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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Boston, MA from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Boston, MA

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 Boston, MA 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 in Boston Metro

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 Boston, MA 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 in Boston Metro, 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!

Get Your Free Assessment

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

  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Great visit to Home Depot! Montana had an excellent training. Thank you Mat!
  • Rod Salloum
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Matt is beyond professionalism, he’s wonderful, knowledgeable and knows exactly what he’s talking about. Always detecting the problem and give the solution within seconds. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else and can’t thank him enough
  • tracy rousseau
    Apr. 23, 2025
    We just had our initial consult.Matt was amazing. He was very thorough in explaining exactly what would be the right fit for our dog Casper. Within 10 minutes, he was able to correct behavior such as barking and jumping.I'm looking forward to working with him.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt was excellent. He explained the collar more and had me work with Jake so he could show me what I needed to do and correct myself. I enjoyed our session tremendously. I will say there is a lot to doing this but I’m going to do this as well as my dog is.
  • Georgieanna Bouchard
    Apr. 22, 2025
    I could only give them 5 stars in this review....if there were more stars I would have used them all! The customer service ~ quality of teamwork ~ and overall knowledge of EVERYONE we dealt with exceeded our expectations. If you are considering dog training....dont....just do it! It is so worth the money! And this team is the absolute best when it comes to teaching you and your pup.
  • Darren McGrath
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From dog that would bite, snap, growl, bark, everything under the sun, who played by her own rules for far too long, I had very little hope in as she’s 10 years old, but figured it was worth a shot as a last chance….to a dog who I now have full confidence to bring anywhere she needs to go with complete control, couldn’t recommend this training program enough, it’s amazing what can be done.
  • Rocco Bortone
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Great initial meeting/evaluation with Matt to train and address behavioral problems. We're looking forward to starting the training with him. Scheduling and explaining our concerns was easy and stress free with Debbie.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Apr. 8, 2025
    We had a very positive experience with Patrick and dog training Elite! We had Patrick the majority of the of the time, and everyone that we worked with including Tiffany and Matt F were incredible. I would highly recommend recommend the company! ❤️‍🩹
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Matt is by far the best dog trainer I have worked with over the course of my many years as a dog owner. Every week I leave feeling confident that I can execute the skills he has taught. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is knowledgeable, patient and passionate about training. Well worth the investment!!!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Amazing!!!! Dedicated to helping families train their dogs in an individual way that meets their needs. Would highly recommend!
  • Ashley Hensel
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Matt is an OUTSTANDING trainer. He’s helping us so much in understanding how to get our dog from a young, energetic to an attentive, caring service animal. He’s great at hearing your concerns and easing your mind through the entire process and we can’t thank him enough.
  • Kitty Desharnais
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Ii would recommend your company..and Matt was the best
  • Monica Irving
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Matt F (and Nova) were fantastic. After years of training based off of trial and error / YouTube training videos- it was time to help my reactive boy get the structure and confidence he deserves. Matt helped me to learn how to better communicate with River, the importance of consistency and follow through, and helped us strengthen our bond. We are excited to begin our group classes this month and continue learning with Dog Training Elite!
  • Wendy
    Jan. 27, 2025
    We have had an amazing experience with our chocolate lab puppy Puddle at dog training elite with our awesome trainers Marcus and Tiffany!! Within 5 sessions our dog went from a crazy counter surfing, dog jumping, leash pulling, out of control pup to a pup who no longer counter surfs, walks beautifully on a leash, even in busy stores, and is just so much calmer. That’s very good for a puppy who is not even 9 months old. We enjoyed every session that we had with Marcus and Tiffany who were professional, prompt, friendly and fun to work with. We feel that we have so many tools and gained so much information to continue our training so that Puddle will continue to make progress every day. We are looking forward to the 12 group classes so that she can keep having challenges and learn new things. From the bottom of our hearts….thank you! ❤️❤️
  • joe thibodeau
    Jan. 4, 2025
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. I reached out for help with reactivity with our 6 month rescue who other second dog in the house hold. Matt F came to the house to assess the dog and was able to understand our needs. During the nine week training session we were able to give our pup the foundation of training beyond what I anticipated. All our goals were met and more. I have had dogs throughout my life and gained more understanding in these sessions than I ever thought. I was able to bring this knowledge to my older dog as well and gained a better relationship with her as well. We live in a peaceful house with both dogs. Not having anxiety of having guest over. Dog Training Elite is well worth the money, when Matt F couldn’t make it the others that would fill in were great as well. When I had questions they would return my call. Great customer service. It was commitment to use what we were taught between sessions but was worth it. Great experience.
  • 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.
  • Todd McNamara
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Very professional company and Matt the trainer they sent over was great. Highly recommend!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I finished my last one on one session today. Matt was very patient with me. I’m older and have an energetic lab/pit bull. Matt has made me more confident when handling him. Marvin is very trainable. I’m not however. Matt has been a huge help in teaching me how to manage Marvin’s energy. I have more work to do on myself, but I have all the tools I need going forward. Marvin was happy and responsive and loved to see Matt walk through the door. I recommend Dog Training Elite for all dogs. This training has been a positive experience for Marvin as well. I’m looking forward to my group classes next! Thank you Matt and Dog Training Elite!
  • Michael Manchester-Miles
    Nov. 30, 2024
    Excellent training and service.
  • Nichole McIvor
