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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Fort Wayne, IN from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Fort Wayne, IN

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 Fort Wayne, IN 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 Northeast Indiana

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 Fort Wayne, IN 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 Northeast Indiana, 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

  • Samantha Pickett
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Clint and Nathan have been great with my dog Louie! Learning their training methods has helped Louie listen and helped me regain control! Thanks!
  • Alexandra Fitzwater
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Thank you to Nathan and Clint! Tripp made a complete 180 in his obedience from his first class to only his 4th class. We look forward to his future progress with DTE!
  • Erica Deathe
    Apr. 22, 2025
    We've been so pleased with the customer service. They are so easy to work with and make things so easy to understand and be a part of. We can't wait to see how our pup will grow and learn!
  • Natalie Knoblock
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Clint and Nathan were great to work with! I appreciate all their guidance and knowledge in helping me and my dog, Mika, become a certified therapy team!
  • Kris Grimmer
    Apr. 15, 2025
    I have had Clint and Nate come train my Grace. They are excellent at not only training Grace, but training me as well. I have had trainers before for other dogs and they no way compare to these two gentlemen. I would definitely and have recommended them.
  • patricia leazier
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Clint has been amazing, within the first visit I noticed a change in my puppy. With his knowledge and my practice she is showing great growth just within a few weeks. I cannot wait to see what the future brings. And to show her off!
  • Kim Myers
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Great group of people!! So knowledgeable!!
  • Meganne Smith
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite NE Indiana has been an absolute godsend for me. I rescued a Staffordshire/Pitbull mix almost 2 years ago and only recently started seeing protective/aggressive behaviors that concerned me. My husband and I called and they set up a meeting. We ended up going with them, and I am SO grateful we did. I am ENJOYING walks with my dog (previously those were exhausting with pulling and fear of being able to control her). We can have people into our home and we actually worked through several of her unusual fear responses to different things in the home as well. I am SO proud of her, and SO THANKFUL that my husband and I made this investment into her for our family. I feel like these tools can be used for any other dog that we might get in the future, and having a lifetime of help with this dog is huge so that we can continue working on the commands that Dog Training Elite taught us.
  • Katie Steenport
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We had a great experience with Nathan and Clint. They are both very knowledgeable and really helped us with our pup. We are super thankful.
  • Justin & Kara Branock
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We LOVE dog training elite! Nate is so patient and explains things so wel. Diesel loves training just as much as we do. I highly recommend them to anyone who asks!
  • Woo Dannenfelser
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our experience with our St. Bernard was amazing! Nate was great with our girl Elly. She progessed from a crazy puppy to a well-behaved dog. I was not a fan of e-collars before this but I'm a believer now after being trained in how to use them properly. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants a high quality experience with their dog.
  • john epple
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Nathan was awsome with my pup. Highly recommend.
  • Elliette Dunifon
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Nathan is awesome! Banks learns from him every class and proves it. Now both of us are excited for walks and public outings, and even more excited to start group classes to further improvements. This program and Nathan are a definite game changer in Bank’s behavior and I don’t know what we would have done without it.
  • Wes Olson
    Mar. 24, 2025
    I ordered the Premium package and trained all 8 one on one sessions with Nathan. He was very intuitive and kind. His training and advice was very easy to follow and easy to execute and worked wonders. Hestia is a Rottweiler and prone to stubbornness but she has been following commands rather quickly with his help. This was my first time getting professional training for a dog and I really could not be happier with the results I've gotten from Dog Training Elite. I am very much looking forward to attending the group sessions held at my local parks and having a wonderful dog with excellent manners!
  • Cyndi Coyne
    Apr. 6, 2024
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! We have seen a complete transformation in our Cleo! We recently adopted her from a local rescue group knowing she likely had survived some difficult situations. This resulted in her exhibiting a good deal of anxiety, reactivity, and aggressiveness, especially with strangers. We quickly realized video tutorials and online training classes were not going to be enough for us to help her unlearn the poor coping behaviors she had developed and we needed help. We were so happy to discover DTE! Clint and Nathan are amazing! From the moment Clint step into our house the first time, through each individual training session, and now the group classes, they both have shared their knowledge and skill to give us the tools we needed to help Cleo learn how to manage her anxiety and become a calmer, more pleasant and well-behaved pup. We saw positive changes in her immediately, and with regular, consistent application of the techniques they taught us, she is now a totally different dog. We couldn't be more pleased!
