Back to Obedience Dog Training

Crate Training

Dog Training Elite

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

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.

See Training Packages

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?

Read More
Read Less

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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite - Classical Conditioning Dog Training. DTE

Classical Conditioning Training

Dog Training Elite - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. DTE

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite - Puppy Obedience Training. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite - Off Leash Dog Training. Dog Training Elite

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite - Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience. Dog Training Elite

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

Two well-behaved puppies after training in their crates.

Start Crate Training Today


Read More
Read Less

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!

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Thomas Rusk
    Mar. 3, 2026
    I enrolled my dog in the flexible program at Dog Training Elite Chattanooga and could not be happier. The teaching style was clear and easy to understand, which helped my dog make rapid progress. I saw noticeable improvement in behavior after the first session and the results have been tremendous. Rod always explained each step in the training and made sure we understood . I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Chattanooga for anyone looking for effective dog obedience classes and reliable training.
  • Bettina Roberts
    Mar. 2, 2026
    My husband and I cannot express enough our deep appreciation for the tremendous support we have received from the entire team at DTE Western Chicago over the last year as Bentley, our miniature dachshund, has gone through his training to become a certified service dog. From the very first day on March 17th, 2025, the expertise and incredible knowledge demonstrated by Tim, Katie, Grace, Pauline, and Jamie convinced us we had found just the right place for Bentley’s training (and ours as well!). We’ve gone through all three two week intensive sessions (These are awesome one-on-one training experiences by the experts.), numerous group sessions (We recommend you attend these whenever possible. These sessions are so interactive and fun and provide a great platform for ongoing training.), several camps (These are great opportunities to refresh skills and manners and for your furry friends to just have fun!). Bentley loves the training team at DTE and gets so excited when we go to the training facility. Bentley has passed all three levels of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Tests, thanks to the ongoing patience and guidance from the DTE Team who are AKC certified as evaluators. Tim and Katie have continued to expand and grow the training experiences they offer along with their training team and most recently, Erik joined the DTE Team. He too has brought tremendous knowledge and support for our ongoing training journey and his group classes have been both fun and educational. We tried another dog training group before finding the DTE Team and wow, what a difference. The professionalism, experience, and entire program at DTE is well worth your investment of resources, most importantly, your time commitment with your furry best friend. All our love and gratitude to the DTE Team! Richard, Bettina, and Bentley
  • LoneWolf Moonboy
    Jan. 22, 2026
    Absolutely fantastic!! Jeff was very thorough and extremely informative during the assessment and Meggie killed it for our first session. I can’t wait to continue with the process!!
  • Lynne Vendetti
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Kayla has helped my nervous dog so much! His behavior has improved greatly!
  • Mallory Wylie
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Brad with Dog Training Elite was incredible! He listened to all my concerns and tailored training specifically for my English Bulldog(stubborn!!) I saw amazing progress every single week. Brad was timely, professional, and very knowledgeable when it comes to the way dogs process info in order to learn. 10/10 Would recommend to any family or friend!!
  • chelsea moses
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Tiffany came to our house to do a consultation. She was very professional very well informed and I felt very comfortable with her.
  • Michele Roland
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Blaize was knowledgeable and really listened to our concerns with Hugo. She was supportive and encouraging.
  • B. Yates
    Mar. 2, 2026
    I walked in unsure about how to help my high‑energy puppy, but left feeling hopeful and supported. The trainer was incredibly patient, taking the time to understand my dog’s personality and showing me simple, clear steps. Each session felt catered to my and my dogs needs. I especially appreciated the gentle approach during our private dog training sessions, which made my nervous dog comfortable and eager to learn. After a few weeks I’m finally seeing good manners at home and on walks. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville for anyone looking for a caring and effective dog behavior specialist.
