Back to Obedience Dog Training

Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY

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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY 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 Kentuckiana

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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY 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 Kentuckiana - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. DTE
Classical Conditioning Training
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana - Puppy Obedience Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana - Off Leash Dog Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana -
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 Kentuckiana, 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

  • Jennifer Comings
    Oct. 14, 2024
    Marlene and Joe have been amazing to work with. They reinforced what I knew and gave me confidence in training my girls. I definitely learned some needed skills and how to read their language and behaviors. My girls had lived together for over a year and after one of them sustaining an injury and surgery the aggression and fighting began. I didn’t know how to acclimate them. After working with Marlene and Joe I picked up on some behaviors that had likely started before then but I didn’t know I should have corrected them at the time. Not all stories may end up like mine, each dog is different. But I wanted someone to come to my house and work with me and the girls in their own environment. I didn’t want to go elsewhere. I would highly recommend them if you are in need of training. Be prepared to put in the work though because it won’t work if you don’t . But well worth the time spent with them!!! Here’s a pic of the girls back to being BFF again
  • Graci Arias
    Oct. 13, 2024
    When we rescued our dog Pancho (Cane Corso/Boxer mix) we knew he’d need training. While we don’t know his past, his scars tell us that he wasn’t treated kindly and is very reactive to other dogs. Marlene and Joe have done an incredible job both teaching us and working with him to show how smart and sweet he can be. Group training has been immensely helpful in reducing his reactivity. Marlene and Joe are compassionate, patient, professional and kind. Highly recommend them.
  • Adalyn Atilano
    Sep. 3, 2024
    mar and joe have been amazing with my dog. they’re not only great with my dog but with me as well. they are respectful and patient, and always put my dog as a priority. i couldn’t have wished a better trainer in my life. couldn’t recommend them more ❤️
  • The Andersons
    Sep. 2, 2024
    I cannot say enough positive things about Marlene and Joe. Our Boy is 4 and a half months old any strangers often are SHOCKED that he is so young because of his behavior. Bodin has been working with them since he was 12 weeks old and i can’t wait to see who he is after all his trading is completed. I will recommend Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana to anyone and everyone! Thank you for all that you have taught baby boy Bodin and us!
  • LaVar Quarles
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Marble is a completely changed GSD from the first day we started. Marlene and Joe were so amazing! Everything I wanted to have them train Marble on, they did that and so much more! I think the best thing about everything is the in-home experience and the ability to observe what's going on where most places have people drop their pets off and never really experience the process. Marlene and Joe were very helpful and for me, it speaks volumes when Marlene would request updates on the homework she gave us during the week. This was an investment that was WELL WORTH IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
  • Sandra Lopez
    Jun. 22, 2024
    My dog and I had such a great experience with Marlene and Joe. After only four weeks of training with them I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my dog. We both learned so much, I could not recommend Dog Training Elite and Marlene and Joe enough.