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Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie, FL

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie, FL from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie, FL

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 Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie, FL 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 Treasure Coast / North PB County

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 Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie, FL 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.

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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 Treasure Coast / North PB County, 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Grant Harris
    Oct. 5, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been monumental in training our young rat terrier Wally and our chocolate lab puppy Ralphy. Graham and Shelly have put together and incredible staff to train up any breed of dog. The dogs love the facility and the group training held at 1 of 2 parks in the PSL area. We will keep bringing Wally to group classes and look forward to Ralphys further training as he learns not only basic obedience but eventually training to be my father’s service dog. We recommend DTE for anyone, any dog, any time.
  • Nate Gornitzky
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Fantastic Jupiter group class today!!
  • Qwaig
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Dog training elite goes above and beyond the competition. They don’t just make sure your dog is trained, they make sure YOU are trained on what you need to do to keep your dog learning and growing. The staff is all extremely friendly and personable, I highly recommend them for any type of training you are looking for for your dog.
  • Liz Phillips
    Sep. 26, 2025
    They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but Dog Training Elite has crushed that myth. When my pup’s noise aversion got to the point where we were unable to go on our morning walks, I was at a loss for what to do. DTE listened to my concerns and helped both me and my pup reframe our relationship so that she knows she can rely on me when she hears a startling sound. We’re back to walking every morning, and I have the tools I need to help redirect her focus when scary things happen.
  • Katelyn Macias
    Sep. 25, 2025
    Before I brought Milo into DTE, he was stubborn, defiant at times, and had episodes of aggression. I could not bring him places or to family events because his anxiety was so high; he would bark and howl, chase kids that were running and playing, pull on the leash when I tried to restrain him and overall, was extremely difficult to manage. He was the boss and his attitude reflected that. He would jump on the couch when he wasn't allowed and would climb on the kitchen table to get food. He would jump up on people to get their attention. He would listen only when it benefitted him (aka I had a treat). My final straw was when he attacked me twice in one night because I was sitting in "his spot". I found DTE and called them. They told me to go in for an assessment so I did. I loved how thorough the assessment was and how the trainers were using psychology to discuss Milo's behavioral plan. This was the first time I heard about boundaries and communication in regards to dogs and training; up until now it was always treat training or positive reinforcement. Milo then started his training and made significant improvements his first week. I took him to my parents house on Saturday where they were having a children's birthday party. There were about 75 people there, a bounce house, a pool, it was a lot of chaos. Milo genuinely shocked me. He didn't bark or whine, didn't pull on the leash, didn't try to get human food, didn't chase anyone. He went and placed when I told him to and sat quietly, he sat and stayed as I walked away to do something, he didn't jump up on anyone who came up to pet him, even my parents told me they saw a different dog. Then he went for his second week of training and started his group classes and the things he did I didn't even think was possible for him to do. He would walk by dogs without even looking at them, sat and stayed, placed, heeled, all things I had tried to teach him previously and practiced but it never stuck consistently because he would decide when he wanted to obey. I fully believe this is because DTE doesn't rely on treats and rewards, but principles rooted in psychology and connection. Milo learned boundaries and respect and developed obedience out of his love for me, not because I was holding a treat in my hand. He is still demonstrating consistent change. I highly recommend DTE because the impact is long-lasting and fundamentally changes your relationship with your dog. The staff is incredible in supporting you and helping you and they are all so knowledgeable. You can tell they care and are invested in you and your pup. Overall, I'm very grateful for DTE and how they went above and beyond for me and Milo. They’re the best!
  • Elizabeth Thompson
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite has been just what we and our dog needed. Everyone is so encouraging, knowledgeable, helpful with any concerns and questions. They focus on building a relationship between you and your dog. We attend 1-2 group training sessions a week to help keep us and Rio on task. Training definitely requires time and consistency but it really is worth it!
