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Crate Training

Dog Training Elite in Atlanta

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A young dog receiving puppy crate training in Atlanta, GA from DTE.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Atlanta, GA

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 Atlanta, GA 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 in Atlanta

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 Atlanta, GA 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.

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 in Atlanta, 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

  • Ryann Imhulse
    May. 2, 2025
    100% would recommend Dog Training Elite Northwest Atlanta! We reached out to Michael and Gosia in desperation after our overprotective black lab tried to chew through the basement door when we had a babysitter. We had resigned ourselves to the fact that we just couldn't have anyone in our home when we weren't there. They came over to assess Charlie and explained his behavior in a way that gave us hope. Their expertise and patience with Charlie (and us) has decreased Charlie's anxiety and has brought out the best sides of him. We are so grateful for their expertise! Their one on one training sessions have been game changers, and we are excited to have the continued support through group sessions going forward.
  • Rocky Brown
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Great people who do an amazing job helping my puppy turn into a well trained dog!
  • Floyd Dickens III
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Highly recommended - sought out a trainer for our 6 month old pup, and after extensive research, we decided to go with Dog Training Elite. They did not disappoint! Michael (our lead trainer) was knowledgeable, detailed, informative, flexible and most of all PATIENT! If you are looking for in-home training, this is it!
  • Lenice Dower
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing!!! They helped us so much with our French Bulldog Poppy. I would 10/10 recommend them for dog training and would use them in the future again.
  • Joy Derrer
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Gosia has been a delightful person to help us adjust to and know how to train our sweet golden retriever pup Sandy. We have a large family with many kids of various ages and wanted to insure that we were all on the same page and consistent in setting up puppy training right. Gosia’s patience and kindness and expertise have given us tools to help us be in control and love our sweet girl even more as she learns to obey and please. We look forward to continuing obedience training as she grows.
  • Nancy Warden
    Apr. 6, 2025
    We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta! We loved having the one on one experience combined with group dog training. Our dog, Louie, is much better behaved and happier and so are we😀
  • Bryan Cantrell
    Mar. 24, 2025
    The training is perfect for a puppy. They taught my puppy to sit, place, come and walk on a leash. They actually taught me how to train so I can keep it going. Perfect dog training and great people!
  • Jonathan Cross
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Michael is amazing. He’s encouraging and patient. He was great with my dog Hondo.
  • Ann Gorman
    Mar. 12, 2025
    Mike and Goisa were enthusiastic, well prepared, caring trainers. They knew exactly how to get my wild bernedoodle to do as they asked. Always had good tips and eager to answer any questions I had about puppy behaviors. Very nice people, as well!
  • Nick Argoe
    Mar. 1, 2025
    My wife and I sought out training services with DTE NE Atl for our 6 year old labradoodle, Della, after recently adopting her. We were seeking support for Della as she was a VERY anxious dog, especially with people (new people.) She is a very sweet dog, never aggressive, just nervous and anxious and overall lacking confidence. My wife and I were skeptical if anyone could help Della, as we had her for 6 months at this point, she’s an older dog, and it seemed to be more of a personality trait and maybe the effects of what she had been through in the past before we adopted her. Then came Michael with Dog training Elite. Della has completed their platinum training program and is truly a different dog. She still has a shy disposition, but has gained so much confidence from training with Michael in our home and out in public. Her anxiety has decreased and as we continue to work on it, she now knows so many commands and looks to us as her owners to see if a situation is safe before running away. She has confidence in us AND herself. We now attend group classes regularly with Michael and Gosia which have propelled Della even further. They run an amazing program!! We are truly grateful for their help, flexibility, and support in equipping us and Della for success.
  • Adriana Vasquez
    Mar. 1, 2025
    “I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite owned by Michael and Gosia enough! Their expertise, patience, and dedication turned my Doberman Pinscher Arya, into a fully Certified Service Dog. From day one, they provided clear guidance and personalized training that truly made a difference. Arya is now confident, well-mannered, and ready to assist me in everyday life. If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares and delivers results, look no further!”
  • Erika Kaivani
    Jan. 12, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We have had an amazing experience working with Michael and Gosia during our Platinum program for our puppy, Lyra. Their training methods are highly effective—we’ve seen noticeable improvement in Lyra’s reactivity, and she’s become much more obedient. Michael and Gosia are incredibly personable, always on time, and very communicative throughout the process. They genuinely care about the success of both the dog and the owners. While training can be an ongoing process & we know we still have work to do in the group classes ahead (which are included with platinum pkg), we are so grateful for the strong foundation they’ve helped us build and cannot wait to continue improvement. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for knowledgeable and reliable trainers!
  • Rick Busch
