute best in the business. They are so patient with both owner and dog. They do a great job communicating and demonstrating the current plan and client homework. In 4 short weeks, my dog is already a different dog. Her confidence has increased tremendously and bad behavior is almost gone. We can’t thank them enough.
  • Verda Abulaf
    Jan. 3, 2025
    Matt is amazing, patient and knowledgeable. We have already started to see progress throughout the second meet, I am very happy. Highly recommended
  • Mike Smits
    Jan. 3, 2025
    It was such a great experience, I would highly recommend! The training was amazing. Our pup is well behaved, does tricks and we want to thank dog training elite for working with us, we learned so much!
  • Michelle Walker
    Jan. 3, 2025
    Winston our puppy was crazy until we met Chrissy and Richard! The training was amazing from my first session! Chrissy answers questions 24/7 and Richard was awesome with me during my home sessions. Richard made sure I was confident with the commands before he left! Thanks Elite!
  • Georgene Inks
    Jan. 2, 2025
    Dog Training Elite New Mexico has provided my husband and me with the skills and confidence to safely manage our 12 month old 60 pound pup, Myrhh, and her little 9 week old bother, Frank, who has been following along! I also am the one who has been most involved in the training sessions while my husband, like Frank, watches and listens. ☺️ We live surrounded by wildlife, coyotes and wild horses. Only a 1/2 acre of our property is fenced; 6 ft. horse fence. The rest of our area is wide open. Also, residents in this neighborhood do not have perimeter fencing so we live virtually in a huge park like setting, albeit a wild park, which we walk and hike throughout everyday. So, for Myrrh’s roaming freedom, knowing heel, and knowing to come when called, is essential for her safety as well as ours. These skills, after only 5 one hour sessions, are in place! John is the insightful trainer who was sent to us from Elite Dog Training this past November. John has been coming to our home, once a week, for one hour training, five weeks in a row. In each, he taught us how to ensure that Myrrh comes to us on command, heels, stays in place, and sits. All this, yes, WITHOUT A LEASH! It is spectacular to have this kind of freedom with our dog and fun! We now have confidence with Myrrh’s ability to stay close and on command plus an irreplaceable peace of mind! Additionally, indoors, we are learning and practicing the proper way for Myrhh to sit near us. We are also working on “orbit.” As the lessons progress, all skills will transfer to Dog Training Elite group sessions, settings with other people and their dogs in unfamiliar locations for the next six months. Lots of practice ahead! Last, as a former educator, I am familiar with folks who can and cannot teach. John is one of those who CAN. My husband and I, along with Myrrh and even baby Frank, have all been very lucky to be John’s students! Of course, I highly, highly recommend Dog Training Elite and their trainer, John. We have found the sessions to be worth every dollar because of his professional, friendly, upbeat, skilled instruction. Communication is also tops from emails to reminders. John also arrives on time, if not early, to each session in a Dog Training Elite, clearly marked company car, and always professionally attired. You will discover that Dog Training Elite is not the cheapest option. Fortunately, in this case, we have gotten what we paid for - Excellence and truly amazing, transformative results!
  • Zoe Hallam
    Jan. 2, 2025
    We work with Tom at Dog Training Elite Louisville and so far he has been amazing! He is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. We have a Standard Poodle puppy named Sonny and we have a long road ahead of us, from puppy training to obedience training to hopefully service or therapy dog training. Tom helped me from the very beginning before we even had Sonny, he informed me on what dog breeds would be best for service dogs and what to look for in a puppy, I am very thankful because of him we were able to find our boy Sonny who we absolutely adore (especially our son who we got Sonny for)! I was nervous as this is the most extensive training I have ever done and I have also never worked with an e-collar, Tom has made this experience very smooth and easy. He makes sure to inform me on everything which makes me feel more comfortable with the whole process. We have only been training for a few months as Sonny is only 18weeks old but we have already seen wonderful results from starting training right away! We have enjoyed working with Tom, and look forward to continue working with him. We are a forever client and highly recommend working with Tom for all your dog training needs!
  • Chris Luthy
    Jan. 2, 2025
    The trainers all brought unique skills to the sessions. We learned a lot about how to get the desired behaviors, and my dog is much more attentive and obedient with commands. Highly recommend.
  • Jarissa Loy
    Jan. 2, 2025
    Carol was very thorough with laying out everything they offer. She was very understanding and nice about everything
  • Joan Campbell
    Dec. 31, 2024
    Anthony has such an easy caring way with my Daisy. He is the BEST!
