Frequently asked questions.
You ask. We answer.
Have a question not listed below? Send us an email!
For Boarding and Board & Train, pricing is per dog since each receives individual trainer time and their own kennel space.
The only exception is for our Training Classes. Two dogs from the same household can attend the same class hour together under one class fee. This way, both dogs train at the same time, making it easier (and more cost-effective) for families
No, we do not restrict based on breed. What matters is behavior. Dogs that show extreme aggression toward humans may not be a good fit for our programs, but all breeds are welcome — from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.
Yes — you’re welcome to bring some things from home, with a few rules to keep your dog safe and comfortable.
-
Food: Please bring your dog’s food pre-packaged by meal (in ziplocs or similar containers). Keeping their normal diet prevents stomach upset.
-
Toys: You may bring durable chew toys only (no plush or easily destroyed toys). Safety is our priority, so staff may remove any toy that becomes unsafe.
-
Bedding: Please don’t bring bedding. We provide clean, comfortable bedding, bowls, and all other essentials for every dog.
-
Medications: We’re happy to administer most oral medications as long as they arrive in their original bottles with instructions.
Yes! Family members are welcome to attend training classes and lessons. It can be helpful for everyone in the household to see the techniques in action.
For the best results, we recommend designating one primary handler for consistency. This ensures your dog learns to respond reliably, while family members can watch, learn, and support the training at home.
We know it’s hard to be away from your dog, but for their success we ask that you do not visit during their Board & Train stay. Dogs need about three days to settle in, and seeing family members too soon can set back their progress.
Instead, you’ll receive regular photos and progress reports from our team, and you’re always welcome to reach out for a personal update. This way, your dog stays focused on learning while you stay connected and confident in their care.
Every dog has their own private kennel as our standard practice. This ensures safety, routine, and personalized care.
That said, we understand some family dogs are closely bonded and do better when they stay together. Dogs from the same household may board in the same space if they are non-aggressive, have no food guarding issues, and meet our size requirements for the unit.
Because this is a special request and not our normal setup, we review each case individually. If you feel your dogs would benefit from sharing a kennel, let us know during booking and we’ll determine if it’s a good fit
Our training center is equipped with 24/7 camera monitoring, which our staff use to ensure kennel security and keep a close eye on the dogs in our care. These cameras are for internal monitoring only and are not accessible to the public.
Instead, we keep owners connected through regular photo and video updates, and you’re always welcome to check in with us directly for a personal update on your dog. This way, you have peace of mind knowing your dog is both constantly supervised and personally cared for.
We do not provide pick-up or drop-off services for boarding or training.
However, we do offer transportation for veterinary appointments* to keep your dog safe and supported while they’re with us.
Our team partners with two trusted local veterinarians for same-day, non-emergency care (such as ear infections or minor concerns) and we also have access to a 24/7 emergency vet for urgent needs. We maintain a dedicated transportation van with travel kennels, and a staff member always stays with your dog during appointments to ensure comfort and safety.
*There is a fee for vet transport.
Yes. In the scientific sense, negative reinforcement means to remove something pleasant or withhold a reward so the dog can clearly understand the behavior we’re asking for. For example, not giving a treat if the dog doesn’t sit.
We utilize all four quadrants of learning in training — it is scientifically impossible to train with positive reinforcement alone. That said, our focus is always on teaching the dog what we do want them to do and rewarding positive behaviors. At the same time, dogs also need fair feedback when a behavior is not acceptable, so they learn both what’s encouraged and what isn’t.
This balanced approach helps dogs learn faster, stay safe, and develop reliable behavior in the real world.
Absolutely! Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog with something they find motivating — often food, but also toys, play, or praise. It’s one of the four quadrants of learning we use in training, and it’s the one we emphasize most. You’ll see this in action during our Private Training sessions and throughout our Board & Train programs.
Our job is to motivate students and teach them to love learning. We do not push or pull dogs into obedience positions — instead, we use food to lure them into place and then click & treat to mark success. This keeps training clear, fun, and rewarding for both dogs and owners.
Yes. We use training tools as part of a systematic process to improve communication, keep training clear, and ensure safety for both dogs and owners. No tool alone will “fix” a behavior — it’s the proper fit, function, use, and introduction that makes the difference.