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Many, many thanks to Dog Training Elite and especially to our Trainer/Owner, Michael Billedo. My wife and I checked out several dog training programs in the area for our Cavapoo, Cali, prior to contacting DTE. We were both very pleased and impressed with Michael and with the information he provided on that first phone call and felt very comfortable setting up an in-home introductory appointment. That first appointment went very well and Michael was very friendly and informative and there was absolutely no sales pressure. He made an immediate connection with Cali and with us and we comfortably selected the program we all felt would best meet our needs. Michael far exceeded our expectations as both a friendly and personable instructor and an expert dog trainer (and passionate dog lover!). We enjoyed working with Michael immensely both personally and professionally and highly recommend DTE and Michael for a great dog training experience. Our training goals were met and we now possess the tools and techniques we learned for a lifetime!
  • Valerie Wheeler
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Whit is clear in his instruction and eager to help dog and owner work together for the best outcome. He has always been willing to schedule appointments that work with our home calendar.
  • Kristy Hicks.
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Mr. Gray came to my house and help me train my dog Slim. He taught me what I needed to know to help me become a better pet parent. He works with your schedule and they have group training. He is a trainer that I would recommend.
  • Tai Harris
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Tailor Harris
    Dec. 17, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Derrick Gonzalez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Whit and his family have done an incredible job with my Bella, as well as with us as dog parents. We enrolled Bella for service dog training since she was a little crazy puppy, and she has grown into a wonderful well behaved adult dog that we are very proud of. Consistency is key, and we appreciate Dog Training Elite West Atlanta for always being consistent with us.
  • Alaina Hornsby
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Mikie & Dixie have made SO much progress from training! Gosia & Mike were so patient with our newly rescued, very skiddish, dogs. The pups went from scattering like cockroaches with any amount of freedom or any noise to following us off leash in a Home Depot in the loud lumber department & following us down the path to our dock or wherever we lead them.p Thank you!!!
  • Kaitlyn Taylor
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The terms "professional," "personable," and "efficient" scarcely encapsulate the outstanding training and demeanor that Whit Gray provides! My dog had been labeled as "fear aggressive," as Whit accurately described. He would nip at strangers and exhibited discomfort with being touched, although he was comfortable around my family members. Additionally, he appeared intimidated by toddlers and unfamiliar faces in our home. After just four one-on-one training sessions, I observed a remarkable transformation in my dog! What I appreciated most about Whit was his patience and professionalism in his training techniques, complemented by his thorough explanations of his methods and their underlying rationale. He offered me reassurance and guidance on how to teach my dog right from wrong. Whit not only excels as a trainer but also maintains an approachable and responsive demeanor when I had inquiries about my dog's behavior or needed to reschedule sessions. His communication was consistently professional and efficient. I wholeheartedly recommend Whit as a trainer for anyone seeking a patient and skilled professional. Thank you, Whit!
  • Ryann Imhulse
    May. 2, 2025
    100% would recommend Dog Training Elite Northwest Atlanta! We reached out to Michael and Gosia in desperation after our overprotective black lab tried to chew through the basement door when we had a babysitter. We had resigned ourselves to the fact that we just couldn't have anyone in our home when we weren't there. They came over to assess Charlie and explained his behavior in a way that gave us hope. Their expertise and patience with Charlie (and us) has decreased Charlie's anxiety and has brought out the best sides of him. We are so grateful for their expertise! Their one on one training sessions have been game changers, and we are excited to have the continued support through group sessions going forward.
  • Rocky Brown
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Great people who do an amazing job helping my puppy turn into a well trained dog!
  • Floyd Dickens III
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Highly recommended - sought out a trainer for our 6 month old pup, and after extensive research, we decided to go with Dog Training Elite. They did not disappoint! Michael (our lead trainer) was knowledgeable, detailed, informative, flexible and most of all PATIENT! If you are looking for in-home training, this is it!
  • Lenice Dower
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing!!! They helped us so much with our French Bulldog Poppy. I would 10/10 recommend them for dog training and would use them in the future again.
  • Joy Derrer
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Gosia has been a delightful person to help us adjust to and know how to train our sweet golden retriever pup Sandy. We have a large family with many kids of various ages and wanted to insure that we were all on the same page and consistent in setting up puppy training right. Gosia’s patience and kindness and expertise have given us tools to help us be in control and love our sweet girl even more as she learns to obey and please. We look forward to continuing obedience training as she grows.
  • Nancy Warden
    Apr. 6, 2025
    We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta! We loved having the one on one experience combined with group dog training. Our dog, Louie, is much better behaved and happier and so are we😀
  • Bryan Cantrell
    Mar. 24, 2025
    The training is perfect for a puppy. They taught my puppy to sit, place, come and walk on a leash. They actually taught me how to train so I can keep it going. Perfect dog training and great people!
  • Jonathan Cross
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Michael is amazing. He’s encouraging and patient. He was great with my dog Hondo.
  • Ann Gorman
    Mar. 12, 2025
    Mike and Goisa were enthusiastic, well prepared, caring trainers. They knew exactly how to get my wild bernedoodle to do as they asked. Always had good tips and eager to answer any questions I had about puppy behaviors. Very nice people, as well!
