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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.

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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

  • Christopher Soukup
    Aug. 6, 2025
    02 May 2026: As expected, another great experience with the team from DTE. The training focus is not to make the dog a robot on command but to really bond a resource companion with detailed explanation in behavior dynamics. Rhett's many years of experience really shines with every session. 23 Apr 2026: Rhett was absolutely awesome working with my service dog in training. I had a gap in sessions due to medical reasons and he was great with instruction and getting us back on a structured path. Dog Training Elite has gone above and beyond in accommodating me in a rural area by coming out an hour and half just to make sure we are getting the training and resources we need! Watching my dog progress after each session and getting the handler skills needed to continue work between instructor lead sessions is really an amazing to experience. 06 Aug 2025: First day of training was exceptionally informative. Julia was extremely professional and knowledgeable instilling confidence moving forward. I definitely know I made the right choice for my service dog needs. 18 Sept 2025: Fast forward into a few sessions later and still absolutely impressed with the level of professionalism and results
  • Nate Smithson
    May. 2, 2026
    Deidre came out for the consultation and we can’t wait to get started! She did a great job explaining the process and answering our questions. Still a long way to go but we feel like we’ve made the right decision going with Dog Training Elite.
  • Kelly Flynn
    May. 2, 2026
    We purchased the gold training package for our one year old rescue dog, Herman. Working with dog training elite and Taylor has been great! When we started, Herman barely knew how to sit and was reactive towards other dogs. Taylor engaged our entire family, including our senior dog, Ellie, during the at home training sessions which was nice. The personalized at home sessions taught Herman the sit, off, quiet, down, place, and heel commands. Taylor was very flexible with scheduling our sessions which was nice. After the at home sessions, we began group classes. At our first class, Herman was overly excited and had to be calmed down in the painting lot before joining, but by our third class, he was almost non-reactive to other dogs and sits calmly in groups. Though Herman is still a bit stubborn with down and occasionally distracted during heel, I’m amazed at how far he’s come in such a short time. I highly recommend Taylor and dog training elite.
  • Micah Beene
    May. 1, 2026
    We found Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville while searching for dog training near me and couldn’t be happier. The trainers Rob and Brad showed incredible patience, kindness and gentleness. Their experience and understanding made our sessions smooth and effective. Highly recommend for anyone looking for obedience training for dogs.
  • Leticia n James Bollinger
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Absolutely amazing! So patient with all my questions. Very clear with directions and helpful with proper training.
  • Kevin Mallory
    May. 1, 2026
    Charlie and the staff at DTE were awesome with our year old Malamute / Border Collie mix, who was a handful to say the least. He just finished his two-week program. Charlie was so nice and very caring about our dog, and she took great care of him. Our dog has significantly improved his manners, is far less impulsive, and has gotten so much better on walks and runs. We know we still have work to do, but DTE created a great foundation that we will continue to build on and develop from. But the difference they have made in him already is like night and day.
  • Lauren Unger
    May. 1, 2026
    Rhett was fabulous!! Our six month dog had no awareness of his back legs couldn’t jump on the couch. I had to pick him up and carry him into the car. He couldn’t jump down from the couch or off the bed. In one session, Duke learned “place”. He had him jumping on top of picnic tables. Sitting and staying in this place. Took us to the car and trained him getting in and out of the car by himself. I didn’t think Duke could do it and I was so impressed!!! Getting him trained with this company and with him has been absolutely wonderful and highly recommend it. So much gets done in just one session. He talks you through everything. You understand the process of the way the brain works with the dog and the reasonings behind how they’re training them and why they do it that way. Five stars all the way, and if I could give more, I would! Lauren Unger
  • Suzanne Martin
    Feb. 20, 2025
    We absolutely love and appreciate this fantastic business. Kind caring and understanding. Nova has learned so much. She is now attending group sessions on Saturdays
  • Suzanne Martin
    Feb. 20, 2025
    We absolutely love and appreciate this fantastic business. Kind caring and understanding. Nova has learned so much. She is now attending group sessions on Saturdays
  • Sheena Williamson
    May. 1, 2026
    Jeff and all the staff always do a great job with Bella and Bella loves them all, which tells you a lot about how she is taken care of by them. Bella gets so excited when we tell her she’s going to “class” and it’s the only time she will actually cry in the car waiting to get there! She has learned so much and they have taught me so much! I am very grateful for Dog Training Elite!!
  • Andrew Stoddard
    May. 1, 2026
    Everyone we've worked with here has been incredible! Very professional and effective in what they do.
  • Dawn Olsen
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Larissa was amazing and very helpful with our rescue Pittie. Highly recommended DTE for all behavior issues and the continued support!
  • Isabelle Riley
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Justin has been fantastic! We adopted Remy last July and immediately knew there was something special about him. Justin helped us take him from stray shelter pup to a certified hospital therapy dog! We are also reaching out to libraries and grief groups to see if anyone needs a large, silly but calm, dog who is trained to work in therapy settings!
  • Bert Mathews
    Apr. 30, 2026
    They have been prompt and professional. My dog has enjoyed each person. He has been calm and performed well which is hard for an English Bulldog.
  • Heather Smith
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Rhett is great! Very knowledgeable and is helping us tremendously with pur Beagle
  • Marcia Vaillancourt
    Apr. 14, 2026
    Our puppy loves Elijah! He makes her feel comfortable & safe. He doesn’t push her beyond her ability & praises her..
  • Kimberly Logan
    Apr. 30, 2026
    I thoroughly enjoyed working with Reina!
  • Jordan Turner
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Yesterday I got to witness & be part of a training session in my store, Pet Supermarket. The trainer, Rhett, showed incredible knowledge and patience with the dog, as well as the handler involved! I’ve never had the chance to witness public training for a service animal, so I was thrilled they chose my store to hold the session in! I’d highly recommend them after seeing how knowledgeable the trainers are!
  • Oisin O Corragain
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Kyle was outstanding with our dog - patient and clear with instructions and how to improve. A huge improvement seen!
  • Kaylee Ellington
    Apr. 30, 2026
    We’ve had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite Knoxville, and especially with our trainer Rhett. He has been absolutely wonderful to work with—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in our dog’s progress. From the very beginning, Rhett took the time to understand our puppy’s specific needs and gave us clear, practical guidance that made a real difference. You can tell he truly cares, not just about training dogs, but about helping owners feel confident too. We’ve seen such a positive change in our puppy’s behavior, and it’s made everyday life so much easier and more enjoyable. We’re really grateful for Rhett’s support and would highly recommend Dog Training Elite Knoxville to anyone looking for professional, effective, and compassionate training.