Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


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.

See Training Packages

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?

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 Central Nashville - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Nashville, TN
Classical Conditioning Training
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Nashville, TN
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Puppy Obedience Training in Nashville, TN. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Off Leash Dog Training in Nashville, TN. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Dog Agility Training in Nashville, TN. DTE
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 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!

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

  • Camryn Cannon
    May. 10, 2025
    We used Dog Training Elite for our little guy Lucky in Nashville and are soooo happy with the results. lucky went from being disobedient and snappy to very friendly, kind respectful and loving. He no longer steals food from the counter and nips or bites at strangers. Parker was such a pleasure to work with and 100% worth the cost. It was an investment that has paid off 10x over! Highly highly recommend.
  • Julie Gillespie
    May. 8, 2025
    Reina, Montana, and Parker were all easy to work with. Knowledgeable, helped us make strides with Finch quickly and feel confident in working with him. I love how they work together as a team, similar in training concepts and all a little different with their tips and things to try - great support all the way around. Jen was great too, very helpful with scheduling and questions. Thanks everyone, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend DTE!
  • Grammy
    May. 7, 2025
    My dog Lucy is now so well-behaved. She walks so nicely on a leash and greets others politely. She's gotten to the point that I can let her out in the front yard, and even under high amounts of distraction, she comes back when called. Parker has been such a great trainer to work with. He understands my dog and was able to help us accomplish all our goals. Dog Training Elite, with their in-home training, is the best you will find in Franklin, TN.
  • Sheryl Edgeworth
    May. 7, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has truly changed my dog. My dogs used to jump on guests and bolt out the door. Now, they sit politely while getting a pet, and stay inside the house when the door opens. Parker is the best dog trainer in Brentwood. I have been so happy with the process and results.
  • Peter Holmstead
    May. 7, 2025
    Parker did an amazing job helping our dog moose be well behaved indoors. We live near Nashville, where we see a lot of people and he doesn’t bark uncontrollably at people coming to the door now and neighbors walking by. He has a very friendly demeanor and people love him now! Would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for their premium work.
  • Kaitlyn Doser
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I have been working with Montana for the one-on-one basic training portion of the program. She has been incredibly kind and helpful through the process. We are super excited to start the group training portion! Also a special shout out for Parker who came out for our last session, he was awesome! For anyone on the fence about going through with it, I recommend Dog Training Elite 10/10 as long as you’re willing to put in the work outside of training sessions (as is the case for pretty much any kind of training). I have been able to see results in my puppy’s behavior pretty much immediately under their guidance.
  • Shane White
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! I've had a lot of dogs in my life, but never took training seriously and knew with our new puppy, I wanted to do it right. The team was professional, loving, and supportive every step of the way. They instruct in a calm and cool manner, and made sure we were comfortable with the process along the way. Do not HESITATE to use these folks if you want to be successful in your dog training journey. It's a relief to bring our dog out in public and know she'll be happy and also obedient; we often chuckle to ourselves when we see a dog out of control...it's not that hard folks-- just get with Dog Training Elite!
  • mandi Beuerlein
    Apr. 19, 2025
    I thought my dog would never be able to be trained. He is a completely different dog now. When we go out everyone compliments how well behaved he is. Couldn’t ask for better trainers.
  • Carrie DuRard
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From devil to delight!! My frenchie, Cool Whip, went from a stubborn knucklehead to the most obedient dog. We are totally blown away!!! Our dog learned so much and we did too. Parker was kind, gentle and effective - a total pro. I would highly recommend any trainer with. dog Training Elite!!!!
  • nick matteucci
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Great in home service… transformed our monster into an angel!
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen in the office was so kind, helpful, and professional!
  • Adam Seger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Parker and his team are excellent! We have a full-go high-energy brittany, and after the training he is a completely different dog. Still energetic, but much more respectful, responsive, and easy. Highly recommended!
  • Pat Murphy
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Parker was an amazing trainer for our 1yo Labrador. She used to pull on the leash and had poor recall, not to mention a myriad of other behavior issues. Now, she is very obedient and recalls 100% of the time without issue. I run with her off the leash through neighborhoods and trails without issue, and we’re both much happier that way! A great investment!
  • Karly Kramer
