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Dog Training Services


Crate Training for Puppies in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

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505-207-0383


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Contact Dog Training Elite New Mexico

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

505-207-0383


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When introducing a new puppy to your home, crate training is one of the most important instructions for your pup. Though some dog owners initially question the idea of crate training, a crate gives you and your dog a sense of security when used properly. Read on to learn more about the benefits of enrolling in a crate training puppy program in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, as well as important tips to keep in mind throughout the training process.

Puppy training with Dog Training Elite New Mexico gives you all the skills and tools you need to help make your new puppy a part of the family, without using shock collars. Contact us today!

What is Crate Training?

Crate training is the practice of teaching a puppy that a metal, plastic, or fabric-covered cage (crate) is their safe place. This taps into the natural denning instincts of dogs, and they will learn that the crate is their personal spot that they can retreat to whenever they desire.

In addition to offering dogs a sense of peace and territory, crate training significantly speeds up the house breaking process. 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.

Dog Training Elite offers a professional puppy training program in Albuquerque / Santa Fe that includes crate training services.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite New Mexico location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Silver

$1,495

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 In-Home Sessions*
  • Come
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)

Gold

$1,995

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Training Clicker, Biothane 4' Flat Leash, Place Cot, Bag

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 In-Home Sessions*
  • Group Training Sessions 6 Months Unlimited*
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging

Platinum

$2,795

OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!

Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime!
Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Training Clicker, Biothane 4' Flat Leash, Flexi Leash, Place Cot, Bag

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 In-Home Sessions*
  • Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Lifetime Unlimited *
  • Lifetime Follow Up & Group Support
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Control Aggression(dog & human)
  • Therapy dog training See Details
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Albuquerque / Santa Fe
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Albuquerque / Santa Fe
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Albuquerque / Santa Fe
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Albuquerque / Santa Fe

We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

Extremely professional with all of the equipment needed for great results included in the package. My dog made amazing progress throughout the process.
— Donald Meyer
Posted October 18th 2024
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Great professional training. Our Trainer was flexible and communicated well. We feel that our dog has benefited greatly from this service.
— S Habedank
Posted October 3rd 2024
google
Incredible experience with Dog Training Elite. They went above and beyond our expectations. Stephanie is an amazing trainer. She was professional and kind. Highly recommended!
— Aaron Manzanares (Del Rio Signs)
Posted October 1st 2024
google
Amazing experience in every way you can hope for with Dog Training Elite New Mexico! From my initial phone inquiry to the in home interview and all the way through until our certification! Justin and Stephanie are the best and truly show how much their program means to them. I highly recommend them working with you!
— adam juvinall
Posted September 30th 2024
google
Our family could not be happier with the services and results we’ve seen with Dog Training Elite. Working one on one with John has made such an impact on our dog’s reactivity and discipline. From the beginning of training, he took the time to understand our family’s background and needs (we’re expecting our first child this fall), and helped keep our dog’s progress on track.
— Alex Petersen
Posted September 27th 2024
google
I have a two year old German Shepherd who is extremely over active and has a mind of her own. I signed Layla up to attend Elite Dog Training NM. She now obeys the basic commands necessary that allow me to walk her without worries and frustration. I would highly recommend Elite Dog Training NM and Stephanie as trainer for your beloved canine~a highly satisfied and pleased patron, Ann Atwood
— Charles Atwood
Posted September 23rd 2024
google
John is a Prince! The process of training my rambunctious 8 week old puppy felt very daunting and overwhelming. Whiskey is so very smart and energetic and I really wanted to get it just right so that we could have a loving, respectful relationship. John is so knowledgeable and caring - he really wants to be sure that you and your dog are the best team you can be. He truly loves what he does and is a genius at keeping you and your dog CALM when you're both so frustrated! I look forward to continuing our journey to Therapy Dog certification.
— Tamara Spurlock
Posted September 18th 2024
google
We are VERY happy with our DTE trainer, John. John is professional, always on time, friendly and HAPPY. Most importantly, he is great with our standard poodle puppy, Samson - always a great attitude, never shaming (us or Samson!) John is full of good tips for Samson and us. We could not chosen a better fit.
— Steve Stowell
Posted September 4th 2024
google
John did a wonderful job on teaching me how to handle my German Rottweiler Diesel. He worked with me and Diesel for eight weeks and was able to get him the way I needed him to be. Diesel came from a bad back ground when he was rescued from the shelter at 16-18 months old. John gave us the steps and worked with diesel and myself on his training and me and diesel did have homework and we stayed on top of it. I highly recommend anyone to go to Dog Elite Training here in New Mexico for their fur babies for training. John I just want to say thank you for everything you did for me and diesel!!!! You are amazing in all you do. Thank you and see y'all at group!!!! Plus thank you to Justin for keeping me and my husband updated on everything! Thank you for letting us become part of the dog elite family!
— Olivia Mullis
Posted August 29th 2024
google
Working with Stephanie has been amazing! Our dog Maximus has responded so well to all the training and has improved in behaviors significantly! Thank you so much! We can’t wait for group training next. Stephanie is so patient with all of us and very knowledgeable to train your fur baby! The price is also very reasonable and worth it!
— Angel Shepard
Posted August 28th 2024
facebook
Absolutely five stars! Working with John has been a game-changer for our dog Otis. Their flexibility and tailored approach were crucial in addressing our dog's anxiety and aggression towards men. The training sessions were not only effective but also easy to follow, making the process smooth and manageable. Our dog is now significantly more relaxed and well-adjusted. Highly recommend John for anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled trainer!
— Stephanie Fitzgerald
Posted August 20th 2024
facebook
John has been fabulous helping me train my German Shepherd, puppy, Coco, and me. She is doing very very well at five months old the E collar it’s a great tool and so are the commands that we have taught her. It has been a positive experience working with John And Dog Training Elite , New Mexico.
— Barbara Candelario
Posted August 10th 2024
google
This is an amazing program! I came in with my one year old pitbull who was very reactive and did not obey commands. After 6 weeks of working with John she was a different dog. She listened and was happier for it. I notice she was calmer because she trusted me and it was all thanks to the techniques that John taught me. Additionally, attending the group classes were incredibly helpful in socializing her, the other trainers Justin and Stephanie were also amazing. I highly recommend this program to anyone that needs help getting their dog under control.
— Bianca Solano
Posted August 6th 2024
google
We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite and our trainer John. We were training a 13-month-old terrier and we were beginning his journey to become a service dog. John was very focused on our dog's strengths and areas where he needed improvement and he designed the lessons, and our homework, around our dog and my needs, as his handler. Over these months, our dog has made huge strides and has passed his tests required to become a licensed service animal and with each week our dog's confidence in his role and our confidence in him across a wide array of contexts has increased. I can't speak highly enough of John and I can't thank him enough. It is important for people who are seeking to train a service dog to be very invested in the process and do their homework and be super consistent with training. We felt so well supported by Dog Training Elite and we highly recommend them.
— Julianne Newmark Engberg
Posted July 25th 2024
google
I was very impressed with the whole training process . My trainers, Stephanie and John, were patient , loving and competent teachers. I was amazed at how observant and aware they were of everything that was going on between me and my dog. They saw things I didn’t even realize were happening. So happy with Dog Training Elite. I highly recommend them.
— Carolyn Spaulding
Posted July 19th 2024
google
DTE really cares about the experience that you get with their trainers and feedback is welcome. Communication is good and clear and they're always available for questions. The method they use is very effective and just requires you do your homework. My pup is much easier to handle now and I am looking forward to continued classes!
— Chrys Shatz
Posted July 18th 2024
google
Just there when you need them. They'll answer all your questions and help you through the tough times.
— Cecelia Jacka
Posted July 17th 2024
google
I have a 6 year old Doberman (Hope) with major dog reactivity issues. We have been working with John for 6 weeks now. And just successfully completed a group class. John is nothing short of amazing in helping to get Hope’s reactivity under control. We can now take our daily walks without issue. John is very patient, always on time. And obviously well seasoned in training dogs. We have also worked on obedience, training and she is a changed dog. I cannot thank John enough for helping to change our lives! I cannot stress enough if you have a reactive dog, or just need basic training. Call dog training elite.
— Debbie Sims
Posted July 13th 2024
google
Awesome work with dogs
— Geneva 'Anderson
Posted June 27th 2024
google
Overall great experience with John. My dog has come such a long way and I’m a lot more confident with him too. Package was on the pricey side but this was necessary for my situation and my dogs aggression and reactiveness.
— Leslie Salinas
Posted June 23rd 2024
google

