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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC

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 Greenville / Spartanburg, SC 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 Upstate SC

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 Greenville / Spartanburg, SC 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 Upstate SC, 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

  • Bronwyn Bigger
    May. 8, 2025
    We had the BEST experience with Casey and our at home training sessions! Our dog has completely changed and learned such valuable skills that have allowed us to bring her more places and do more activities. I cannot recommend this organization enough!! They are fantastic!
  • Jacqueline Hudak
    May. 8, 2025
    We absolutely loved everyone at Dog Training Elite upstate SC. They did such a wonderful job helping me to feel comfortable working with my dog and his manners are stellar as a result! I would absolutely recommend their services to anyone who needs help training their perfect family pet.
  • Caryl Franckowski
    May. 5, 2025
    This training experience was something quite new to us. We are so pleased with Dog Training Elite process. DTE is always available for any additional questions. The trainers are just the best. We are completely happy with the progress our puppy is making. We are eager to refer Dog Training Elite. They are the best.
  • Bethany Henderson
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Choosing dog training elite was the best choice we could have made for us and our 7 year old German shepherd. Prior to training our dog was scared of everything, would run from people and never let anyone pet her, she also began showing signs of aggression to people in our home. After attending in person camp for only a few days our family/friends already noticed a difference in her. Now we are able to take her in public and she is learning the world is not so scary. Dog training elite is with you every step of the way and all the trainers are incredibly knowledgeable to help with your dog’s specific needs! We highly recommend them!
  • Naveya Planas
    Apr. 25, 2025
    We got Misfit a couple of months ago and we had trouble managing his unruly teenager behavior. He liked things to go his way or he wasn't doing it. With DTE Misfit and I learned to work together to achieve better communication. His manners are getting better and he seems happier now that we have clear boundaries and he can work. We are so thankful for DTE and we can't recommend them enough! I look forward to working with my other dogs with them in the future!
  • Erin Morton
    Apr. 25, 2025
    I am so proud of my puppy Palmer and appreciate you all and all yall have done SO much! I can truly see a difference and am so excited to continue to see her progress. We can't wait for group classes 🥰💛🤩
  • Caitlin Sexton
    Feb. 1, 2022
    If you’re in the Greenville area and need dog training, this is who you need! I’ve known Elizabeth and Jared for years and they’re wonderful people to work with! Here are our two dogs when sofas were getting delivered, with two strangers in the house, the door wide open, and they didn't move or bark. The delivery men couldn't believe it.
  • Michelle Roth
    Apr. 18, 2025
    The people who came to our home, were always so loving & caring with our Skylar. She wouldn’t do much of anything that we told her before Dog Training Elite. Now she is on her way to being great service dog for our blind & autistic son. Thanks to everyone at DTE who has helped in making Skylar the best that she can be!!! (In the picture, our Skylar is on the right.)
  • Cpl Runner
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Amazing group! They train the pups and the people. Full of knowledge and tools that are helping me get one step closer to having my pup as a certified service dog.
  • Tricia Nolan
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This team of dog trainers is outstanding! Our dog was aggressive and anxious,; now she is capable of following commands, and is completely off her anxiety medicine! Our family highly recommends Dog Training Elite.
  • Yuxuan
    Apr. 5, 2025
    They're very informative and helpful on the phone!
  • Michael Rowland
    Apr. 4, 2025
    I have always worried about getting my puppy properly trained. Dog Training Elite made it easy. They are AMAZING people who truly care for the dogs. I couldn’t have done any of this without their team and their processes. I HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone!!!!
  • Amy Kilarski
    Mar. 24, 2025
    We adopted Mazie (3 year old lab mix) in February. Introductions to our older dog became increasingly aggressive. We were afraid we made the wrong decision bringing another dog home. We called Dog Training Elite and they were able to come to our home to get started very quickly. After a week of day camp, we saw huge improvements in Mazie and we began to feel more confident. We still have more we want to accomplish but I am truly amazed at how far she has come in such a short time. Mazie has become a beloved part of our family and now there is peace in our home. We would not be here without the guidance from all of the talented and caring trainers.
  • Terry Reck
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We have completely loved our experience with Dog Training Elite! Not only the progress we have seen in our dog Brodie, (The method plain works.) but also in every interaction with every staff member. Every member of staff was wonderful, and took an active interest in our dog and his progress. If you have a dog that needs some training, do yourself a favor and give Dog Training Elite a call today.