  • Rich Heiser
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite knows dogs! It’s that simple. They understand what it takes to help your dog become an obedient, loving companion. We used them for our adopted Elsie and she is doing great! Nathan was our primary trainer. He explained everything right from the start and throughout the whole process. He really helped us see that OUR learning more about Elsie’s innate characteristics helped us to participate in her successful training. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Jody ann Collins
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Nathan was great! Our dog Rocky learned so fast and Nathan was very professional and friendly each visit. He communicated great with us and explained everything to us perfectly. Would definitely recommend their service to anyone needing their dog trained!
  • Katie
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Please use this service if you are in need of a good dog trainer!!! Clint was so great working with my dog. She was very ill-tempered and suffers from separation anxiety. She had biting issues and was very temperamental to others and other dogs. When I inquired with other trainers they were not helpful and did nothing but throw kibbles on the ground. Clint on the other hand honed right on to the issues and helped me greatly when all other avenues seemed lost, especially when evening walking my dog was difficult. I was completely grateful for his fast service and the patience he had with my dog. Thank you Clint and Elite Dog Training for helping me and my dog!
  • Nicole Gunn
    Dec. 15, 2024
    My dog was very anxious about a lot of things. I tried independently to help him, but I wasn't getting results. This company has shown me techniques that have now gotten us to the point where my dog is getting so much braver. Nathan was patient and reassured me that even my dog, a little older, a rescue, and with severe anxiety, could be helped. He was right. I love that now that personal training is over, I can get in group classes, which helps my dog get more socialized and confident. I can email with questions that might come up. This is a great company.
  • Eva Doucette
    Nov. 29, 2024
    Nathan was our trainer and he was great! Explained everything thoroughly and helped my dog so much.
  • Samantha Pickett
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Clint and Nathan have been great with my dog Louie! Learning their training methods has helped Louie listen and helped me regain control! Thanks!
  • Alexandra Fitzwater
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Thank you to Nathan and Clint! Tripp made a complete 180 in his obedience from his first class to only his 4th class. We look forward to his future progress with DTE!
  • Erica Deathe
    Apr. 22, 2025
    We've been so pleased with the customer service. They are so easy to work with and make things so easy to understand and be a part of. We can't wait to see how our pup will grow and learn!
  • Natalie Knoblock
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Clint and Nathan were great to work with! I appreciate all their guidance and knowledge in helping me and my dog, Mika, become a certified therapy team!
  • Kris Grimmer
    Apr. 15, 2025
    I have had Clint and Nate come train my Grace. They are excellent at not only training Grace, but training me as well. I have had trainers before for other dogs and they no way compare to these two gentlemen. I would definitely and have recommended them.
  • patricia leazier
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Clint has been amazing, within the first visit I noticed a change in my puppy. With his knowledge and my practice she is showing great growth just within a few weeks. I cannot wait to see what the future brings. And to show her off!
  • Kim Myers
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Great group of people!! So knowledgeable!!
  • Meganne Smith
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite NE Indiana has been an absolute godsend for me. I rescued a Staffordshire/Pitbull mix almost 2 years ago and only recently started seeing protective/aggressive behaviors that concerned me. My husband and I called and they set up a meeting. We ended up going with them, and I am SO grateful we did. I am ENJOYING walks with my dog (previously those were exhausting with pulling and fear of being able to control her). We can have people into our home and we actually worked through several of her unusual fear responses to different things in the home as well. I am SO proud of her, and SO THANKFUL that my husband and I made this investment into her for our family. I feel like these tools can be used for any other dog that we might get in the future, and having a lifetime of help with this dog is huge so that we can continue working on the commands that Dog Training Elite taught us.
