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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Columbus

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

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Columbus, 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 Columbus, 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.

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Dog Training Elite Columbus

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 Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, 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

  • Joanne Beyer
    Dec. 12, 2024
    I am very happy with our choice of dog training. Seeing how much not only our dogs have learned, but ourselves as well. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for all your help! Joanne and Dave / Buster and Eva
  • Tiffany Bettac
    Dec. 14, 2024
    Brennan has been amazing with our super smart high energy Australian shepherd collie mix. He’s always willing to adapt and try new things with her until we get it dialed in. Callie looks forward to all her sessions with Mr. Brennan.
  • Haley Shots
    Dec. 12, 2024
    We found Elite Dog training at the pet expo, and no other trainers caught our attention like they did. They were very welcoming , understanding, and instantly came up with a plan that was executed perfectly . She’s stubborn but caught on quickly. I’m so proud of my dog Lady and how far she has came. If it wasn’t for Brennon who knows how lady would be. We got her training just in time . I am unsure of her background history, I found her running through traffic , she was severely matted and scared. Couldn’t find the owner, and now she goes up to people , she isn’t as shy, and she really is so loved and living her best life … thanks to Elite dog training !!!
  • Haley Shots
    Dec. 12, 2024
    If you knew my dog, The picture would say it all… the fact she was able to stand on a bucket! When my lil Lady would be so scared to even be near a step… We found Elite Dog training at the pet expo, and no other trainers caught our attention like they did. They were very welcoming , understanding, and instantly came up with a plan that was executed pretty . I’m so proud of my dog Lady and how far she has came. If it wasn’t for Brennon who knows how lady would be. We got her training just in time . I am unsure of her background history, I found her running through traffic , she was severely matted and scared. Couldn’t find the owner, and now she goes up to people , she isn’t as shy, and she really is so loved and living her best life … thanks to Elite dog training !!
  • Monica Rickrich
    Dec. 11, 2024
    My rescue used to snap at everyone! After training with Brennan, she now sits on the couch with strangers after 5 minutes of meeting them! Brennan is amazing! You can't go wrong with him and Ami!!
  • Edward Solano
    Dec. 11, 2024
    They are great experts in dog behavior. Their training has been life-changing for our 9-mo the old puppy!
  • Sue Schlairet
    Dec. 11, 2024
    Very knowledgeable and helpful. Extremely pleased and would definitely recommend!
  • Sue schlairet
    Dec. 11, 2024
    Great experience - well worth the money!!
  • Laura Lawrence
    Dec. 11, 2024
    Enjoy the extra weekend sessions. My dog Cosmo is getting used to existing with the other dogs. I have learned myself how to handle him in different scenarios. Brennan had done a great job teaching us how to be comfortable around other dogs.
  • Brandi Orsini
    Nov. 16, 2024
    Very pleased with our experience with Brennan and Dog Training Elite Columbus! My girl can be a little stinker and Brennan never gives up on her (or me!)…and keeps coming up with new ways for me to challenge her and work toward our goals. Thank you, Brennan! I think you are stuck with us for a while! 😉
  • Kathy
    Nov. 9, 2024
    I would like to say our trainer Brennan was amazing ! I learned so much that I would have not thought about doing with Pickle! How to give Pickle commands when needed, and obedience training . Pickle was excited to see Brennan each visit ! Thank you Brennan!
  • Leann
    Nov. 9, 2024
    My family is so grateful for the training that Brennan was able to share with us and our dog Pickle. The training helped relieve a lot of stress we had been feeling before reaching out for help. He went above and beyond to answer any questions that we had along the way. Our lessons felt personalized, and we were grateful that he would take whatever time was needed until we felt comfortable practicing that week’s lesson on our own. Pickle also had a lot of fun during the lessons and got some treats along the way. Two months later, Pickle is still doing really well with all that he has learned from Brennan. Thank you for all that you do!
  • Simon Freitas
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Brennan is my one and only dog trainer. I got my dog army last summer and she has come so far because of all the work that Brennan has put in with us. If you need to train your animal to be a service dog, listen to your commands, or do fun tricks then sign up with this guy!!!
  • Emily Heath
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Brennan is amazing! He was a pleasure to work with and he was great with our Frenchie, Tully. It was amazing to see her quick transfomation in the short time we worked together. Thanks to Brennan we have a really great relationship with our pup now. 10/10 deff reccomend, worth every penny.
  • Emily Heath
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Brennan is amazing! He was a pleasure to work with and he was great with our Frenchie, Tully. It was amazing to see her quick transfomation in the short time we worked together. Thanks to Brennan we have a really great relationship with our pup now. 10/10 deff reccomend, worth every penny.
  • Natasha Schafer
    Oct. 20, 2024
    I can't recommend Dog Training Elite enough! Brennen, our trainer, is exceptional. His kind yet firm approach creates a positive atmosphere for both dogs and handlers. He takes the time to assess each handler's abilities, ensuring everyone is equipped to train effectively. With a focus on positive reinforcement, Brennen's methods truly work. He has been working with my Doberman, Minnie, who is in training to be a therapy dog in a behavioral health setting. If you're looking for top-notch dog training, look no further!
  • Nick Smith
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Brennan is the best dog trainer in town. He is the third trainer I used for my dog Kaden. The other two trainers did not get my dog where I wanted him to be. Brennan went beyond my expectations. My dog used to react to other dogs, now he can be around any dog. My dog can now be off leash and still have the obedience as he is on leash. I used to be nervous to have Kaden near my daughter, but now I feel 100% confident with him around her. Highly recommend Brennan and his dog training methods.
  • James Owen
    Aug. 18, 2024
    Best trainer ever. Trained my Golden Retriever beyond all expectations! And Mabel loves him.
  • Dave Hamlin
    Jun. 3, 2024
    Brennan and Dog Training Elite Columbus have been fantastic in helping with the training of Ozzy. Brennan has been involved since Ozzy was a young puppy and continues to provide great training. Brennan is enthusiastic, caring and is timely. I highly recommend him to help with training. -Dave H
  • Janelle Miller
    May. 5, 2024
    We’ve loved this experience! Brennen (our trainer) has been amazing to work with. He adapted to the needs of our dog and continued review basic training commands in the mix. Our dog was timid with loud sounds and he brought all the ideas and tools for each training session. We get 1:1 at our house and group sessions at the park. No matter what your end goal may be, Brennen is supportive and hard working to get to that goal.