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Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Nashville, TN

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Nashville, TN from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Nashville, 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 Nashville, 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 Central 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 Nashville, 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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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 Central 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Kade Griffiths
    Jan. 28, 2026
    WOW was I impressed with the dog training here! I’ve gone to several others all over Nashville, but I just haven’t seen much progress with my dog’s behavior until one of my close friends from church recommended this place. I own a vizsla and if anyone knows anything about vizslas is that they’re cute but crazy and highly energetic dogs. Going here and training my lovely dog has made him keep the cuteness, but cut out the chaotic behavior. Thanks again this place has saved me so much time and energy. If I ever get another dog the FIRST thing I’ll do is bring them here
  • Kel Griffiths
    Jan. 28, 2026
    I’m so glad that I took my dog Kenji to Dog Training Elite. Kenji as a puppy was very chaotic and would always jump on us and would pull on the leash whenever we’d take him out for runs and walks. He would also chew up all our shoes. But not after taking him here, Kenji has learned to no jump on us or guests and is obedient to our commands on walks. And they have eliminated Kenji’s chewing habits.Highly recommend Dog Training Elite, they are so kind to the dogs and are very professional and friendly.
  • Andrew Hatch
    Jan. 28, 2026
    My experience here with my dog Rocky was unbelievable and necessary! Before his training he was overly excited, unsure how to interact properly with people, barked constantly, and wasn’t potty trained. After his training here all of these issues were fixed! I absolutely recommend to train your dog here with them! Rocky is such a good boy now!
  • George Ditto
    Jan. 28, 2026
    My dog is super friendly but used to be so wild- she would bark all the time, jump up on guest, and always pull at the leash on walks to go say hi to other dogs or people. After putting her through the program here, she has become so much better! She is still so loving but she’s much better about jumping up on people and is much more polite on walks! It’s been a great experience for us through Dog Training Elite!
  • Clayton Pykles
    Jan. 28, 2026
    Dog Training Elite completely changed my dog’s behavior for the better. Before training, my dog struggled with listening, pulling on the leash, and staying calm around other dogs and people. After working with their trainers, the improvement has been insane—in the best way. My dog is more obedient, calmer, more confident, and actually listens to commands now (which I didn’t think was possible 😅). The trainers are super professional, patient, and really know what they’re doing. They don’t just train the dog—they train you too, so you actually understand how to keep the progress going at home. Everything is clear, structured, and tailored to your dog’s personality, not some one-size-fits-all method. If you’re on the fence, don’t be. Dog Training Elite is 100% worth it. My dog is happier, I’m less stressed, and our bond is way stronger now. Highly recommend.
  • gabe fillmore
    Jul. 21, 2023
    Amazing my King Charles doesn’t dart out of the door anymore I just love it!
  • laurene holcomb
    Jan. 22, 2026
    Excellent communication and knowledge..never rushed .. just wonderful for me and my Shepard .. highly recommend elite trainers!! Been with for six months and we have mastered many commands and go in public and are progressing so well.. so glad I have elite to train me and my Shepard !
  • Matt Joachim
    Jan. 4, 2026
    I was hesitant about paying for dog training. But now I realize it was the best investment I could make for my dog. He has so much more freedom now that he listens to commands reliably and this was an incredible experience thank you dog training elite!
  • Kinzy Nabrotzky
    Jan. 4, 2026
    I am so grateful for Parker at dog training elite. My dog used to bark anytime we stopped petting him, but now he doesn’t bark at us anymore. He is an amazing housemate and I’m so glad that we decided to go with DTE for dog training.
  • Natalie Neuhaus
    Jan. 4, 2026
    I loved my experience with dog training elite! They helped me so much by taking my dog from being a menace to being a sweet girl! Millie is my micro golden doodle and I am so proud of where she is at now after dog training. The private lessons and group lessons were awesome!
  • Julia Lewis
    Dec. 20, 2025
    Wild willful puppy now much safer !!
  • Jaxon Hunt
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Thank you so much to Parker and his team for training our dog that was out of control! They made the training process easy and were always so kind and considerate. Thanks you for your amazing service!
  • Carson Stosich
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Awesome service. Awesome trainers. Couldn’t have been happier about the way my dog behaves.
  • haylie chase
    Dec. 8, 2025
    This is THE place to go for any dog training. Parker and his team are truly the BEST. They treat dogs and their owners with respect and kindness which can turn any feisty pup into a smart and reliable dog & friend.
  • Sage Bangerter
    Dec. 8, 2025
    I loved everything about dog training elite!! I finally started to see results when Parker and his team came in. I can tell the trainers really cared about my dog and it shows in their work. I would recommend to literally everyone!! Best experience
  • aubrey jones
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Before training, my dog struggled with leash pulling, jumping, and not listening when it mattered most. After working with this trainer, the difference is unbelievable. They were patient, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my dog’s success. If you’re thinking about getting your dog trained, do it. This has been one of the best investments I’ve made. Highly recommend!
  • Amanda Rowland
    Nov. 5, 2025
    Parker was great, he came in and evaluated our dogs. Very professional, and you can tell he’s had lots of experience training. Would recommend!
  • Francis LoGiudice
    Nov. 2, 2025
    Kenna, Montana & Parker all worked with our dogs and us to create an amazing foundation for us to train both our pups. We have experienced great progress with everything they taught us and them. It is worth the money as long as you are willing to put in the time with your dog. We are looking forward to the remaining group trainings. Thanks Kenna, Parker & Montana for working with us.
  • Steven Anderson
    Nov. 1, 2025
    Awesome experience with Dog Training Elite!!! They have been helping us with our Labrador and we have seen him make continual progress since day 1. They have been great with helping us address problem behaviors. The instruction we’ve received has empowered us to shape the behaviors we want our dog to display and stop the ones that have been a problem. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!
  • Benjamin Knight
    Oct. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was awesome! Couldn’t recommend them enough. My dog would get super hyper/aggressive around the kids and other dogs. Now they are much more tame and their behavior improved greatly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for effective and compassionate training!