Frequently Asked Questions

All new clients must begin with a free in-home consultation. Consultations can be booked directly through our website using the “Book Consultation” button.

Choose a time that works for you, submit your information, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps.

You do not need a Gingr account to book your consultation but will need one if you decide to proceed with any training programs.

Gingr is our client management system. It can be accessed via web browser or installed app. It is where we handle scheduling, invoices & payments, training report cards, program updates, and ongoing communication.
 

Once you are an active client, this becomes your central hub for everything related to your dog’s training in addition to continuing education options as well as overnight boarding.

Adam takes a balanced approach to dog training, one that blends structure, play, and purpose. Every dog is different, so training begins by understanding their breed, temperament, and natural instincts. From there, Adam builds a unique program that lets each dog express those drives in healthy, productive ways while developing calm focus and trust.

Training is relationship-based, not fear-based. The goal is communication, not control. Dogs learn to feel safe, understood, and motivated to work with their owners not just for rewards, but because the relationship itself is rewarding.

Adam uses a variety of tools thoughtfully and fairly, including food and toy rewards, verbal marker training, and balanced use of prong or e-collars when appropriate. These tools are introduced with care and clarity to enhance understanding, never to intimidate.

Exercise and movement are central to every program. Whether it’s structured walking, trailing or scent work, or play, dogs learn best when their bodies and minds are both engaged. This approach creates not just obedience, but fulfillment resulting in a happy, confident dog with a stronger connection to their owner.

Our Private Lesson Program is designed for owners who want to be fully involved in their dog’s training. You’ll work one-on-one with Adam once or twice a week for about 1–1.5 hours at our facility, learning how to guide your dog through structure, play, and daily practice at home.

There are two versions of the program:

7-Week On-Leash Program: Focused on leash manners, engagement, and everyday obedience.

14-Week Off-Leash Program: Builds on the on-leash work with prong and e-collar conditioning for advanced reliability and freedom.

As you and your dog progress, sessions will move from the facility to public environments or your home. Throughout the process, Adam coaches you step-by-step providing feedback, tools, and weekly goals - but your consistency between sessions is what makes lasting change happen.

This is our most hands on program, ideal for owners ready to commit time and effort outside of lessons. If you’re ready to do the work, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to succeed. While we do have somewhat of a time-line, we never have a dead-line when it comes to training. You can expect 7 or 14 weeks to be a minimum amount of time spent training.

We offer two structured boarding options depending on your dog’s needs.

Hybrid Board & Private Lessons is designed for dogs who need consistent structure, foundational obedience, and clear communication.

It begins with a 2–3 week boarding phase. As progress is demonstrated, some dogs may begin structured weekend transitions home to practice skills in your environment. After the boarding portion, the program continues with a minimum of six private sessions to ensure long-term success and owner integration. This option focuses on building stability and transferring skills back to the home with guidance.

Intensive Behavior Modification is reserved for dogs with more significant behavioral concerns such as reactivity, aggression, severe anxiety, or complex household challenges. These dogs typically remain with us continuously for approximately 3–6 weeks, depending on severity. The focus is deeper rehabilitation and behavioral stability rather than just foundational obedience.

Follow-up private sessions are included to ensure a safe and responsible transition home.

The appropriate program is determined during your consultation.

When we use the terms “on-leash” and “off-leash” training, we’re really talking about how we communicate with your dog. Training tools are not punishments; they’re ways to “speak” to your dog clearly and consistently, especially when verbal commands haven’t yet been reinforced.

Most owners come to us because their dog doesn’t reliably listen. At this stage, words alone carry very little meaning for your dog. Reliable communication must come through training tools - whether that’s a leash and collar or an e-collar. These tools are called “tools” for a reason: they give us a language your dog understands.

• On-Leash Training:
  In an on-leash program, your dog learns through leash and collar pressure. Dogs naturally understand spatial and physical pressure, so this is the clearest way to guide them in the early stages of training. Until verbal commands are fully reinforced, the leash and collar are your primary communication channel. If a dog hasn’t been trained for off-leash reliability, owners should not expect consistent listening without the leash attached. Even in the home.
   
• Off-Leash Training:
  In an off-leash program, we introduce an e-collar to create clear, consistent communication without a leash. This is not a “shock” collar; modern e-collars use adjustable levels of low-level stimulation that feel more like a tap or mild annoyance than pain. With careful training, dogs learn that this sensation is simply another form of communication, much like the subtle, nonverbal cues dogs use with one another.
   

Whether on-leash or off-leash, our goal is to build a shared language with your dog. Training tools provide clarity and reliability while your dog learns, so that over time, your verbal commands carry meaning and your dog responds consistently, even in challenging environments.

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

Our pricing depends on several factors, including the type of program, your dog’s behavior, and specific training needs. This gives Adam a chance to meet your dog, understand their behavior, and determine which program is the best fit. You can expect programs to fall between $850 and $3,000, but a final quote is only given after a free consultation. 

We also offer various payment methods and flexible payment plans so that training doesn’t have to be paid in full upfront, as well as military/first responder discounts.

Yes, we offer boarding exclusively to dogs who have successfully completed either our private lessons or board and train and are crate trained. This ensures each dog stays in a familiar, structured environment with clear expectations and consistent handling.

During their stay, dogs receive continued reinforcement of their training, regular walks, play and enrichment time, and one-on-one care from someone they already know and trust. Our home facility includes access to a treadmill and safe play areas for both mental and physical exercise, making it a more personalized and enriching alternative to traditional boarding.

This service is designed to maintain and reinforce training, not introduce new skills. Dogs showing signs of regression or behavioral concerns may be asked to complete a refresher session before resuming boarding.

To book a stay, visit your client portal through Gingr.

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.