Back to Puppy Training
Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Cincinnati, OH

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Cincinnati, OH from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Cincinnati, OH

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 Cincinnati, OH 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.

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati

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 Cincinnati, OH with DTE.

Why Should You Use Crate Training?

Read More
Read Less

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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Classical Conditioning Training

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Puppy Obedience Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Off Leash Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Dog Agility Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

Two well-behaved puppies after training in their crates.

Start Crate Training Today


Read More
Read Less

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 Cincinnati, 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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Darlene Doll
    Sep. 24, 2025
    This is my first time using Dog Training Elite and our first puppy in a long time. Our experience has been great and we are looking forward to having a Therapy Dog in the future. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for great puppy training at any level!
  • Chastity Holler
    Sep. 4, 2025
    My dog Gracie is a bit of a firecracker! She has some issues like resource guarding and a lack of confidence, which sometimes leads to acting out in fear. I decided to reach out to Dog Training Elite for help. Scott and Jenn are incredible! They were incredibly patient with Gracie and me. Even my fiery Gracie loves Scott. It’s amazing to see her transform into a happy and well-behaved dog. Their training and Gracie’s happiness are totally worth every penny. I highly recommend them!
  • Alexandra Zeller
    Jan. 29, 2025
    I worked with DTE from the very start of my service dog journey. Finding those willing to help train a PTSD service dog for non veterans was excruciatingly difficult to find. Finding Jen, Scott and the crew was an absolute godsend. From day one, they sat down with me and discussed what I needed, what I was looking to accomplish and my goals. From there, we decided together that a Doberman was in my best interest for work. For the next couple of months, we worked together to find a breeder who had suitable service dog prospects. Then, as soon as she was able to come home, Sprout began training! After months of training (and continual refresher support now), Sprout has blossomed into my best friend and integral support. I used to never be able to leave the house, and just yesterday, me and Sprout went out for lunch, alone! Through their continual support and guidance, I've become a more confident handler and independent person. Sprout has evolved into a loving, sweet natured and well behaved working dog. She is absolutely amazing. Highly recommend DTE for anyone looking to better themselves, or their dogs!
  • Lindsey Williams
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Jen and Scott’s level of professionalism, and patience within our unique family setting, truly set them apart from any other dog training professionals I have worked with over the past 30 years. Thanks to their consistent scheduling and ever-caring demeanor, my 8 year old, his grandparents and myself, now feel extremely confident in handling our beautiful new Golden Retriever, Bee. We, as a family, feel we have been empowered to build the trusting and loving relationship every dog owner should be so lucky to experience in their lives. I truly feel  the time we have put into molding our Bee into the ideal companion has been a more-than-worthy investment. I would highly recommend Jen and Scott to anyone looking for guidance in welcoming their next fur-ever friend into their home. The entire experience, since day 1, has been an absolute pleasure!
  • Dori Colwell
    Aug. 1, 2025
    Scott and Jen are AMAZING to work with. When they came to the house to meet us and evaluate my Neko, they took the time to get to know her, her personality, and listened to my concerns about Neko's behavior and my expectations about her training. Scott gave me a couple of tips and things to do with her that I started on following their initial visit. I could already see a change in her behavior. I was nervous about how Neko would act at our first group session, but her behavior had changed so much (for the better) that I actually cried tears of joy when it was over. I cannot thank both of them enough and am extremely grateful to them for their understanding, help, and support. You cannot go wrong with DTE!
  • Kyla Bedel
    Jul. 21, 2025
    Scott and Jen are very friendly people and our golden retriever absolutely loves them. Our pup, Mav, has been training with them for about a year now and has grown a lot in that time. This was a great way for him to meet other dogs and work on his commands.
  • Sandra Kinney
    Jun. 29, 2025
    Scott and Jen are truly exceptional when it comes to dog training on a more personal level. They make the work fun and easy to understand. I’ve been able to reach them for problem solving and advice during more challenging stints with my black lab. They work with you and your dog’s personality to reach the goal task. They are a JOY to work with …which makes sense since the word is in their name. THANK YOU!!
  • David VanDyne
    Jun. 24, 2025
    We have used other dog trainers in the past and it was not a good experience. Finding Scott and Jen was such a blessing, they far exceeded our expectations! We are working with them to train my black lab as my service dog and the progress has been amazing. I have a traumatic brain injury and get overwhelmed at times with the training but their patience and willingness to work with me is so helpful. We have already been recommending them to those we know searching for dog training and will continue to do so. We plan to get another dog down the road and will be using them again!
  • Kyla Flora
    Jun. 4, 2025
    Scott and Jen's professional experience, coupled with their friendliness and kindness makes each meeting a pleasure. Even my children look forward to their visits. As a labrador breeder who has been around dogs and in the dog world ever since I was a teen, the fact that I learn something new every time they come speaks volumes about their knowledge. The gentleness and genuine love they show towards my puppies is so sweet to watch! You won't find a better trainer, and I am always ready to share their info with anyone needing a trainer for everything from basic puppy obedience to advanced service dog training.
  • Laura Sims
    May. 24, 2025
    Scott & Jen went way above and beyond for us. They are wonderful and very knowledgeable of what is needed to train your dog. Thank you both for everything!
  • Jennifer Chiles
    May. 22, 2025