  • May LaRose
    Jul. 11, 2024
    I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation and to highly recommend the outstanding services provided by Dog Training Elite. Our beautiful 10-month-old Giant Schnauzer, Mimi, began her training journey with them a few months ago, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Initially, I had my doubts about whether Dog Training Elite could train Mimi to the level they described. Their promises seemed almost too good to be true, and I was skeptical about their ability to deliver. However, I am thrilled to say that they have far exceeded our expectations in every way. The dedication, hard work, and commitment of the Dog Training Elite team have been truly impressive. Mimi has been excelling in her training and is well on her way to becoming a Therapy Dog. The transformation we have seen in her behavior and skills is a testament to the exceptional training methods and the care provided by the team. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Shelly, Sam, Jessica, and the rest of the team at Dog Training Elite. Their professionalism, patience, and genuine love for the animals they work with are evident in everything they do. We cannot thank them enough for the positive impact they have had on our beloved Mimi. If you are considering training for your dog, I wholeheartedly recommend Dog Training Elite. Their services are truly outstanding, and they have made a significant difference in our lives and in Mimi's development. Thank you once again for your exceptional work. Vincent and May
  • vance rudnet
    Jul. 14, 2025
    We would highly recommend dog training Elite, the staff is caring and supportive for all of our needs .
  • Christina
    Jun. 5, 2025
    I can’t say enough positive things about Dog Training Elite Treasure Coast! I have had many dogs in my life and I have worked with someone in NY, that is very well known, on tv and internet, but I have never had an experience like I have had with DTE treasure coast. The program they have just works. This is not a class that you show up once a week and go home to try to teach your dog, with very little support. With DTE Treasure Coast you are part of a community. Shelley and Graham have put together such an incredible, caring, dedicated group of trainers. They spend the time needed, using the amazing skills they have, to train your dog during boot camp and then they train you how to follow through on what they have taught your dog during there group classes. I have witnessed first hand dogs that once struggled around other dogs completely transformed and they now walk around in our group classes with the other dogs, I’ve seen them train dogs to pull wheelchairs, assist disabled vets, bring medications to their owners, and relax someone with anxiety or PTSD. They can truly help you to build whatever relationship you need with your dog. I can say that thanks to Graham, Shelley, Kristin, Clara, Jessica, Sam, Nate and Jorge, I have a relationship, a trust with my Toby that I have always wanted but never quite had with my other dogs, thanks to how well trained he is! We wouldn’t have that if it wasn’t for the love and support that we have received every step of the way from our DTE family. So, if you are looking for a service dog, a therapy dog or just a family pet that you can trust, reach out to them, you wont regret it. Toby gives his word🐾
  • Beth R
    Jun. 3, 2025
    I reached out to Dog Training Elite at a breaking point with my highly reactive golden retriever, Lucy. After speaking with multiple trainers in the area, it was clear that no one came close to the caliber of care, professionalism, and results offered by Graham, Shelley, and the organization they’ve built. From the start, they met both me and my dogs exactly where we were by offering a thoughtful, structured, and incredibly supportive approach. I chose to train two of my dogs simultaneously, and throughout the process, I’ve grown tremendously - not just as a pet owner, but as a person. Their training has given me deep insight into dog psychology, body language, patterns, and motivators, and more importantly, how to set my dogs up for long-term success. Graham and Shelley are everything you could hope for in trainers: patient, intelligent, highly perceptive, and deeply committed to both the dogs and their humans. They’ve spent countless hours refining my handling skills with clarity, kindness, and thorough explanation. A big part of why this program is so successful is they focus on teaching, rather than simply correcting, both pet & owner behavior. Beyond being a trainer, you can automatically sense they are genuinely amazing people who truly care about others. Lucy was aggressive and defensive the first time she met Graham, unwilling to let him near me or the house. Today, after months of working through her anxiety, she immediately greeted him with affection and excitement. It brought tears to my eyes as I feel like I have a totally different dog now. This huge shift was only made possible because of their work! If you’re searching for exceptional trainers who truly understand dogs and empower their owners, look no further. Dog Training Elite is the only choice.
