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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite St. George

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in St. George, UT from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in St. George, UT

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 St. George, UT 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 St. George

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 St. George, UT 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 St. George, 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

  • Shirley Erickson
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Hunter was amazing with our dog Harley. I took classes before the new owners but there were something he would never do. He would never let me walk away & stay. Hunter came to the house in one class I could walk out of the house & he would stay placed in the house with the door opened. It was amazing! I recommend this trading to anyone who is looking to have their dog trained. Thanks Hunter!
  • Libby Mabey
    Sep. 12, 2024
    Hunter was amazing with my puppy and so patient. Norman learned everything he was taught and it was an amazing experience. Would recommend to anyone with a dog!
  • Brittney Harrell
    Aug. 6, 2024
    Hunter is the Best! He has made training so effortless. Highly recommend!
  • Taylor Stratton
    Jul. 26, 2024
    I would highly reccomend dog training elite! i’ve really enjoyed working with hunter with my puppy, cooper. Hunter is extremely patient, & he definitely knows his stuff! I’ve noticed quite the tremendous difference after my last few sessions. Cooper is now excited to see Hunter when he comes for trainings. Couldn’t ask for a better trainer!
  • K Richardson
    Jul. 26, 2024
    Backstory and why I am so glad they changed owners: We started off with this company a little less than a year ago to have our new dog service trained for my husband. The first trainer to show up, Sarah, was super cool and kind and had given us a pretty clear plan of how at home training was going to go, we thought training was going well, she was kind and we could tell she cared, but after our third lesson with her Hayden showed up at our fourth and basically just said he was taking over since we had a service dog and we were going to switch to public outings and just cut a lot of corners and cut Sarah's original plan extremely short. My husband felt like we were getting scammed and didn't like how all of a sudden we weren't getting personal training and just repetitively walking through stores and basically being told our dog was ready to pass his test, when we didn't even really have all the basics done at home. Just didn't feel right and I was in denial saying we'd get more home lessons later like they promised cause I didn't want to believe this training cost us thousands of dollars. But my husband really was not ok with it and knew something was wrong. Then the ownership changed and I'm soooooo happy it did! They took on all the old clients that had thought their dogs were service trained and have basically saved them from having issues in the future when they would find out they weren't. Hunter is so nice and definitely more knowledgeable than Hayden, or maybe it's because he actually cares. We've had more in-home visits in the past couple months than we did in the 8 months prior and my husband, who just feels things in his gut, magically, was happier and more involved since Hayden left and Hunter and Evan took over. We basically had to start from scratch because even the collar commands were incorrect before, but these owners are taking all this extra work on at their own expense and I'm so grateful for them. This is now worth the money and Jett, our pup, loves Hunter. Thank you guys for taking on this heavy load and helping all of the original customers out!
  • Riah Tafoya
    Jul. 26, 2024
    We love dog training elite St George! We have been working with them for a few months on service dog training and they have been super helpful and knowledgeable. We have seen a world of differences. My pup (rescue) was abused and anxious of the world and it is amazing to now see him so confident and able to explore. I can not say enough for this company. Our trainer Hunter is amazing and I hope you and your furry friends are lucky enough to work with them.
  • Cassidy Robertson
    Jul. 26, 2024
    My pup and I have been in the service dog program with DTE since September 2023. I want to join the crowd of those who were unhappy with the training we were receiving at that point -- often feeling rushed, ignored, or like my poor dog was just stressed out. HOWEVER, The new owners, and Hunter specifically, have been amazing. We've been working with them for a few months, and I can already see a difference in my pup. He's happier and behaving better, and I feel like I'm actually learning how to implement the training at home! He's spends SO much time with us and never makes us feel rushed. My service dog is officially doing his task training now, and is excelling at it thanks to Hunter's patience, kindness, and willingness to work at my pups level. We are very happy with the new ownership, and I feel so hopeful about my pup as he becomes closer and closer to being fully trained!
  • Jennifer Laudel
    Jul. 26, 2024
    Our trainer was outstanding. He gave 100 percent effort. Our dog who can be agressive, eventually warmed up to our trainer thanks to his patience and persistence.
  • Cortney Jackson
    Jun. 12, 2024
    Trainer Hunter, is just what my pup and I needed. Norah, my spunky Aussie-doodle, has already learned so much from Hunter, as have I. Norah is much more respectful and intelligent after proper training. Norah and I are doing full service animal training. It is a lot of work, but it is done with an emphasis of care, not only with Norah, but with me. Thank you Hunter and DTE! Shout out to Evan who has also helped me tremendously!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • April Smith
    May. 28, 2024