  • Glori Tate
    Dec. 31, 2024
    I love the trainers and how they are helping my little Poppy learn all she needs to know on her journey to become a service dog. She is tiny and they treat her like she is normal dog with a big heart . They do not baby her and treat her like she can do everything a regular size dog can do. She can be a bit spicy but she listens to them and is also so happy to see them. Her little nub tail goes a mile a minute as soon as we pull up. She knows she is going to see the amazing staff and trainers. Her first week she learned a lot and it was up to me to keep it up. They found treats she likes. * She was super picky* She was a bit shy at first and they got her out of her shell. Now she is not afraid of anything. They still come to the house for additional training and we can go every Tuesday for refresher training until she is old enough to start service dog training. I know, I was so nervous at first before Poppy joined this program. After meeting with them and visiting the facility I was very happy. The facility is very clean. The trainers, staff have been absolutely wonderful and take time to answer my questions. If I don’t feel confident in what I am doing they do not hesitate to guide me. When Poppy joined she was only 1.5 lbs and they made sure she was safe while she started puppy basics. Yet she still played with the big puppy’s and did everything all the other puppy’s got to do. She is 3lbs now and I have no concerns in leaving my little treasure with anyone at Dog Training Elite for her continue education onto Service dog training. If you’re looking for Basic training to advance to anything in between. I highly recommend this wonderful facility. They truly care about their clients and the work they do. My little Poppy loves going to see them every time. They also educate me on what I am doing wrong and guide me in the correct way to handle poor behavior in my Poppy. Come join this place! Poppy would love to make new friends too
  • Natasha Kova
    Dec. 31, 2024
    We have been coming to DTE for 3 years and it was the best decision we made after getting a dog! She still has her wild side but way more behaved when she was in the beginning. Trainers are amazing, facility is at a great location, several classes every week to choose from, and classes are super fun! 100% recommend reaching out to DTE for anyone who is considering getting a dog💜
  • Rachel Webster
    Dec. 31, 2024
    I have had an absolutely amazing experience with Dog Training Elite Charlotte. My dog is very stubborn and they were easily able to guide me through training her. They always respond quickly to questions. They also helped me determine the right crate for my dog so we can both be safe and happy when im out of the house. Zuri absolutely loves Shawn and has done great in the group classes.
  • Bekki Horack
    Dec. 31, 2024
    Elite is exactly as their name says! We worked with Rod to train our two puppies, Louise and Twig. They started around 4 and 5 mos old. Twig took to it easier than Louise. Rod was so kind and patient, training them (and us) how to work with each dogs' needs specifically. The office was great at keeping us on track with visits and scheduling. We communicated via text, my preferred method of communication. Thank you, Elite team!
  • Jessica Zampedri
    Dec. 31, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT were exceptionally patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive, making the experience of working with them truly outstanding and effective for my furry friend's pet training and obedience. Their professional guidance and expert advice proved invaluable in helping my rescue pup acclimate and be his best self!
  • Aly Childs
    Aug. 6, 2023
    We started training our rescue 2 years ago. Knowing I was looking for a service dog, the team came with me to the shelter to help evaluate potential candidates. From day one their team has been incredible. I've gotten to see my dog grow from a crazy puppy to an amazing service dog. Everyone has been incredible and works so hard to help you in any way they can. An amazing organization doing incredible things!
  • Robert Johnson
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Good I dear for my family
  • Ben Connell
    Dec. 31, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been great to work with. They have taught me to have a better relationship with my rescue dog. My dog Wyatt was traumatized and abused. Dog training elite helped him gain confidence, and start to trust people again. He has gone from being reactive on the leash to walking nicely in my neighborhood. Best investment ever!
  • Kade Griffiths
    Dec. 31, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has made a big impact on my dogs life. Before Dog Training Elite my dog Ranger was out of control. He was super anxious, and destructive. Parker was able to train my dog to be calm and confident. I was hesitant that my dogs personality would change. However, Ranger is still his goofy self, but now listens and is enjoyable to be around. Thank you Dog Training Elite
  • Colton Atkinson
    Dec. 31, 2024
    My dog Sage was very unruly. She jumped, bolted out the front door, and would pull on the leash. She was such a head ache. I was hesitant about paying for dog training, but hands down was one of the best decisions I have ever made! She now listens to me when I call her back to me on hikes. She no longer pulls in a leash. My friends and family now love coming over to my house. Parker was an incredible dog trainer. He taught me and my dog how to have a better relationship. Dog Training Elite was amazing to work with.
  • samantha russo
    Dec. 31, 2024
    Dog training elite is hands down the best thing we’ve done for ourselves and our dog. Our 60 lb Dutch shepherd mix was reacting whenever strangers came into the house. Now, we have the tools and understanding to manage this with no anxiety. We believe both the dog and the owners need to be trained to understand and work with one another which is exactly what we have accomplished with DTE. It is personalized , convenient, and you get to see exactly how your dog is being trained and how you can incorporate it into your everyday life. Sharon is so responsive with any questions and made scheduling seamless. Shawn formed his own relationship with our dog, it is clear he is passionate about providing the best guidance to help your dog and you. Even after the first session, our families noticed an improvement! Would highly recommend this to anyone considering making the commitment to better your dogs life.