  • Guillermo Cendejas
    Mar. 2, 2026
    We had a great experience working with Hannah Randall from Dog Training Elite. She was professional, knowledgeable, and very flexible with scheduling, which made the training process easy to manage. She explained things clearly and helped us feel confident continuing the training on our own between sessions. A good dog trainer doesn't just work with the dog but also teaches the owners how to be consistent and effective, and Hannah did exactly that. We saw real progress and would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled and supportive dog trainer.
  • Amelia Corbin
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Brad was so patient, knowledgeable, and respectful when in my home. Much progress with 2 very ill behaved pugs. I would highly recommend him for your home training needs!
  • Stacey Blitz
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Jessica is the best! She's calm, direct, knowledgeable, encouraging, so sweet! Our dog Poppy loves her and we do too 🥰
  • Cheryl Button
    Mar. 2, 2026
    First session was very informative and went very well. Brennan is great! He truly understands your dog and Ziva just loved him! Super excited for our next session!
  • Bauer Sumpio
    Mar. 2, 2026
    What’s better than competent, knowledgeable and personable dog trainers? When they come to your home and give individualized bespoke training! Iliana and Jason have been training my 7 month old goldendoodle Lola and they are outstanding …we’ve utilized all the techniques including choke, prong and e-collar. Lola is now a more confident dog and a joy to walk around our town of Woodbridge. They also run group sessions with their client dogs which is really valuable in socializing Lola to other dogs and managing her behaviors. When I take Lola to the dog park, she is very comfortable with other dogs and plays well with them! I highly recommend this dog training program. It has given me the tools to properly communicate and interact with my dog.
  • Susenn Pike
    Mar. 1, 2026
    From Fearful Rescue to Confident Companion – Exceptional Experience in Frisco! I cannot thank Joseph and the team at Dog Training Elite Frisco enough for the transformation in my 1-year-old GSD/Lab mix, Lily. I rescued Lily at 4 weeks old, and despite my best efforts, she struggled with severe anxiety, leash pulling, and reactivity toward people and other dogs. At 50 lbs, she was becoming impossible to walk, and I was truly worried she’d never be able to enjoy the world around her. After an insightful evaluation with Tra, we decided on the 2-week Board and Train. As a nervous dog mom, I was worried she would shut down, but Joseph was a godsend. To ease my anxiety, he provided daily pics and updates on her progress, which meant the world to me. Joseph didn’t just "train" her; he matched her energy, recognized her sweetness, and built her confidence from the ground up through discipline and engagement. He used creative training environments—like walks in the woods and outdoor sessions—to meet her exactly where she was. It’s clear Joseph views dog training as an art and is his passion; he invested so much heart into her, and the bond they formed was great to see. The "hand-off" was seamless. Joseph spent significant time showing me how to transfer those skills at home. Austin then provided the "missing link" with in-home reinforcement sessions. He was fantastic at coaching me to ensure I was executing commands the "right way" so Lily and I could have long-term success. Between the board and train and the group classes, Lily has become a thriving, loyal family companion. I have zero hesitation recommending Joseph for any Board and Train needs and Austin for expert in-home coaching. They didn't just train my dog; they empowered me to be a better owner and Lily a thriving, loyal family best friend!
  • Laura Smith
    Oct. 16, 2025
    Jeff was great with our dog Sera, she loved him and his dog. We are really excited to start training with him. Had our 3rd lesson with Meggie and it was very good she have us great advice. Meggie and Happy were awesome to work with and she is very positive. Finally went to a puppy socialization class with Jeff. It was really good for my puppy and really showed me what I still need to work on. Seraphina did really well and I was super pleased. I definitely have my work cut out for me though cause she could careless about treats. She just wants to play. She was definitely ready for bed last night and she's still tired this morning..LOL Jeff was out today and he was excellent with Seraphina. She is a very stubborn alpha puppy and he really helped me to understand how to handle her stubborn side. She is already listening better, but i am working on being the alpha in or relationship. I had to tie her to my desk cause I told her to stay and she kept leaving. Eventually I was able to untie her and she stayed and fell asleep 😴 💤 We all went to Lowes with Meggie and had a great class working on sit for duration and not breaking with distractions. Seraphina loves running through the big blue flatbed carts. It was very fun. Thank you Meggie. Just start the advanced obedience training and it has been worth it. This next step helps hold me and my dog more responsible. I have done lots of training in the past and I have learned a lot from DTE. Thank you Jeff. Thank you Meggie for another wonderful lesson Sera is really coming along with this second phase of training.
