Frequently Asked Questions

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 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 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, treadmill work, agility, 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 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:

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

13-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 may 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.

Our Board and Train Program runs on a Monday–Friday schedule, giving your dog a structured training environment while keeping you consistently involved. Dogs stay and train with Adam during the week and return home on weekends once they’ve reached a certain point in their program, usually around week three, so you can begin practicing at home.

Each day includes guided exercise, play, obedience, and enrichment, all tailored to your dog’s breed and temperament. The focus is on creating a calmer, more balanced state of mind and building real-world skills that carry over into your home life.

On the Fridays that include a go home weekend, you’ll meet with Adam for a hands-on session to review progress and learn how to continue the work over the weekend. This steady rhythm helps owners absorb information gradually and feel confident handling their dog’s new behaviors.

Training doesn’t end when the program does. Long-term success depends on your consistency at home. A complimentary follow-up session is included a few weeks after completion, along with continued support and optional brush-up lessons as needed.

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. While we provide general starting rates, a final quote is only given after a free consultation. This gives Adam a chance to meet your dog, understand their behavior, and determine which program is the best fit.

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 any of our programs. 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.