-
E-collars: In our Off Leash and Behavior Training programs, we use high-quality Dogtra brand e-collars to communicate with dogs through their known commands. The e-collar provides low-level static (not electric) stimulation to give clear direction — never to punish. We do not use e-collars on puppies under 6 months. This approach allows dogs to move freely and confidently, much like modern parenting that emphasizes choices and direction rather than constant “no’s.”
-
Prong collars: Sometimes used during the correction stage, after your dog already understands their commands. The collar itself does not train the dog — when fitted and introduced properly, it becomes a clear and safe way to communicate.
-
Harnesses and head halters: We do not use these tools, as they do not teach dogs not to pull and can encourage angled walking or cause physical strain.
With every tool we use, we also train you — so you feel confident handling your dog at home.
Every dog and family is different, so the first step is choosing the right program. We’ll help you figure that out with a behavior evaluation and a phone consultation. This lets us learn about your dog’s needs and goals, and recommend the best fit — whether it’s a Board & Train program or private lessons.
To begin, simply fill out our behavior evaluation and we’ll contact you to schedule your consultation.
At the end of every Board & Train program, you’ll have what we call a Graduation Appointment. This is a 1–3 hour private lesson with your trainer, designed to set you up for success at home.
During this session, your trainer will:
- Demonstrate all of your dog’s new commands and routines
- Have you practice handling skills in real-life situations
- Answer your questions and make sure you feel confident continuing training
You’ll also receive a custom training video showing your dog performing all their commands. This way, you’ll always have a reference to keep things clear and consistent at home.
For ongoing support, we also offer Refresher Training sessions to help reinforce skills as needed.
A little preparation goes a long way in helping your dog settle in comfortably. Here’s what we recommend before drop-off:
Before you arrive:
- Give your dog plenty of exercise the day before or morning of drop-off.
- Keep their diet consistent — avoid unusual meals or new treats.
- Make sure they’re clean, properly groomed, and up to date on flea/tick prevention.
What to bring:
- Your dog’s food, pre-packaged in ziplocs by meal if possible.
- Any medications in their original bottles with clear instructions (no injections).
- Up to two durable chew toys for comfort.
What not to bring:
-
Bedding (we provide everything needed to keep kennels clean and consistent).
By arriving prepared, you’ll help your dog settle in faster and get the most out of their training program or boarding reservation.
We’re happy to accommodate most special needs as long as we know in advance.
-
Food: Please bring your dog’s food pre-packaged by meal. This helps us keep their diet consistent and avoid stomach upset.
-
Medications: All medications must come in their original bottles with clear instructions. We can administer most oral medications, but we do not give injections.
-
Special Needs: If your dog has a medical condition, injury, or other special care requirement, let us know before booking so we can confirm we’re the right fit.
If a medical issue comes up while your dog is in our care, our staff will respond immediately and coordinate treatment with our veterinary partners. See [What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while in your care?] for more details on our emergency protocol, veterinary partners, and safe transport.
Safety comes first. We are not a daycare, so boarding dogs do not participate in group play. Instead, each dog exercises independently in our yards, which prevents resource guarding, rough play, and unsafe interactions. This approach also allows us to safely accommodate intact/unaltered dogs.
During Board & Train programs, dogs may participate in planned, trainer-supervised interactions when appropriate. Our experienced trainers know what to look for and step in immediately if an activity becomes unsafe. These sessions are designed to build healthy social skills and encourage positive behavior — never free-for-all play.
Every dog is unique, so we start with a behavior evaluation. You’ll complete our evaluation form and schedule a phone consultation where we learn about your dog’s needs, temperament, and your training goals.
-
For Boarding and Board & Train, we make sure your dog is comfortable in a kennel setting, non-human-aggressive, and safe for staff to handle.
-
For Group Classes, we screen for issues like reactivity or aggression that may make the class environment stressful. In those cases, we’ll recommend private lessons or a Board & Train (Behavior Modification) program instead.
This process ensures your dog is placed in the program where they’ll be most successful — and where you’ll see the best results.
Dogs follow a full daily routine from 7 AM to 9 PM with plenty of outdoor time built in. Every dog gets at least 5 scheduled potty breaks a day, and many will go out closer to 8–10 times depending on age, energy level, and individual needs.