  • William Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are truly surprised with the progress our dog, Louie has made at Dog Training Elite. We were a little skeptical in the beginning but now very enthusiastic in training our Louie. We can't wait to see what Louie will learn tomorrow. Plus, the trainers are truly animal lovers and it shows in their fantastic results.
  • Maria Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are very happy and proud of the work that you do with our Louie, excited for continuing working with you all, very professional and at the same time lovely with our puppy. Thank you for your passion and good work.🙏💝🐩🐕‍🦺🐾
  • Ally Cothran
    Mar. 19, 2025
    My husband and I brought our first family puppy Dolly, a golden retriever, to the amazing team when she was 12 weeks old. Initial puppy training made an immediate impact and we signed up for Advanced Training at 16/17 weeks old. Dolly understands and responds to every command she learned and we continue to see her skills improve. All of the trainers and experts are truly dog-lovers, so the mix of expertise and love is impactful. Every time we met a new trainer we were impressed at how much we loved each unique personality and approach. We are so thankful we found this amazing business. We are seriously considering making Dolly a therapy dog and continuing to invest in her development. Most of all, we are so thankful we can integrate Dolly safely and lovingly into her family faster because of her new skills!
  • Steven Hopkins
    Mar. 19, 2025
    We have had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite!! All the trainers have been great and very personable! They have come in and worked great/fit in with our family! Some have brought their dogs which helps with distractions for the training and getting to work with the training sessions help us be confident to continue the training through the week! Rocky has done great with the training and we are on our way to having a well behaved dog!
  • James Lehmann
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We have had 3 trainers for Honey and she has come a long way. She is a very intelligent, hard headed , athletic dog. She knew commands like come and no but she made the decision to obey or not. She has learned that her humans make the decisions. She has progressed from the attitude of a 2yo human to a 4yo. The trainers were very professional and good instructors for both Honey and her hoomans.
  • Denson Crisler
    Feb. 26, 2025
    If I could give this place 6 stars I would! Amazing staff, super sweet and personable. They truly work wonders for all dogs. My dog is super stubborn as a puppy and I was so shocked at the progress he’s made in the past few weeks. Would recommend to anyone!
  • Bronwyn Bigger
    May. 8, 2025
    We had the BEST experience with Casey and our at home training sessions! Our dog has completely changed and learned such valuable skills that have allowed us to bring her more places and do more activities. I cannot recommend this organization enough!! They are fantastic!
  • Jacqueline Hudak
    May. 8, 2025
    We absolutely loved everyone at Dog Training Elite upstate SC. They did such a wonderful job helping me to feel comfortable working with my dog and his manners are stellar as a result! I would absolutely recommend their services to anyone who needs help training their perfect family pet.
  • Caryl Franckowski
    May. 5, 2025
    This training experience was something quite new to us. We are so pleased with Dog Training Elite process. DTE is always available for any additional questions. The trainers are just the best. We are completely happy with the progress our puppy is making. We are eager to refer Dog Training Elite. They are the best.
  • Bethany Henderson
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Choosing dog training elite was the best choice we could have made for us and our 7 year old German shepherd. Prior to training our dog was scared of everything, would run from people and never let anyone pet her, she also began showing signs of aggression to people in our home. After attending in person camp for only a few days our family/friends already noticed a difference in her. Now we are able to take her in public and she is learning the world is not so scary. Dog training elite is with you every step of the way and all the trainers are incredibly knowledgeable to help with your dog’s specific needs! We highly recommend them!
  • Naveya Planas
    Apr. 25, 2025
    We got Misfit a couple of months ago and we had trouble managing his unruly teenager behavior. He liked things to go his way or he wasn't doing it. With DTE Misfit and I learned to work together to achieve better communication. His manners are getting better and he seems happier now that we have clear boundaries and he can work. We are so thankful for DTE and we can't recommend them enough! I look forward to working with my other dogs with them in the future!
  • Erin Morton
    Apr. 25, 2025
    I am so proud of my puppy Palmer and appreciate you all and all yall have done SO much! I can truly see a difference and am so excited to continue to see her progress. We can't wait for group classes 🥰💛🤩
  • Caitlin Sexton
    Feb. 1, 2022
    If you’re in the Greenville area and need dog training, this is who you need! I’ve known Elizabeth and Jared for years and they’re wonderful people to work with! Here are our two dogs when sofas were getting delivered, with two strangers in the house, the door wide open, and they didn't move or bark. The delivery men couldn't believe it.