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Marcus and the team continue to be an excellent resource for myself and my partner while navigating our GSD training. They have been more than flexible with training styles and curating a training program for our own individual needs. Whiskey has benefited so much from their guidance, wisdom, and patience. From basic training to more advanced issues, they are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping the dog and the parents, alike. Couldn’t recommend them enough!
  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Great visit to Home Depot! Montana had an excellent training. Thank you Mat!
  • Rod Salloum
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Matt is beyond professionalism, he’s wonderful, knowledgeable and knows exactly what he’s talking about. Always detecting the problem and give the solution within seconds. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else and can’t thank him enough
  • tracy rousseau
    Apr. 23, 2025
    We just had our initial consult.Matt was amazing. He was very thorough in explaining exactly what would be the right fit for our dog Casper. Within 10 minutes, he was able to correct behavior such as barking and jumping.I'm looking forward to working with him.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt was excellent. He explained the collar more and had me work with Jake so he could show me what I needed to do and correct myself. I enjoyed our session tremendously. I will say there is a lot to doing this but I’m going to do this as well as my dog is.
  • Georgieanna Bouchard
    Apr. 22, 2025
    I could only give them 5 stars in this review....if there were more stars I would have used them all! The customer service ~ quality of teamwork ~ and overall knowledge of EVERYONE we dealt with exceeded our expectations. If you are considering dog training....dont....just do it! It is so worth the money! And this team is the absolute best when it comes to teaching you and your pup.
  • Darren McGrath
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From dog that would bite, snap, growl, bark, everything under the sun, who played by her own rules for far too long, I had very little hope in as she’s 10 years old, but figured it was worth a shot as a last chance….to a dog who I now have full confidence to bring anywhere she needs to go with complete control, couldn’t recommend this training program enough, it’s amazing what can be done.
  • Rocco Bortone
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Great initial meeting/evaluation with Matt to train and address behavioral problems. We're looking forward to starting the training with him. Scheduling and explaining our concerns was easy and stress free with Debbie.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Apr. 8, 2025
    We had a very positive experience with Patrick and dog training Elite! We had Patrick the majority of the of the time, and everyone that we worked with including Tiffany and Matt F were incredible. I would highly recommend recommend the company! ❤️‍🩹
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Matt is by far the best dog trainer I have worked with over the course of my many years as a dog owner. Every week I leave feeling confident that I can execute the skills he has taught. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is knowledgeable, patient and passionate about training. Well worth the investment!!!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Amazing!!!! Dedicated to helping families train their dogs in an individual way that meets their needs. Would highly recommend!
  • Ashley Hensel
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Matt is an OUTSTANDING trainer. He’s helping us so much in understanding how to get our dog from a young, energetic to an attentive, caring service animal. He’s great at hearing your concerns and easing your mind through the entire process and we can’t thank him enough.
  • Kitty Desharnais
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Ii would recommend your company..and Matt was the best
  • Monica Irving
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Matt F (and Nova) were fantastic. After years of training based off of trial and error / YouTube training videos- it was time to help my reactive boy get the structure and confidence he deserves. Matt helped me to learn how to better communicate with River, the importance of consistency and follow through, and helped us strengthen our bond. We are excited to begin our group classes this month and continue learning with Dog Training Elite!
  • Wendy
    Jan. 27, 2025
    We have had an amazing experience with our chocolate lab puppy Puddle at dog training elite with our awesome trainers Marcus and Tiffany!! Within 5 sessions our dog went from a crazy counter surfing, dog jumping, leash pulling, out of control pup to a pup who no longer counter surfs, walks beautifully on a leash, even in busy stores, and is just so much calmer. That’s very good for a puppy who is not even 9 months old. We enjoyed every session that we had with Marcus and Tiffany who were professional, prompt, friendly and fun to work with. We feel that we have so many tools and gained so much information to continue our training so that Puddle will continue to make progress every day. We are looking forward to the 12 group classes so that she can keep having challenges and learn new things. From the bottom of our hearts….thank you! ❤️❤️
  • joe thibodeau
    Jan. 4, 2025
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. I reached out for help with reactivity with our 6 month rescue who other second dog in the house hold. Matt F came to the house to assess the dog and was able to understand our needs. During the nine week training session we were able to give our pup the foundation of training beyond what I anticipated. All our goals were met and more. I have had dogs throughout my life and gained more understanding in these sessions than I ever thought. I was able to bring this knowledge to my older dog as well and gained a better relationship with her as well. We live in a peaceful house with both dogs. Not having anxiety of having guest over. Dog Training Elite is well worth the money, when Matt F couldn’t make it the others that would fill in were great as well. When I had questions they would return my call. Great customer service. It was commitment to use what we were taught between sessions but was worth it. Great experience.
  • 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.
  • Todd McNamara
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Very professional company and Matt the trainer they sent over was great. Highly recommend!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I finished my last one on one session today. Matt was very patient with me. I’m older and have an energetic lab/pit bull. Matt has made me more confident when handling him. Marvin is very trainable. I’m not however. Matt has been a huge help in teaching me how to manage Marvin’s energy. I have more work to do on myself, but I have all the tools I need going forward. Marvin was happy and responsive and loved to see Matt walk through the door. I recommend Dog Training Elite for all dogs. This training has been a positive experience for Marvin as well. I’m looking forward to my group classes next! Thank you Matt and Dog Training Elite!
  • Michael Manchester-Miles
    Nov. 30, 2024
    Excellent training and service.
  • Nichole McIvor
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Marcus and the team continue to be an excellent resource for myself and my partner while navigating our GSD training. They have been more than flexible with training styles and curating a training program for our own individual needs. Whiskey has benefited so much from their guidance, wisdom, and patience. From basic training to more advanced issues, they are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping the dog and the parents, alike. Couldn’t recommend them enough!