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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.
Private lessons are available as a single session, or as a package of 3 or 5 sessions. Packages 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 session will take place at our location, one 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, with the earliest start time at 7:00 AM and the latest start time at 7:30 PM.
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.
They are structured check-ins where we assess how your dog is responding in their home environment and how effectively communication, trust, and structure are being maintained between dog and owner. During these evaluations, Adam observes real-world interactions to ensure the relationship remains clear and functional outside of the training environment. The focus is on reinforcing understanding, identifying any breakdowns in communication, and making adjustments where needed so that progress continues to hold long-term.
Yes.
We believe every dog is an individual, and no single approach works for every personality, breed, or situation. Our training is balanced, meaning we utilize all four quadrants of operant conditioning and choose the methods that are fair, appropriate, and effective for the dog in front of us. We will use food/treats if need be to build a rapport with a dog.
Above all, we value clarity, consistency, accountability, and trust. Our focus is always on helping dogs learn with confidence while building a healthy relationship with their owner.
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.
Every dog is different, but we believe pricing should be straightforward.
Our private lesson options include both individual sessions and a structured 10-session Foundation Program. Board & Train pricing varies depending on your dog's age, goals, and the complexity of the training required. Because every Board & Train is customized, final pricing is discussed during your consultation after we've had the opportunity to evaluate your dog and recommend the most appropriate program.
Private Lessons
Day Training
Board & Train (with follow up visits)
Investment in training is an investment in your everyday life with your dog. Every program is designed around lasting communication and owner education, not temporary fixes or quick results. For the Day Training, Puppy Board and Train, Obedience Board and Train, and Behavior Modification Board and Train program, their total respective program price is not expected to be paid in full all at once. We require an initial deposit and split the remaining amount into two or three different payments spread across training.
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.
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