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Dog Training Elite offers expert in-home crate training puppy services near you in Albuquerque / Santa Fe.

Why Should You Use Crate Training?

In addition to offering dogs a sense of peace and territory, crate training significantly speeds up the house-breaking process. 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.

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 New Mexico, 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 training 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.

Is Crate Training Your Puppy Necessary?

While crate training is not necessary for housebreaking, it undoubtedly makes the process easier. Owners who choose to housebreak without the use of a crate will need more time and more patience when it comes to cleaning up accidents.

Crate training is also the safest option for keeping your puppy safe when unattended, protecting them during traveling, and limiting household damage with restless puppies.

When Should You Start Crate Training?

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.

Dog Training Elite has an award winning puppy training program in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, including crate training for puppies.

Crate Training for Puppies
Tips From Dog Training Elite in Albuquerque / Santa Fe


  • While crating is an important dog training process, your dog should not spend most of their time in a crate. We advise you to never leave your dog locked in the crate for more than two hours at a time.
  • If you must be away from home all day, it's best to drop your dog off with a friend so the crate does not become overly dirty and your pup isn’t confined to a small space for too long.
  • Crates come in different sizes, and some options can be adjusted as your dog grows to keep them comfortable.
  • When possible, leave the crate door open so your dog feels free to come and go.
  • Add a doggie bed, soft blankets, and plush toys so your puppy feels comfortable inside the crate.
  • Never use crating as a punishment — this will only teach your dog to fear the crate.

Dog Training Elite has award winning puppy training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe with crate training classes for your pup.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico includes tips and tricks for crate training in our puppy training programs. Our unique techniques based on the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning") ensure our program is a success no matter how much crate training experience your pup has.

If you are searching for a crate training puppy program in your local area, contact us today.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


  • Empowering Owners
    We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
  • Personalized
    We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
  • Environment Specific
    We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
  • Supportive
    We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
  • Involved
    We work with all members of the household.
  • Simplified & Customized
    We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
  • Continued Training
    Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
  • Lifetime Investment
    We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
  • Satisfaction Ratings
    Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.