  • Michelle Roth
    Apr. 18, 2025
    The people who came to our home, were always so loving & caring with our Skylar. She wouldn’t do much of anything that we told her before Dog Training Elite. Now she is on her way to being great service dog for our blind & autistic son. Thanks to everyone at DTE who has helped in making Skylar the best that she can be!!! (In the picture, our Skylar is on the right.)
  • Cpl Runner
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Amazing group! They train the pups and the people. Full of knowledge and tools that are helping me get one step closer to having my pup as a certified service dog.
  • Tricia Nolan
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This team of dog trainers is outstanding! Our dog was aggressive and anxious,; now she is capable of following commands, and is completely off her anxiety medicine! Our family highly recommends Dog Training Elite.
  • Yuxuan
    Apr. 5, 2025
    They're very informative and helpful on the phone!
  • Michael Rowland
    Apr. 4, 2025
    I have always worried about getting my puppy properly trained. Dog Training Elite made it easy. They are AMAZING people who truly care for the dogs. I couldn’t have done any of this without their team and their processes. I HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone!!!!
  • Amy Kilarski
    Mar. 24, 2025
    We adopted Mazie (3 year old lab mix) in February. Introductions to our older dog became increasingly aggressive. We were afraid we made the wrong decision bringing another dog home. We called Dog Training Elite and they were able to come to our home to get started very quickly. After a week of day camp, we saw huge improvements in Mazie and we began to feel more confident. We still have more we want to accomplish but I am truly amazed at how far she has come in such a short time. Mazie has become a beloved part of our family and now there is peace in our home. We would not be here without the guidance from all of the talented and caring trainers.
  • Terry Reck
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We have completely loved our experience with Dog Training Elite! Not only the progress we have seen in our dog Brodie, (The method plain works.) but also in every interaction with every staff member. Every member of staff was wonderful, and took an active interest in our dog and his progress. If you have a dog that needs some training, do yourself a favor and give Dog Training Elite a call today.
  • William Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are truly surprised with the progress our dog, Louie has made at Dog Training Elite. We were a little skeptical in the beginning but now very enthusiastic in training our Louie. We can't wait to see what Louie will learn tomorrow. Plus, the trainers are truly animal lovers and it shows in their fantastic results.
  • Maria Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are very happy and proud of the work that you do with our Louie, excited for continuing working with you all, very professional and at the same time lovely with our puppy. Thank you for your passion and good work.🙏💝🐩🐕‍🦺🐾
  • Ally Cothran
    Mar. 19, 2025
    My husband and I brought our first family puppy Dolly, a golden retriever, to the amazing team when she was 12 weeks old. Initial puppy training made an immediate impact and we signed up for Advanced Training at 16/17 weeks old. Dolly understands and responds to every command she learned and we continue to see her skills improve. All of the trainers and experts are truly dog-lovers, so the mix of expertise and love is impactful. Every time we met a new trainer we were impressed at how much we loved each unique personality and approach. We are so thankful we found this amazing business. We are seriously considering making Dolly a therapy dog and continuing to invest in her development. Most of all, we are so thankful we can integrate Dolly safely and lovingly into her family faster because of her new skills!
  • Steven Hopkins
    Mar. 19, 2025
    We have had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite!! All the trainers have been great and very personable! They have come in and worked great/fit in with our family! Some have brought their dogs which helps with distractions for the training and getting to work with the training sessions help us be confident to continue the training through the week! Rocky has done great with the training and we are on our way to having a well behaved dog!
  • James Lehmann
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We have had 3 trainers for Honey and she has come a long way. She is a very intelligent, hard headed , athletic dog. She knew commands like come and no but she made the decision to obey or not. She has learned that her humans make the decisions. She has progressed from the attitude of a 2yo human to a 4yo. The trainers were very professional and good instructors for both Honey and her hoomans.
  • Denson Crisler
    Feb. 26, 2025
    If I could give this place 6 stars I would! Amazing staff, super sweet and personable. They truly work wonders for all dogs. My dog is super stubborn as a puppy and I was so shocked at the progress he’s made in the past few weeks. Would recommend to anyone!