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I absolutely love our trainer Reina! She is doing beautifully helping me out with my boy, Bolt. She is a very sweet individual that has an amazing vibe to her! I wouldn’t trade Reina for anything! Before we started with DTE, my boy was very reactive towards any noise, person, or dog. We have only had 4 sessions so far, and Bolt seems more comfortable with himself and our older dog, Lucas, which was a problem before we started training. Today after his session, he KISSED LUCAS!!! I have never seen them so comfortable with eachother before, and I think the confidence raise that the training is doing is helping him tremendously!! He has a long way to go, but so far, Bolt is doing very good with his emotions!! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a reactive/aggressive dog! They treat their clients amazingly, and they understand when the dog is struggling with a command and will help the best they can!! Don’t ever think your aggressive or reactive dog is untrainable, because Dog Training Elite shows otherwise!!! Additional: Reina really understands Bolt’s emotions and it makes me so thankful I was able to get a trainer like her. Bolt is weaning off of his Prozac now which is amazing! He is a happier dog now even if he has his days, but everyone does! The group sessions have helped him tremendously with his anxiety and his aggression. I see him one day being an off-leash dog that is desensitized by humans and animals! Thank you Reina and Dog Training Elite! I wouldn’t trade this professionalism for anything!
  • Brittney Berger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Signing up for dog training with Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Cosima, Parker and Reina are so knowledgeable and kind. Our Newfoundland pup Ginny is now responsive to commands, and gentle on the leash thanks to what we have learned from our sessions. It has been so nice to have the confidence that our dog won’t jump on other people, or pull hard on walks! Thank you Dog Training Elite Nashville!😊
  • Miguel Herrera
    Mar. 18, 2025
    I am not overstating when I say the training has changed our lives. We have 2 mini Australian Shepards that were on high alert 24/7. They are so much calmer and happier now. They can relax and they understand what we are telling them to do. The trainers were all great. We worked with 4 different ones and they were all professional, patient, and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone needing help with their dog.
  • Martin Vukel
    Mar. 11, 2025
    This place really helped with my German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix. He was very stubborn but quickly picked up on the training with Parker, Cosima and Reina!
  • Hobey Jiranek
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We’ve had a great experience working with Dog Training Elite. Their entire team is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend checking them out for dog training needs.
  • Scotty C
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Very professional and personable, prompt to the evaluation. Parker did a great job walking us through the process!
  • Rebecca King
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Parker has completely changed my dog! Toby has only had 4 sessions and it’s already like night and day. Toby is 10 years old and this past month is the first time he has been relaxed and calm when I answer the door and let someone in. He’s way less agitated and territorial. Allowing my brother to even give me a hug in the past has been a trigger for aggression, but now it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s not worried. I am in shock at how well this is going and I’m excited for the future. Toby’s life has completely changed because of Parker and his trainers. Thank you guys!!
  • Camryn Cannon
    May. 10, 2025
    We used Dog Training Elite for our little guy Lucky in Nashville and are soooo happy with the results. lucky went from being disobedient and snappy to very friendly, kind respectful and loving. He no longer steals food from the counter and nips or bites at strangers. Parker was such a pleasure to work with and 100% worth the cost. It was an investment that has paid off 10x over! Highly highly recommend.
  • Julie Gillespie
    May. 8, 2025
    Reina, Montana, and Parker were all easy to work with. Knowledgeable, helped us make strides with Finch quickly and feel confident in working with him. I love how they work together as a team, similar in training concepts and all a little different with their tips and things to try - great support all the way around. Jen was great too, very helpful with scheduling and questions. Thanks everyone, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend DTE!
  • Grammy
    May. 7, 2025
    My dog Lucy is now so well-behaved. She walks so nicely on a leash and greets others politely. She's gotten to the point that I can let her out in the front yard, and even under high amounts of distraction, she comes back when called. Parker has been such a great trainer to work with. He understands my dog and was able to help us accomplish all our goals. Dog Training Elite, with their in-home training, is the best you will find in Franklin, TN.
  • Sheryl Edgeworth
    May. 7, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has truly changed my dog. My dogs used to jump on guests and bolt out the door. Now, they sit politely while getting a pet, and stay inside the house when the door opens. Parker is the best dog trainer in Brentwood. I have been so happy with the process and results.
  • Peter Holmstead
    May. 7, 2025
    Parker did an amazing job helping our dog moose be well behaved indoors. We live near Nashville, where we see a lot of people and he doesn’t bark uncontrollably at people coming to the door now and neighbors walking by. He has a very friendly demeanor and people love him now! Would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for their premium work.
  • Kaitlyn Doser
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I have been working with Montana for the one-on-one basic training portion of the program. She has been incredibly kind and helpful through the process. We are super excited to start the group training portion! Also a special shout out for Parker who came out for our last session, he was awesome! For anyone on the fence about going through with it, I recommend Dog Training Elite 10/10 as long as you’re willing to put in the work outside of training sessions (as is the case for pretty much any kind of training). I have been able to see results in my puppy’s behavior pretty much immediately under their guidance.