We rotate between on-leash walks in grassy areas and time in our exercise yards so dogs have opportunities to stretch, play, and relieve themselves in a clean, structured way. Our routines also encourage dogs to keep their sleeping space clean and comfortable.
Yes. Our training center is staffed 24/7, with trained team members onsite both day and night. We also use camera monitoring throughout the kennels to add an extra layer of safety and security.
Your dog is never left alone — there is always someone here to check on them, keep routines consistent, and respond quickly if needed.
No harness, head halter, collar, or special leash will teach a dog not to pull. Harnesses and head halters may reduce pulling temporarily, but they encourage dogs to walk at an angle and can even damage the neck or spine.
A prong collar is an effective training tool when used properly, but the collar itself will not train your dog. Success comes from the correct fit, introduction, and use of the tool. When applied thoughtfully, the prong collar becomes a way to communicate clearly, achieve reliability, and keep both you and your dog safe.
We use prong collars during the correction stage of learning, after your dog already understands the commands and knows how to perform them. This helps prevent dangerous situations like being pulled into traffic, and ensures you can enjoy safe, stress-free walks with your dog.
We recommend starting training as early as possible so your puppy grows up confident and well-mannered.
-
Our Puppy Head Start program is designed for puppies 3–6 months old. If house training is your biggest challenge, starting around 3 months is helpful. If your focus is obedience, we recommend starting between 4–6 months.
-
Puppies should be up to date on all core vaccines (final boosters and rabies, usually complete by 16 weeks) before joining group classes or staying for Board & Train.
-
Puppies older than 6 months are ready for our On Leash Board & Train program, with the option to progress to Off Leash after that.
Starting once your puppy is fully vaccinated ensures they’re safe, social, and ready to make the most of training.
Our hours depend on whether your dog is here for Board & Train or Boarding.
-
Board & Train: Drop-off typically takes place on Sundays or Mondays during the first week of class. Pick-up happens during scheduled windows between Wednesday and Friday on the final week of training. Saturday pick-ups are very limited and only available by special request (for school or work conflicts).
-
Boarding: We offer set drop-off and pick-up windows every day (except holidays) at 9 AM, 12 PM, or 4 PM.
At Appalachian Dog Training, we take pride in the years of education and experience committed to the training and care of all dogs.
Our Head Trainer has successfully completed a hands-on vocational school Masters Program at Highland Canine International School for Dog Trainers, their Apprenticeship Program, and holds a Masters degree in Canine Life Sciences from Bergin University of Canine Studies. She also brings over 20 years of experience working in dog boarding facilities and animal shelters.
All ADT Trainers complete our comprehensive Apprenticeship Program, starting with Kennel Technician, Puppy Head Start, and On-Leash Training. This program includes advanced canine communication, grooming, husbandry, behavior, learning, breed specialties, and more.
In addition, every trainer is Pet CPR and First Aid Certified to ensure the health and safety of your pet during their stay.
Your dog’s safety is always our top priority. If your dog becomes ill or injured during their stay, we respond right away and keep you informed at every step.
-
For non-emergency needs (like ear infections or minor concerns), we partner with two local veterinarians who provide same-day appointments.
-
For urgent situations, we work with a 24/7 emergency hospital (VEG).
-
We use a dedicated transport van with travel kennels to ensure safe travel, and a staff member always stays with your dog through the entire visit, providing you with updates until they’re safely back at our training center.
A veterinary transport fee applies for transportation to and from appointments.
All services require a $100 non-refundable deposit per dog at the time of registration. This is a one-time, lifetime fee that applies to all future services for that dog. The deposit reserves your spot, pending completion of required veterinary records and scheduling.
We offer a range of programs to meet your dog’s age, needs, and goals:
-
Puppy Head Start (3–6 months): Builds foundation manners, potty routines, socialization, and confidence for young puppies.
-
On Leash Board & Train (6 months+): Teaches reliable on-leash obedience (sit, down, come, heel, place, crate), plus life skills like riding in the car and easing moderate fears or anxiety.
-
Off Leash Board & Train (graduates of Puppy or On Leash, 6 months+): Uses a remote collar (Dogtra brand) to build safe, reliable off-leash communication and freedom.