    I cannot say enough wonderful things about Scott and Jen from Dog Training Elite of Greater Cincinnati. They worked with our beloved BoBo—affectionately known as “Bubby”—and turned him into the best therapy dog anyone could ask for. From day one, their professionalism, kindness, and deep understanding of canine behavior were evident. Scott and Jen took the time to understand BoBo’s unique personality and needs. Their training approach was compassionate, structured, and incredibly effective. They built a strong bond with BoBo and with us, making the training process feel more like a collaboration than a class. It was clear they genuinely cared about BoBo’s success—not just as a well-behaved dog, but as a trusted therapy companion. Thanks to their guidance, BoBo now brings comfort, joy, and emotional support to those around him. Whether it’s with our family or in public settings, he carries himself with the calm, confident presence that only exceptional training can instill. If you’re looking for skilled, dedicated, and genuinely caring trainers, I wholeheartedly recommend Scott and Jen. They changed our lives—and BoBo’s—for the better, and I am forever grateful.
  • Molly Hall
    May. 10, 2025
    I have two dogs, one a very large Chesapeake Bay retriever, and the other a medium rescue terrier-pit who was only six months old when Scott and Jenn started to work with them. Their work with my dogs enabled me to enjoy my dogs as ‘civilized’ members of the family! Our training sessions were joyful and laughter filled. The dogs loved them and they loved the dogs. I recommend Scott and Jenn of Dog Training Elite without reservation!
  • Carri Burgjohann
    May. 4, 2025
    A few months ago I began working with the trainers from Elite. My dog is a senior (14 years old!) and had developed some pretty bad habits over the years and I let them continue. I work from home and he’s become increasingly disruptive during work calls and rowdy at all the wrong times. I had let him sleep in my bed with me for years even though I knew that wasn’t setting either of us up to win. I was embarrassed that I’d let it get this way and knew I wanted better for him and for me. I wanted him to be confident and independent and I was concerned that training would somehow change our relationship. As I worked with the team and learned new skills alongside my dog, I found BOTH of us gained confidence! I was never made to feel ashamed that my dog struggled with his behavior or the role I’ve played in. The team taught skills and ideas with humor, grace, and ingenuity and I always had homework in between sessions. Now my dog sleeps in his crate at night, doesn’t make a peep during work calls, understands and performs basic commands, and we are communicating much more smoothly. He’s confident when people are at my house and we continue to work on skills because I know how to make it fun. It’s true: you can teach an old dog new tricks! And, I even learned some myself that I’ll be able to take with me into the future for any dog who calls my house home. I’m grateful for the team at Elite—however many years my dog has left on this earth our friendship will be better because I made the investment and was willing to ask for help.
  • Sara Bennett-Wealer
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We knew our pitfall rescue was a good boy, but with such a powerful dog we wanted to feel confident we could communicate with and control him both at home and with other animals and people. Scott and Jen have been amazing at showing us how to help Bagel be his best self. They help troubleshoot when we have questions and the skills we've learned have helped us be better friends and owners to our dog. Hiring them was a great investment!
  • Olivia Cleri
    Apr. 16, 2025
    I, hands down, have the best dog ever, and it is thanks to Scott and Jen at Cincinnati Dog Training Elite. They make training fun and effective and I was able to start my journey with a service dog confidently and with ongoing guidance and support.
  • Allison Sears
    Apr. 14, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati are so lovely. My dog and I had to take a break from trainings because of my schedule, but the minute she saw Scott she started excitement crying and bouncing around to see him. They're very knowledgeable, very patient (especially when I'm not lol), and so encouraging. I definitely recommend Scott & Jen and their team :)
  • Allison Connors
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Jen and Scott are amazing to work with. Our three dogs were under the age of 3 when we first called DTE. It felt like a lot and I was overwhelmed. I reached out to a few other trainers and the cost was either too much or I felt judged for not being prepared for having three dogs. From the moment I called DTE, I felt heard and my overwhelmed feeling felt understood. We talked out training options and then they came out to meet us and our pups. Having them assess the dogs in person and give us a plan to start training our middle and most anxious dog first, took such a weight off my shoulders. The change in our middle dog was almost immediate and we found he even looked forward to the training sessions with Jen and Scott❤️ Fast forward to a year later, all three of our dogs are trained, with at least one working towards being a therapy dog! Just this past weekend we sat outside at a restaurant with all three dogs and people stopped to compliment us on how well behaved they were. All the credit goes to DTE! The group sessions are a plus and so helpful. Jen and Scott are also always available and quick to respond with any questions or concerns.
  • Billie Bush
    Apr. 12, 2025
    They are extremely kind and wonderful to work with!! Amazing people and they do amazing work!
  • Sy Miller
    Apr. 11, 2025
    We are beyond thrilled with the exceptional service dog training program that our beloved dog, Baymax, completed. From start to finish, this program exceeded our expectations in every way. The in-house training was tailored to meet all of our specific needs, ensuring that Baymax received the focused and personalized instruction required to succeed as a service dog. The 12+ week training program was thorough, effective, and truly transformative. The trainers demonstrated remarkable expertise, patience, and dedication, guiding him every step of the way. Thanks to their hard work and the program's well-structured curriculum, Baymax is now fully equipped to support me in living a positive, fulfilling life. What sets this program apart is the continuous learning opportunities they offer even after the training is complete. These additional options provide ongoing guidance and reinforcement, ensuring that both Baymax and we, as his family, can continue to grow and thrive together. We cannot recommend this program highly enough. Baymax is now not just our service dog but also the key to enhancing our daily life. We are endlessly grateful for the impact this program has had on our lives, and we wholeheartedly encourage anyone in need of a service dog to consider this outstanding program.
  • Emily Campbell
    Apr. 2, 2025
    A caring, personalized training program for our dog family that works! We have had the privilege of welcoming 7 dogs into our home over the years and our seventh tested us. With Alex and Breanna, we discussed ways to incorporate basic commands into our lifestyle with clear weekly practice. We are so thankful for everything we learned. Rory (and family) are doing great! Thank you so much!