  • Amy Pittsinger
    Mar. 1, 2026
    We have had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! The center based training with Austin was very helpful with necessary basic commands, and the in home sessions with Ali were amazing with specific needs in our home environment. Their office staff, along with their trainers are wonderful and truly care about your pups well being!
  • Crystal Vavra
    Feb. 28, 2026
    Our adopted pup had a very rough life in the beginning. We hired Dog Training Elite and worked with Bob and Mia. They helped Daisy learn how to trust people, be confident and learn many skills by command. It gave us a great start on how to continue with the training so we will have a well behaved pup and that in turn makes all of us happy!
  • BRANDIE Lamanna
    Feb. 28, 2026
    Why we chose Vince at DTE to train our Presa Canario puppy Mater. I first spoke with Vince over the phone he had a kind gentle nature. Not only does Vince love dogs but he also loves people. Our puppy Mater took to him immediately as did my husband and I. We just finished our 6 in home sessions and we couldn't be more pleased with Maters progress but also our own progress Vince is so knowledgeable and relates that information so we understand. We learned so much. Vince isn't afraid to take extra time to answer questions, to work with you and your dog. He is a fantastic, caring, compassionate and knowledgeable trainer. Highly recommend his service for anyone looking for a great trainer.
  • Susenn Pike
    Feb. 28, 2026
    From Fearful Rescue to Confident Companion – Exceptional Experience in Frisco! I cannot thank Joseph and the team at Dog Training Elite Frisco enough for the transformation in my 1-year-old GSD/Lab mix, Lily. I rescued Lily at 4 weeks old, and despite my best efforts, she struggled with severe anxiety, leash pulling, and reactivity toward people and other dogs. At 50 lbs, she was becoming impossible to walk, and I was truly worried she’d never be able to enjoy the world around her. After an insightful evaluation with Tra, we decided on the 2-week Board and Train. As a nervous dog mom, I was worried she would shut down, but Joseph was a godsend. To ease my anxiety, he provided daily pics and updates on her progress, which meant the world to me. Joseph didn’t just "train" her; he matched her energy, recognized her sweetness, and built her confidence from the ground up through discipline and engagement. He used creative training environments—like walks in the woods and outdoor sessions—to meet her exactly where she was. It’s clear Joseph views dog training as an art and is his passion; he invested so much heart into her, and the bond they formed was great to see. The "hand-off" was seamless. Joseph spent significant time showing me how to transfer those skills at home. Austin then provided the "missing link" with in-home reinforcement sessions. He was fantastic at coaching me to ensure I was executing commands the "right way" so Lily and I could have long-term success. Between the board and train and the group classes, Lily has become a thriving, loyal family companion. I have zero hesitation recommending Joseph for any Board and Train needs and Austin for expert in-home coaching. They didn't just train my dog; they empowered me to be a better owner and Lily a thriving, loyal family best friend!
  • Jaszmyn Davey
    Feb. 28, 2026
    When I first started training with Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast, I was honestly overwhelmed. Kora is reactive, and there were days I felt discouraged and unsure if we’d ever feel “normal” out in public. After Kora was attacked in February of 2025, I thought her career as a service dog was over. From day one, Tina and her staff met us with patience and zero judgment. Tina didn’t just hand me a list of commands — she helped me understand my dog. She taught me how to read Kora, how to advocate for her, and how to build her confidence instead of just correcting behavior. This past week, Kora passed her Canine Good Citizen test and earned her first title. I walked into that test nervous because while I know how far we’ve come, I still had doubts in myself. Watching Kora work confidently and walk out with that title meant more than I can put into words. Because of Tina and her crew, I have begun to slowly see my dog step back into service dog work. She has a renewed interest in working, she’s excited to go out in public, and my trust and confidence in her ability has improved immensely. This didn’t happen overnight. It took consistency, guidance, and a trainer who truly cared about our progress. I’m so grateful we found this company, and I recommend them to anyone who feels like they’re in the “hard stage” with their dog. It does get better — and having the right support makes all the difference.