  • Katie Steenport
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We had a great experience with Nathan and Clint. They are both very knowledgeable and really helped us with our pup. We are super thankful.
  • Justin & Kara Branock
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We LOVE dog training elite! Nate is so patient and explains things so wel. Diesel loves training just as much as we do. I highly recommend them to anyone who asks!
  • Woo Dannenfelser
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our experience with our St. Bernard was amazing! Nate was great with our girl Elly. She progessed from a crazy puppy to a well-behaved dog. I was not a fan of e-collars before this but I'm a believer now after being trained in how to use them properly. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants a high quality experience with their dog.
  • john epple
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Nathan was awsome with my pup. Highly recommend.
  • Elliette Dunifon
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Nathan is awesome! Banks learns from him every class and proves it. Now both of us are excited for walks and public outings, and even more excited to start group classes to further improvements. This program and Nathan are a definite game changer in Bank’s behavior and I don’t know what we would have done without it.
  • Wes Olson
    Mar. 24, 2025
    I ordered the Premium package and trained all 8 one on one sessions with Nathan. He was very intuitive and kind. His training and advice was very easy to follow and easy to execute and worked wonders. Hestia is a Rottweiler and prone to stubbornness but she has been following commands rather quickly with his help. This was my first time getting professional training for a dog and I really could not be happier with the results I've gotten from Dog Training Elite. I am very much looking forward to attending the group sessions held at my local parks and having a wonderful dog with excellent manners!
  • Cyndi Coyne
    Apr. 6, 2024
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! We have seen a complete transformation in our Cleo! We recently adopted her from a local rescue group knowing she likely had survived some difficult situations. This resulted in her exhibiting a good deal of anxiety, reactivity, and aggressiveness, especially with strangers. We quickly realized video tutorials and online training classes were not going to be enough for us to help her unlearn the poor coping behaviors she had developed and we needed help. We were so happy to discover DTE! Clint and Nathan are amazing! From the moment Clint step into our house the first time, through each individual training session, and now the group classes, they both have shared their knowledge and skill to give us the tools we needed to help Cleo learn how to manage her anxiety and become a calmer, more pleasant and well-behaved pup. We saw positive changes in her immediately, and with regular, consistent application of the techniques they taught us, she is now a totally different dog. We couldn't be more pleased!
  • Rich Heiser
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite knows dogs! It’s that simple. They understand what it takes to help your dog become an obedient, loving companion. We used them for our adopted Elsie and she is doing great! Nathan was our primary trainer. He explained everything right from the start and throughout the whole process. He really helped us see that OUR learning more about Elsie’s innate characteristics helped us to participate in her successful training. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Jody ann Collins
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Nathan was great! Our dog Rocky learned so fast and Nathan was very professional and friendly each visit. He communicated great with us and explained everything to us perfectly. Would definitely recommend their service to anyone needing their dog trained!
  • Katie
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Please use this service if you are in need of a good dog trainer!!! Clint was so great working with my dog. She was very ill-tempered and suffers from separation anxiety. She had biting issues and was very temperamental to others and other dogs. When I inquired with other trainers they were not helpful and did nothing but throw kibbles on the ground. Clint on the other hand honed right on to the issues and helped me greatly when all other avenues seemed lost, especially when evening walking my dog was difficult. I was completely grateful for his fast service and the patience he had with my dog. Thank you Clint and Elite Dog Training for helping me and my dog!
  • Nicole Gunn
    Dec. 15, 2024
    My dog was very anxious about a lot of things. I tried independently to help him, but I wasn't getting results. This company has shown me techniques that have now gotten us to the point where my dog is getting so much braver. Nathan was patient and reassured me that even my dog, a little older, a rescue, and with severe anxiety, could be helped. He was right. I love that now that personal training is over, I can get in group classes, which helps my dog get more socialized and confident. I can email with questions that might come up. This is a great company.
  • Eva Doucette
    Nov. 29, 2024
    Nathan was our trainer and he was great! Explained everything thoroughly and helped my dog so much.