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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training

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 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

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 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, 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

  • Emily Kerstein
    Jun. 12, 2026
    We were having quite a tough time managing our girl Wednesday before we found dog training elite. She was very reactive on leash, had a habit of jumping fences and we had to make major adjustments to the way we lived our lives just to keep her and others safe. We’re only halfway through the program and the difference is already night and day. Walks are actually enjoyable now, her escape artist tendencies have stopped, and we have real peace of mind when we take her anywhere with us. It sounds dramatic but it genuinely has been life-changing. Yes, the price can be daunting at first, but it has been well worth it. Jeff and Meggie are wonderful people who are damn good at their jobs! Cannot recommend them enough!
  • Aubrey Freiberg
    Feb. 18, 2026
    10/10. So appreciate Meggie & Dog Training Elite. So enjoyable to work with!!
  • Lynda Bartlow
    May. 24, 2026
    When we picked up our Aussie, he was doing a obstacle course like it was nothing. He is learning so much and so am I. Can't wait to see what happens next week.
  • Emilie Laudie
    Jun. 11, 2026
    Hunter came out to help us assess how to help our new puppy learn not to chase our smallest cat. He was patient and gave very helpful advice. He felt like we had everything else well in hand as far as his puppy training goes so he just told us to be in touch if we wanted to sign up for any of their services down the road. He was such a knowledgeable kind person 10/10 🙂
  • Bianka Rangel
    Jun. 11, 2026
    I always appreciate when people share the same enthusiasm for the things I love. From the moment I called to inquire I was met was so much excitement and care. When my trainer arrived she was also happy and excited to work with me and my pup. I felt like I was drowning in the first time puppy owner unknowns.. and you know the biting 😩. She kindly gave me some easy steps to follow. I feel empowered to train. Thank you Deidre, you saved me from future emotional meltdowns haha! I look forward to seeing my Nala girl progress ! ❤️
  • Kelly Hough
    May. 24, 2026
    I was at my wit’s end with my rescue pup, Finnegan , a 75 pound bully mix who was terrified of everything. I could barely get him to leave the bedroom and he was a nightmare on leash. I was in over my head and in tears every time I tried to walk him. From the moment Finnegan met Aaron, everything began to change for him. Finn sensed he could trust well before I did. Kim, Ryan, Aaron and the entire team at Dog Training Elite Suncoast are simply amazing. They’re patient, professional, and truly know how to bring out the best in a dog. They’ve changed Finnegan’s life — and mine. He’s gone from being afraid of his own shadow to becoming an increasingly confident, happy pup. I continue to see improvements every single day. The group lessons pull everything together and give me the tools and confidence I need to be what Finn needs. Finn is finally coming into his own. He even watched thunder and lightning calmly from the couch the tonight. I couldn’t be more grateful to the crew at Suncoast. 100000% recommend
  • chrissie taddeo
    Jun. 3, 2026
    I can't recommend my dog trainer, Josephine Grace at Dog Training Elite, highly enough! She is incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and truly cares about both the dogs and their owners. She took the time to explain each training technique and always made sure I felt comfortable and confident throughout the process. One of my favorite parts of the training was that she brought two of her own dogs to several sessions. Having well-trained dogs there to help demonstrate behaviors and provide real-life training opportunities was invaluable. It made the lessons more effective and gave my dog a chance to practice in realistic situations. Her calm, encouraging approach made training enjoyable, and I've seen such a positive difference in my dog's behavior. If you're looking for a trainer who is patient, professional, and dedicated to helping you succeed, I highly recommend her!
  • Meghan Lane
    Jun. 11, 2026
    We went through three different trainers and thousands of dollars down the sink before we finally found Taylor. Our 1.5 year old mix-breed rescue, Bella, was proving to be a challenge for me & my husband. Unable to help with her reactivity, counter surfing, constant barking, and guarding behavior, we were feeling frustrated & defeated. Taylor taught us to identify her subtle cues to interrupt problem behavior before it escalates and, as a result, Bella is becoming a joy to have in the home. She barks appropriately, waits in her place for meals, stays off the counter, and has learned that guarding people & furniture is no longer rewarding. He was patient, fair, and kind with our doggy … and us humans, too! 10 out of 10 recommend.
  • Sherri Garner
    Jun. 11, 2026