    I cannot thank Evan, Hunter, and Kaycee enough. They went above and beyond to make accommodations for extra support either in person, phone, or texting. They are the A-Team to have for helping me with my service animal and helping me meet a hard deadline before I leave town. My Great Dane attached instantly which tells me she reads them as leaders who also love and care for her, and not “do this!” because I tell you to do so. That is huge, as a Great Dane is incredibly sensitive and needs special handling. My quick rundown: 1) after assessing my girl and my short deadline, they tailored the training for focus on the top 5 ‘must haves’ first. This was after long onboarding conversations with both Kaycee and Evan. We dove right in with full 1-hour sessions that provided me with easy to do homework so results for that week’s lesson were ingrained quickly. The use of an e-collar was hard until it was explained and demonstrated. This, in conjunction with our already established treat/reward training, was taken into account and has been well received by my girl. So far, highly effective and notable progress is being made. Overall Experience is a 5/5: I highly recommend this very specific A-Team. The communication, accommodations, and approach coupled with Evan’s expertise, is making me smile!!
  • Amy Ence
    May. 22, 2024
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite with Hunter and Evan! They really are dog whisperers because they genuinely care about and love dogs. Implementing the commands, rules and boundaries with our pups is helping to make Toffee and Frito an even more beloved part of our family. I loved that Hunter took time to teach my daughters and husband and I how to use the e-collar correctly for obedience training. They also worked individually with Toffee and Frito. We have been given all we need to succeed in our homework for the week and reinforce the learning. We always look forward to the next visit! The time Hunter and Evan have spent with us has won us over. This training is completely worth the money. The new ownership and trainers have far exceeded our expectations. Even the company and scheduling is well organized and just fantastic. Moreover, our dogs love Hunter! He has gone above and beyond to help us get the kind of training that ensures our pups are healthy and happy and we are too!
  • Dracozu
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Best dog training place in St. George. My dogs never behaved, but after working with Sarah and Hayden, I have seen such an improvement in the behavior of my dogs. Highly reccomend!
  • Shantel Baker
    Mar. 18, 2023
    Hayden and his team of trainers have been so wonderful to work with training our dog! About a year ago we started working with Dog Training Elite to service train my dog and we have had nothing but positive exprience from day one. Even now, if I ever have an issue or concern with my dog, the trainers are more than willing to help out. 10/10 best investment for my pup!
  • Kaimana Allen
    Feb. 22, 2023
    Sarah and Hayden have done such a great job for us and our dog Lil'bit. They helped us to be more confident which has given our dog an opportunity to rise to his confident self. With all the preparation we were so happy when Lil'bit was introduced to other dogs. Hayden did such a great job helping Lil'bit understand how to interact with other dogs. Both Sarah and Hayden have helped us to be confident with our dog around other people and other dogs. Thank you for bringing more freedom to our home.
  • Cynthia Guptill
    Jan. 4, 2023
    I adopted Watson two years ago after losing my 18 year old Peekingese. I have gotten older and I needed help with Watson's training. I am so glad I called dog training elite. The e-coller has never left any marks on my dog however it does help him to pay attention to what is being taught. Hayden (the trainer) is professional, dependable and very patient with me. Hayden explains the training techniques thoroughly and I am seeing real results. Thank you Dog Training elite!
  • Shane Davis
    Dec. 8, 2022
    In the beginning, I was involved with the shock collar for my dog, and I was not comfortable with doing it, and really didn’t want to believe in it. But after being educated about the guard and how it teaches the dog faster and more relevant to the situation. So it took me a little while but I grew into it and now it’s become an every day lesson with my dog.
  • Leslie Seal
    Oct. 22, 2022
    I can’t even tell you how happy I am with the results of training our puppies with Dog Training Elite St. George. I guess since I’m submitting a review I will try. I have 2 dogs ages 5 and 1. We have all but given up on our five year old ever responding to us when we call him (unless it’s on his schedule). When we got the new puppy, we decided to make the extra investment to train him right. We really want to have a well behaved dog that doesn’t freak out in public. Hayden from Dog Training Elite trained both dogs for us! Now, when people come over, the dogs will stay in their place. They don’t jump up on people. We can take them for walks or to festivals and they are so well behaved. Now, I’m one of the cool dog owners that has the awesome dogs- not just one, but two! Also- we have trained our little dog to be a service animal and he gets to visit the kids in the hospital and they love it.
  • Katelyn Bryner
    Oct. 20, 2022
    I would definitely recommend working with them to train your dog! Very clear instruction and results.
  • Bobby Cuomo
    Aug. 16, 2022
    Hayden at DTE has been absolutely outstanding in getting my crazy German Shepherd Dog under control. He has taught me a great deal on how to control my dog’s behavior. In just a few short weeks I am able to walk my pup with confidence without all the barking and pulling. Thanks Dog Training Elite! Money well spent.
  • Alexandra Imbach Lagenour
    Jul. 16, 2022
    Hayden has been great!! We have 6 dogs. 4 pit mixes (all rescues) one heeler and one Dane. My Dane and male pit mix are having some aggression towards one another and my main goal was creating an overall more structured/peaceful home for them. DTE has been super accommodating! I live in Mesquite and Hayden comes to my house every week! And worked with my goals. We still have a long way to go but he has truly helped me and my four legged kids. As someone who has years of experience with animals of all kinds, having his outside and professional skills has dramatically improved our lives. Pic of our two boys together!