  • Nick Argoe
    Mar. 1, 2025
    My wife and I sought out training services with DTE NE Atl for our 6 year old labradoodle, Della, after recently adopting her. We were seeking support for Della as she was a VERY anxious dog, especially with people (new people.) She is a very sweet dog, never aggressive, just nervous and anxious and overall lacking confidence. My wife and I were skeptical if anyone could help Della, as we had her for 6 months at this point, she’s an older dog, and it seemed to be more of a personality trait and maybe the effects of what she had been through in the past before we adopted her. Then came Michael with Dog training Elite. Della has completed their platinum training program and is truly a different dog. She still has a shy disposition, but has gained so much confidence from training with Michael in our home and out in public. Her anxiety has decreased and as we continue to work on it, she now knows so many commands and looks to us as her owners to see if a situation is safe before running away. She has confidence in us AND herself. We now attend group classes regularly with Michael and Gosia which have propelled Della even further. They run an amazing program!! We are truly grateful for their help, flexibility, and support in equipping us and Della for success.
  • Adriana Vasquez
    Mar. 1, 2025
    “I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite owned by Michael and Gosia enough! Their expertise, patience, and dedication turned my Doberman Pinscher Arya, into a fully Certified Service Dog. From day one, they provided clear guidance and personalized training that truly made a difference. Arya is now confident, well-mannered, and ready to assist me in everyday life. If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares and delivers results, look no further!”
  • Erika Kaivani
    Jan. 12, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We have had an amazing experience working with Michael and Gosia during our Platinum program for our puppy, Lyra. Their training methods are highly effective—we’ve seen noticeable improvement in Lyra’s reactivity, and she’s become much more obedient. Michael and Gosia are incredibly personable, always on time, and very communicative throughout the process. They genuinely care about the success of both the dog and the owners. While training can be an ongoing process & we know we still have work to do in the group classes ahead (which are included with platinum pkg), we are so grateful for the strong foundation they’ve helped us build and cannot wait to continue improvement. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for knowledgeable and reliable trainers!
  • Rick Busch
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Many, many thanks to Dog Training Elite and especially to our Trainer/Owner, Michael Billedo. My wife and I checked out several dog training programs in the area for our Cavapoo, Cali, prior to contacting DTE. We were both very pleased and impressed with Michael and with the information he provided on that first phone call and felt very comfortable setting up an in-home introductory appointment. That first appointment went very well and Michael was very friendly and informative and there was absolutely no sales pressure. He made an immediate connection with Cali and with us and we comfortably selected the program we all felt would best meet our needs. Michael far exceeded our expectations as both a friendly and personable instructor and an expert dog trainer (and passionate dog lover!). We enjoyed working with Michael immensely both personally and professionally and highly recommend DTE and Michael for a great dog training experience. Our training goals were met and we now possess the tools and techniques we learned for a lifetime!
  • Valerie Wheeler
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Whit is clear in his instruction and eager to help dog and owner work together for the best outcome. He has always been willing to schedule appointments that work with our home calendar.
  • Kristy Hicks.
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Mr. Gray came to my house and help me train my dog Slim. He taught me what I needed to know to help me become a better pet parent. He works with your schedule and they have group training. He is a trainer that I would recommend.
  • Tai Harris
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Tailor Harris
    Dec. 17, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Derrick Gonzalez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Whit and his family have done an incredible job with my Bella, as well as with us as dog parents. We enrolled Bella for service dog training since she was a little crazy puppy, and she has grown into a wonderful well behaved adult dog that we are very proud of. Consistency is key, and we appreciate Dog Training Elite West Atlanta for always being consistent with us.
  • Alaina Hornsby
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Mikie & Dixie have made SO much progress from training! Gosia & Mike were so patient with our newly rescued, very skiddish, dogs. The pups went from scattering like cockroaches with any amount of freedom or any noise to following us off leash in a Home Depot in the loud lumber department & following us down the path to our dock or wherever we lead them.p Thank you!!!
  • Kaitlyn Taylor
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The terms "professional," "personable," and "efficient" scarcely encapsulate the outstanding training and demeanor that Whit Gray provides! My dog had been labeled as "fear aggressive," as Whit accurately described. He would nip at strangers and exhibited discomfort with being touched, although he was comfortable around my family members. Additionally, he appeared intimidated by toddlers and unfamiliar faces in our home. After just four one-on-one training sessions, I observed a remarkable transformation in my dog! What I appreciated most about Whit was his patience and professionalism in his training techniques, complemented by his thorough explanations of his methods and their underlying rationale. He offered me reassurance and guidance on how to teach my dog right from wrong. Whit not only excels as a trainer but also maintains an approachable and responsive demeanor when I had inquiries about my dog's behavior or needed to reschedule sessions. His communication was consistently professional and efficient. I wholeheartedly recommend Whit as a trainer for anyone seeking a patient and skilled professional. Thank you, Whit!