  • Ken Ostebo
    May. 20, 2025
    If you are looking for a wonderful facility to have your dog properly training this is it!! Great staff very attentive we have now graduated to service dog training looking forward to the future we are very grateful 🙏
  • Jose Cubillos-Villamil
    Apr. 18, 2025
    Dog training Elite has giving me and my dog the tools and knowledge to train for a successful service dog that can help me to cope with my anxiety and depression. I really recommend this great company and its staff.
  • Lorna Bender
    Apr. 17, 2025
    I love how easy it is to sign up for group classes and if we need to cancel a class it is just as easy to cancel also the instructors are so friendly and make you feel like you are family
  • robin harvey
    Jan. 14, 2025
    This experience has been so positive for not only our dog but for us as well. The skills and confidence I’ve gained in helping my dog be the best version of himself have been life changing. We are dog lovers but have rescued some challenging dogs. This time I’ve been given the skills to help my dog overcome his history. I’m so thankful to Shelly and Graham.
  • Anthony Merva
    Dec. 18, 2024
    I was very impressed with the training that my dog and I received. The staff is professional and communicates well with appointments and any questions. The trainers are very knowledgeable, helpful, and take the training very seriously. I see an amazing difference in my dog. I will be back for some more advanced training. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for training. Don’t waste your money with anyone else! Thank you Graham and Shelley.
  • Chelsea Redner
    Dec. 17, 2024
    I can't recommend this dog training enough! It truly is an investment— but hands down, the best one I've ever made. My dog was a rescue, and he came with a lot of fear and anxiety, terrified of almost everything. He wouldn’t listen to me at all, and I felt helpless. But after working with this team, my dog's transformation has been incredible. He’s become more confident, calm, and responsive. The trainers have helped him completely change his attitude and approach to the world around him. The staff is also beyond amazing—friendly, supportive, and so knowledgeable. They take the time to explain why my dog behaves the way he does, and why the training techniques work. It’s clear they genuinely care about both the dogs and the owners, and they tailor everything to my dog’s specific needs. I’ve seen results I never thought possible, and I can’t thank them enough for the positive changes in my dog's behavior. 10/10, worth every penny!
  • Matt
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Took our brand new 3-4month puppy, Bear, here for a gold course by the time the first week was done, we knew we wanted to upgrade to platinum, The course helped with all the main foundations that Bear needed. She was always a good dog but super hyper being a puppy and let that get to her a lot of the time, the course has truly taught her self control. Paired with the platinum coming with unlimited group classes for life, we are set up for success with Bear and are still learning everyday. Would definitely recommend to anyone
  • Marcy Howard
    Nov. 18, 2024
    Fabulous experience! We signed up two rowdy, hard headed dogs and now have two well trained darlings in our family!
  • Lynn Sparks
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I love Dog Training Elite Treasure Coast! I adopted a very high energy one year old lab/rhodesian ridgeback mix rescue. I’ve always had dogs but he was a handful and I was beginning to believe he was too much for me but was in love with him. So for the first time ever I decided to try a professional trainer to help train him and myself. I didn’t want to spend the money but now I am so grateful that I did!!! Just after a couple of weeks I could see such a difference in him! I wish I would have done this will all my previous dogs!! Close to finishing his training and this dog is the dog of my dreams. He totally respects me and knows his commands! The Dog Training Elite trainers are phenomenal! They are so nice and very helpful and I highly recommend them!❤️
  • billgelder
    Oct. 15, 2024
    We LOVE all the Trainers at DTE - Treasure Coast. We love the Group Training Classes that are available throughout the week and on the weekends at the Parks around the area. The Trainers are all so professional while also being very personable at the same time. The participants of DTE are all such friendly people - and DOGS! Our Lacy has completed and has earned her Good Citizen Training Certificate. And we are now in training for Hearing Assist Service Dog. Each of the Trainers are so devoted to the program and to their dogs, it's wonderful to watch how well trained their dogs are - it's inspiring. Look for Dog Training Elite in your area for exceptional professional dog training. Lacy says: Everyone smells nice and they have good treats!!!