Frequently Asked Questions

Food can certainly be rewarding, but we don't believe lasting communication should depend on whether a treat is available. We want to help build a relationship where your dog responds because they understand what is being asked and trust your guidance, not because they're waiting to be paid. Dogs are capable of learning through many forms of reinforcement, including play, praise, freedom, environmental rewards, and the relationship they have with their owner.

We want training to hold up in everyday life, whether you have treats in your pocket or not.

Absolutely!! Owner involvement is one of the most important parts of our training process. While Adam works directly with your dog, a significant portion of training involves teaching owners how to communicate, handle, and work with their dogs confidently. It's one thing for a trainer to get a dog to respond; it's another for the owner to understand why the dog is responding and how to maintain that progress independently. We not only want to train your dog, we want to give YOU the knowledge and skills to continue that work long after the program ends.

Yes! We work with dogs across a wide range of temperaments and behavioral challenges, including reactivity, aggression (towards humans and/or dogs), anxiety-related behaviors, poor impulse control, and difficulty navigating everyday environments. These situations require an individual approach, as no two dogs or behavioral issues are exactly alike. Adam will evaluate your dog in person to better understand the behavior and including why the dog is in that emotional state, identify areas that need attention, and determine the best approach to training.

While basic obedience is an important part of training, our work goes beyond teaching a dog to sit, stay, or walk on leash. We focus heavily on behavior, communication, engagement, and helping dogs make better decisions in real world situations. Whether we're addressing reactivity, poor impulse control, lack of engagement, or more challenging behavioral concerns, we ultimately want to help develop skills that carry over into everyday life rather than simply teaching commands in a controlled setting. 

Just like us humans, dogs need to learn how to navigate the world around them instead of avoiding the things that challenge them. While management and appropriate precautions have their place, avoiding triggers or distracting a dog away from unwanted behavior ins't a long term solution on its own. Addressing behaviors directly, teaching dogs what is expected of them, and establishing clear communication when a behavior is unwanted is what we strive for. A life of avoiding certain people, dogs, environments, or situations is not a fun life for anyone - dog or human. We want to help build a life of fulfillment for both dog and owner by developing an understanding between each other and building the confidence to navigate those situations appropriately. No one should avoid the world forever!

Wherever it is most beneficial for the dog and owner! Adam frequently works with clients at their homes, neighborhoods, parks, trails, and other public environments. While we do have a home-based training facility that is used when appropriate,  it's important for dogs to learn how to navigate the environments they encounter in everyday life. Training should translate beyond the training facility and into the situations where you actually need it.

Private lessons are available as a package of 6 sessions or single sessions, one at a time. This give us the flexibility to meet in different environments based on what your dog actually needs to work on and where you typically take (or want to take) your dog. Usually, at least one (minimum) session will take place at our location, one or two at your home, and others may take place in various public locations.

Not every session looks like a traditional training lesson. Some sessions are active, like structured walks where we work around distractions, group dog walks for socialization, or play sessions with your dog. Other times, the most productive thing we can do is very passive: sitting on a park bench or having a coffee outside while your dog learns to exist calmly around people, dogs, and other distractions. We may also have your dog hold a place command while one of our trained dogs plays nearby. The goal is to work on what your individual dog actually needs, not follow a set script.

Sessions are at least an hour, but there is no hard time limit. Some take an hour, some take two, and rarely, a session may take three hours if that's what the dog and situation require. We use tools such as prong collars, e-collars, long lines, Flexi-leads, and toys when appropriate, while focusing on building freedom through trust, cooperation, compliance, and fun. Private sessions are available Tuesday–Saturday.

The program is approximately 3 weeks and is structured to become less intensive as your dog progresses. A typical schedule is 5 training days the first week, 4 the second week, and 3 the third week. The schedule may be adjusted by Adam based on your dog's progress and individual needs.

Your dog is dropped off in the morning and spends the day with Adam receiving structured, individualized training. At pickup, Adam will go over what was worked on that day, your dog's progress, and anything you should continue practicing at home. As your dog becomes more reliable, we intentionally create more opportunities for them to practice those behaviors at home with you. The decreasing schedule helps transition the training from Adam's environment into your everyday life. 

Day Training is a structured training program, not day care. Your dog is not simply spending the day being supervised or playing; the purpose of each day is active training and progression toward the goals established during your consultation. Your dog goes home with you every evening. Unlike Board & Train, you'll remain involved throughout the program and will have the opportunity to practice and live with your dog's training as it develops.

However, your involvement is an important part of the program. Adam will give you guidance at pickup so you know what to reinforce at home. The goal is to teach your dog behaviors that work with you, not just behaviors they perform for Adam.

Transportation arrangements will be discussed and confirmed before the program begins.

Yes. However, every dog is different.

Training tools are selected based on the individual dog's temperament, goals, and training plan. We don't believe in using a specific tool simply because it's popular, nor do we avoid one because of misconceptions.

If a training tool is appropriate for your dog, we'll explain exactly why it's being used, how it works, and how to use it correctly. Our priority is always clear communication not dependence on any particular piece of equipment.

Stay Good Training is Charlotte, NC based and services in surrounding areas as well.

No, we do not train dogs to be service dogs or for protection, nor do we train for bite work. But we would be happy to recommend some folks who do! Send an email for recommendations.