-
Behavior Training: For dogs with more serious challenges such as reactivity, aggression, or anxiety.
-
Refresher Training (boarding add-on): For previous training graduates: Brush-up on previously learned commands during a boarding stay.
-
Training Classes (private lessons): One-on-one coaching sessions with you and your dog. We use positive reinforcement, luring, and clicker training to teach clear communication and build reliable obedience. We also offer occasional group classes throughout the year, depending on time of year and enrollment. These are a great way to practice around other dogs and distractions once your dog has the basics down. Ask us when our next group classes are!
Not sure which program is the best fit? Start with our evaluation form and consultation, and we’ll guide you toward the right choice for your dog.
For the health and safety of all dogs in our care, we require proof of the following up-to-date veterinary records before boarding or training stays:
- Vaccines: Bordetella, DHPP, and Rabies
- Fecal Float Test: A negative fecal test result completed within 6 months of your dog’s stay. This test screens for intestinal parasites and only requires a stool sample drop-off at your vet’s office — no appointment needed.
- Negative Result: Send us a copy of the record and you’re all set.
- Positive Result: Complete your vet’s prescribed medication, then retest the fecal float 14 days after the last dose. Send us proof of a negative result after the retest before your dog’s stay.
We also require all dogs to be on current flea and tick prevention. Puppies must have completed their full round of vaccinations — including final boosters and rabies (usually by 16 weeks) — before boarding or joining a Board & Train program.
Both services provide your dog with a safe, structured stay — but the goals are different.
-
Boarding focuses on care: daily exercise, potty walks, and a predictable routine with our trained staff. It’s the perfect option when you’re going out of town.
-
Refresher Training includes everything from boarding plus daily training sessions to reinforce the commands and routines your dog already learned in a previous program. At pick-up, you’ll also receive a training session with your dog’s trainer so you can review progress together and stay consistent at home.
*Note: Refresher Training is not for new behavior issues — it’s designed to maintain and polish existing obedience.
All services require a $100 non-refundable deposit per dog at the time of registration. This is a one-time, lifetime fee for each dog and applies to all future services.
- Board & Train: If you need to cancel or change dates, please give us as much notice as possible. We can move you into a future class if space is available.
- Training Classes: With advance notice, you may move your enrollment to the next available class session. Repeated cancellations or last-minute changes may not be accommodated.
- Boarding & Refresher Training: We’re happy to adjust your reservation if space allows and we have enough advance notice.
Because space is limited, we accommodate schedule changes whenever possible, but availability is based on open spots in upcoming classes or boarding dates.
All services require a one-time, non-refundable deposit of $100 per dog before your reservation is confirmed. This is a lifetime fee for that dog and applies to all future services.
- Board & Train: We offer a simple split payment option — half of the program fee is due at drop-off, and the remaining balance is due at pick-up.
- Training Classes: The full class fee is due before the first day of class.
- Boarding & Refresher Training: Payment is due in full at pick-up.
We accept all major credit cards, cash or check.
We are located in Mills River, North Carolina, serving Asheville and the surrounding areas of Western NC. Our training center sits on 8 acres of rolling fields, creeks, and trails perfect for training and enrichment.
We’re just 10 minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport, making us convenient for local families and easily accessible for clients flying in from cities like Charlotte, NC. We’re also only about a one-hour drive from Greenville, SC, making us a great option for clients across the region.
👉 Learn more about our hours and directions on our Contact page.
Yes! We keep you connected with regular photo updates and weekly report cards so you can see your dog’s progress and feel confident while they’re with us. You’re also welcome to check in anytime for a personal update from our trainers.
At the end of your dog’s program, you’ll receive a custom training video plus a Graduation Appointment (a 1–3 hour private lesson) where we review everything your dog has learned and make sure you feel comfortable continuing training at home.
No — with the exception of very young puppies in our Puppy Head Start program. Adult dogs will perform their obedience commands without the presence of treats.
During training (and your graduation lesson), we use food rewards to teach obedience positions. Once your dog becomes proficient, we gradually reduce food so they’re not dependent on it. We never go to zero food — but after training, your dog won’t need a treat waved in front of their nose to follow commands. Instead, food becomes an occasional reward that keeps training fun and positive.
