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Crate Training

Puppy Crate Training in Knoxville, TN

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

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Crate Training in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, 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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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 Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, 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

  • Wendy Etheridge
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Montana is a lovely young lady and Lydia took to her right away! This is in Nashville, by the way. She explained everything about the training program very well. She listened to the things I would like to do with Lydia and what I would like Lydia to be able to do. I appreciated her spending the amount of time she did and I felt well informed about the program. Thank you Montana, for throwing that BALL!!
  • George Weber
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Met with Parker for assessment of our dog. He was professional and helpful. Had 2nd lesson with Kenna made great strides in our dog's training Thank you Montana trained today. Great job explained all the steps and reasons for them Thank you Kenna has been training us and we couldn't be happier. Our dog has made huge improvement in obedience and makes life much more enjoyable Thank you
  • Cathy Austin
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Gracie was sweet and very personable. She explained the program in detail ans provided a estimate for the service.
  • Julia Lewis
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Effective , friendly all good
  • Lyndsay Nelson
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I genuinely love the work that Dog Training Elite does. From each in home training, to public outings, the knowledge is just incredible. I learn more each session and my dog and I are genuinely comfortable in each scenario.
  • Dottie Hagood
    Aug. 28, 2025
    T first session was very educational and instructive. I have a very stubborn Doberman female that I now feel certain can be trained so that I can enjoy her. Thank you Reina, so much!!!!
  • Jeanneth Sangurima-Quiles
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Very understanding and thorough. No rush and answered all our questions.
  • Christopher Soukup
    Aug. 6, 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
  • Sierra Lowder
    Sep. 13, 2025
    I’ve been training with Dog Training Elite for a few months now and it has been such a great experience. I’ve trained mostly with Graci. She has a calm, sweet & gentle personality that works great for my pup and I who are more laid back individuals. If you are looking for a place that is affordable, kind, & truly military friendly this is the place for you.
  • Beth Mouse
    Sep. 13, 2025
    Julia was very knowledgeable and gave us good information about how she would be addressing our problems with Oliver. Looking forward to learning how to improve our dog’s behavior.
  • Patricia Harris
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Carol was very warm & personable. My dog seemed to like her, & I did too. 2nd visit—great job!
  • Fred Stilling
    Aug. 19, 2025
    Reina was very attentive to my dog's needs. Very knowledgeable. A plus trainer. Guided me towards better training practices
  • kim rouse
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Carol was completely loved by our dog. That's a HUGE part in our decision making about a trainer. She was very nice, personable, kind and professional. We are hoping to be able to have her as our trainer.
  • Cynthia Green
    Sep. 10, 2025
    This place is the best! Our cute little puppy learned so much, but we learned even more! Their program is just amazing and I would highly recommend them!
  • Tamesha Peterson
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Reina was amazing and answered all my questions.
  • Rick Martin
    Jul. 9, 2025
    Let me tell youe Gracie she was a wonderful teacher. She even taught me a lot and I was pleased with her very much. She seems like she's dedicated to the animals and she wants to make them do right, and I am so proud that I am part of Gracie's team. I'm so glad We were chosen to enter this program.
  • Sam Rapp
    Sep. 8, 2025
    Montana is an excellent trainer whose care and understanding make her the best in her field.
  • Francis LoGiudice
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Kenna was very informative and explained the process very well. I beleive that we made great progress in our first session.
  • Kevin Obrien
    Jul. 2, 2025
    Great service as always our is progressing very well
  • Cameron Simmons
    Apr. 2, 2025
    My dog loved working with Montana and so did I! We are super happy she just passed her Public Access Exam thanks to the team at Elite.