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite North Orlando as the company to use for service training or in general. Craig, is a knowledgeable, caring, and patient person who helped my life change, during and ongoing, since he helped me guide my dog to become my service animal. He made me feel like I could accomplish my goals with the first phone call, listened to my issues and made changes when I needed them so we as a team could get the results I needed. He made me feel like a person not my disablities. I am glad I made the call and I highly recommend anyone looking for a service dog trainer you make the call too. Thank you Craig and his team!
  • Julie Moore
    Apr. 9, 2026
    We are very impressed with Rich and his dedication , Sarah was our trainer and we are absolutely the best
  • LYNETTE MCLEMORE
    Jun. 11, 2026
    Justin did a great job. We had a lot of questions his knowledge sincerity and honestly answering, made us ready to join the program. We want what’s best for our babies so I believe That Dog Training Elite Midlands will be our answer
  • Tess Nogueira
    Jun. 10, 2026
    DTE has helped us so much since starting with them. We have two dogs that were working through a lot of reactivity and separation anxiety and the change we have seen in them this early on is so amazing. Jason has give us the training expertise and tools to continue to build on the foundation we have created, and that’s just in a handful of one on one training sessions. They come to you and work in your environment which is extremely helpful. Additionally, having group classes where our pups can continue their learning and be exposed to other dogs as well is a huge plus. I’m so happy we came across DTE. Their philosophy and the way they treat our pups is very thoughtful and done with lots of care. Couldn’t recommend more!
  • Gabi Coccio
    Jun. 10, 2026
    Dog Training Elite - Greater Nashville was incredibly patient, experienced, and affectionate with my rescue dogs. Rob was reliable and knowledgeable, guiding us through basic obedience training for the dogs with clear communication. I appreciated the gentle approach and professional attitude. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for dog training in middle Tennessee area!
  • Nicole Schmidt
    Jun. 10, 2026
    We had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville. Our trainer Rob really tailored our training to our Ruby girls needs. He was always on time, and super flexible with my schedule. We see such a great improvement with her and can’t wait to finish out the group training now and potentially continue on training afterwords.
  • David Trent
    Jun. 5, 2026
    Her and her dog were great! Lilly leared along today!!
  • Debbie B
    Jun. 10, 2026
    Just finished week three with Kelsie and she is absolutely fantastic to work with. My Goldendoodle Yankee responds to everything she’s teaching (and so does his mom most of the time.) Kelsie is very knowledgeable in dog training, it’s undeniable. Thank you DTE for helping me tame my baby. You have shown me just how smart he really is. I highly recommend DTE to anyone considering training for and with your pup!
  • Debbie B
    Jun. 10, 2026
    Just finished week three with Kelsie and she is absolutely fantastic to work with. My Goldendoodle Yankee responds to everything she’s teaching (and so does his mom most of the time.) Kelsie is very knowledgeable in dog training, it’s undeniable. Thank you DTE for helping me tame my baby. You have shown me just how smart he really is. I highly recommend DTE to anyone considering training for and with your pup!
  • Rhonda Armstrong
    Jun. 10, 2026
    Joe was amazing with my dog! I have always heard "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" but Joe showed me and my 7 year old dog everything we needed to be successful in dog training and obedience! He took so much time to talk through training as well as any other questions we had! I appreciate him and DTE so much!
  • Jenna Armstrong
    Jun. 10, 2026
    Joe did an amazing job with my dog! His patience, expertise, and genuine passion for working with dogs are evident in every interaction and session. He not only helped my dog build confidence but also gave me the knowledge and reassurance I needed to support my dog's success in training!! Joe takes the time to explain the training process and share valuable tips, making it easy to continue the progress at home. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled, caring, and dedicated dog trainer! I am forever thankful for this program!
  • Audrey Fujioka
    Jun. 9, 2026
    Dog Training Elite has done so much for my dog. Our trainer Sydney was absolutely amazing, our initial appointment I had absolutely no hope that my dog could even be half as behaved as her dogs were and I was proved totally wrong. My freshly 1 yo puppy (who i’ve only had for 4 months) has perfect recall, manners in public, walks in a perfect heal, and most importantly doesn’t react to other dogs. my goal is for my pup is to be a service dog one day, and Dog Training Elite has helped me see that is totally doable. I am so happy this is the training company I went with, couldn’t be happier and neither could my puppy.