Crate Training

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville

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Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville online booking

Request Free Assessment

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville online booking

Request Free Assessment
A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Hendersonville / Mt. Juliet, TN from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Hendersonville / Mt. Juliet, TN

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 Hendersonville / Mt. Juliet, TN 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 Greater Nashville

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 Hendersonville / Mt. Juliet, TN 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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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Hendersonville / Mt. Juliet.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
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 Greater Nashville, 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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Debbie Martin
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Cosmo is our school dog. He is very calm and receptive to every child that approaches him, even when the child, himself/herself may not be calm. I am grateful for the training that Cosmo has received and for the benefits that he brings to our school community. Debbie Martin
  • Lauren Lewis
    Nov. 22, 2024
    They have done a wonderful job training our sweet pup! I would highly recommend them to anyone!
  • Leissa Rich
    Nov. 21, 2024
    Brad is an excellent trainer, he was so accommodative with our schedule and AMAZING with our dog! We couldn't have been more pleased with the results shown through his training course, & would totally recommend him again and again to everyone and anyone. 🩷
  • Leslie Iorio
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Where to start: Brad Okeson is an outstanding trainer as well as a supportive listener and incredible teacher. He is all of these and also generous with his time and talent. Brad has been training our dog to be a therapy dog for our school. He assessed the puppies in our dog’s litter when they were 49 days old and chose our pup for his temperament, explaining how he was chosen. The very next week, Brad began working with our puppy, Cosmo, and me, as his owner and handler, in the environment for which Cosmo was chosen: our school. Brad has faithfully, continually, and patiently addressed issues, explained our puppy’s behavior, determined goals and helped us reach them. Brad’s demeanor is pleasant and his style is gentle and firm - Cosmo adores him. He is delightful to learn from and to watch in action. Cosmo is now eight months old and he is beloved by students and faculty alike. His behavior is so obedient, loving, and gentle that some of my colleagues have arranged to hire Brad to work with their own dogs in their homes. I cannot adequately express the admiration and gratitude I feel for Brad Okeson but I highly recommend him to you as you consider training for your pup.
  • Randi Pentzer
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Brad is THE best!!!!! He made all of our dreams come true. This experience exceeded everything I thought was possible. He is so good at his job and so knowledgeable. He personalized our experience to train my dog bike ride with me and to let our new dog into the pack!! Plus, so much more. I’m so thankful I found Elite!
  • Laura Minguela
    Oct. 21, 2024
    Brad is the best! Definitely check them out if you're looking for a trainer that's great to work with.
  • Victoria
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Brad is great. If you need your dogs trained in the Nashville area give him a call!
  • Raymond Lombardi
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Brad has an incredible way with dogs. He’s patient, knowledgeable, and does a great job at making every session productive and enjoyable. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to get better at communicating with their dog and see real progress along the way!
  • Chris Lombardi
    Oct. 17, 2024
    Brad is phenomenal at communicating with dogs and has a unique ability to make training both effective and enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly cares and delivers real results, I can’t recommend Brad highly enough!
  • jaycee Randal
    Jul. 26, 2024
    DTE was amazing. They helped my dog stop jumping. Come when called and just overall, better manners In general. group classes were amazing and it really seem to help my dog focus at a high level of distraction.
  • Brandon Clemmons
    Aug. 24, 2023
    Malancy (our trainer) is fantastic. We have gone from a wild boxer puppy (10 months), named Kash, to an easily controllable one year old in a few short weeks, with her help. The progress on a weekly basis is unbelievable. I come away from each session completely shocked at what our puppy is learning and the control that Malancy is teaching my wife and I to have with him. An added bonus is it really seems like Kash is enjoying being trained. I highly recommend this program to anyone who has a four legged friend that needs help with manners. The difference is night and day and we certainly have not regretted this decision.
  • Krys Nicole
    Aug. 17, 2023
    Malancy with Dog Training Elite has been my savior! Before working with her my schnoodle Luna was extremely stubborn and even though she knew basic commands, she refused to listen. I specifically chose DTE for behavioral training, and I am so happy I did. Not only does Luna LOVE malancy, I finally feel like she loves me too! This training program has made our relationship so much better. She’s learned discernment around other dogs, walks and heels perfect on a leash, listens to all basic commands and it has even helped her stay calmer alone when I leave her to go to work. I can’t thank DTE and Malancy enough. Now that she’s fully training I feel comfortable getting her a playmate and I will once again work with Malancy when puppy comes home. :)
  • Craig Anderson
    Jun. 27, 2023
    Malancy was an amazing trainer, her energy and passion was infectious! Tess loved every minute of her training and I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you to Dog Training Elite.
  • Tom Gaumer
    Jun. 7, 2023
    We are so pleased we chose your company for training. Malancy is so good at her job that we were fortunate to get her. We’ve come to love her and what isn’t to love. Our puppy has learned from the best of the best. We’re gonna miss her. This is the best training in this area.
  • Cathi Phillips
    May. 30, 2023
    These guys deliver! After a few sessions, I was able to take my dog on a walk without fearing she’d be aggressive to others. Malancy and Brad are super!
  • Lynne Gaumer
    May. 27, 2023
    We were assigned Melancy to help train our pup. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend her and Dog Training Elite!!
  • Angel Durrani
    May. 25, 2023
    My dog is so much better! I have a husky mix with a huge running away problem but after the in home sessions in our package his recall is amazing. He’s improved so much! Our trainer Malancy is so knowledgeable about dogs and how their minds work, somehow she was able to conquer his stubbornness and showed me how to make this a forever change! Love Dog training elite and Malancy!
  • James Knott
    May. 27, 2023
    I am totally satisfied and happy with the results. My dog “Jackson” was very difficult to deal with. He was always dragging me or pulling, he was combative with other dogs and just uncontrollable . However, after a few lessons we got him to sit, finally! Then lie down, then go to your place. We got him use to walking near other dogs. Now I look forward to walking him in the park, I can take him to dog park he has learned to play rather than be aggressive. Brad was very patient and did a good job teaching me how to teach Jackson.
  • Mack Elder
    May. 27, 2023
    With an in-home demonstration and a full breakdown of what they offer and what you can expect from the training sessions, you can't go wrong when starting work with Dog Training Elite. Malancy has been laser-focused and firm with our dog, completely methodical as a trainer, and the progress we have seen in six weeks has been incredible. We not only have a much better-behaved dog but also a road map on how to work with him going forward. If you have a dog who's out of control or simply requires a bit of direction, Dog Training Elite's services are exactly what you need.
  • Kevin Raleigh
    May. 24, 2023
    My wife and I own a nine-month-old Vizsla male who is an energy machine. We needed obedience and off-leash training and after working with a couple of other trainers went to Dog Training Elite Nashville for help. Out trainer, Malancy, had him under control within a few sessions and running off leash in open fields within 5 weeks. Using a verity of training methods, Malancy had our Vizsla’s attention and respect, and she was able to convey those techniques to us. Our dog still has the same energy and enthusiasm but is now under control. We highly recommend this trainer.