  • Shane White
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! I've had a lot of dogs in my life, but never took training seriously and knew with our new puppy, I wanted to do it right. The team was professional, loving, and supportive every step of the way. They instruct in a calm and cool manner, and made sure we were comfortable with the process along the way. Do not HESITATE to use these folks if you want to be successful in your dog training journey. It's a relief to bring our dog out in public and know she'll be happy and also obedient; we often chuckle to ourselves when we see a dog out of control...it's not that hard folks-- just get with Dog Training Elite!
  • mandi Beuerlein
    Apr. 19, 2025
    I thought my dog would never be able to be trained. He is a completely different dog now. When we go out everyone compliments how well behaved he is. Couldn’t ask for better trainers.
  • Carrie DuRard
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From devil to delight!! My frenchie, Cool Whip, went from a stubborn knucklehead to the most obedient dog. We are totally blown away!!! Our dog learned so much and we did too. Parker was kind, gentle and effective - a total pro. I would highly recommend any trainer with. dog Training Elite!!!!
  • nick matteucci
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Great in home service… transformed our monster into an angel!
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen in the office was so kind, helpful, and professional!
  • Adam Seger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Parker and his team are excellent! We have a full-go high-energy brittany, and after the training he is a completely different dog. Still energetic, but much more respectful, responsive, and easy. Highly recommended!
  • Pat Murphy
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Parker was an amazing trainer for our 1yo Labrador. She used to pull on the leash and had poor recall, not to mention a myriad of other behavior issues. Now, she is very obedient and recalls 100% of the time without issue. I run with her off the leash through neighborhoods and trails without issue, and we’re both much happier that way! A great investment!
  • Karly Kramer
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I absolutely love our trainer Reina! She is doing beautifully helping me out with my boy, Bolt. She is a very sweet individual that has an amazing vibe to her! I wouldn’t trade Reina for anything! Before we started with DTE, my boy was very reactive towards any noise, person, or dog. We have only had 4 sessions so far, and Bolt seems more comfortable with himself and our older dog, Lucas, which was a problem before we started training. Today after his session, he KISSED LUCAS!!! I have never seen them so comfortable with eachother before, and I think the confidence raise that the training is doing is helping him tremendously!! He has a long way to go, but so far, Bolt is doing very good with his emotions!! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a reactive/aggressive dog! They treat their clients amazingly, and they understand when the dog is struggling with a command and will help the best they can!! Don’t ever think your aggressive or reactive dog is untrainable, because Dog Training Elite shows otherwise!!! Additional: Reina really understands Bolt’s emotions and it makes me so thankful I was able to get a trainer like her. Bolt is weaning off of his Prozac now which is amazing! He is a happier dog now even if he has his days, but everyone does! The group sessions have helped him tremendously with his anxiety and his aggression. I see him one day being an off-leash dog that is desensitized by humans and animals! Thank you Reina and Dog Training Elite! I wouldn’t trade this professionalism for anything!
  • Brittney Berger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Signing up for dog training with Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Cosima, Parker and Reina are so knowledgeable and kind. Our Newfoundland pup Ginny is now responsive to commands, and gentle on the leash thanks to what we have learned from our sessions. It has been so nice to have the confidence that our dog won’t jump on other people, or pull hard on walks! Thank you Dog Training Elite Nashville!😊
  • Miguel Herrera
    Mar. 18, 2025
    I am not overstating when I say the training has changed our lives. We have 2 mini Australian Shepards that were on high alert 24/7. They are so much calmer and happier now. They can relax and they understand what we are telling them to do. The trainers were all great. We worked with 4 different ones and they were all professional, patient, and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone needing help with their dog.
  • Martin Vukel
    Mar. 11, 2025
    This place really helped with my German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix. He was very stubborn but quickly picked up on the training with Parker, Cosima and Reina!
  • Hobey Jiranek
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We’ve had a great experience working with Dog Training Elite. Their entire team is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend checking them out for dog training needs.
  • Scotty C
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Very professional and personable, prompt to the evaluation. Parker did a great job walking us through the process!
  • Rebecca King
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Parker has completely changed my dog! Toby has only had 4 sessions and it’s already like night and day. Toby is 10 years old and this past month is the first time he has been relaxed and calm when I answer the door and let someone in. He’s way less agitated and territorial. Allowing my brother to even give me a hug in the past has been a trigger for aggression, but now it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s not worried. I am in shock at how well this is going and I’m excited for the future. Toby’s life has completely changed because of Parker and his trainers. Thank you guys!!