Inghram’s Sit N Stay Dog Academy

Sit N Stay Dog Academy offers a variety of training programs tailored to different needs and ages. Puppy Training (under 2 years) and Basic Training (over 2 years) cover fundamental obedience commands like Heel, Sit, Stay, Down, and Come, available through Daycare & Train or Board & Train options. Intermediate and Advance Training, suitable for dogs of any age, focus on advanced commands such as Leave-It, Back-Up, and Take a Break, offered via Structured Daycare and Group Classes.

Specialized programs include Aggression & Reactivity Modification Training, which requires mandatory Board & Train and trainer approval, and is a prerequisite for aggressive dogs to join group or advanced classes. Therapy Dog Training prepares dogs for roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, including Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test preparation and meeting Therapy Dog International (TDI) requirements. Search and Rescue Training focuses on scent detection and tracking for Live Find, Human Remains Detection (HRD), Trailing, and Air Scent Dogs, incorporating real-world scenarios. Service Dog Training equips dogs to assist individuals with various disabilities, covering tasks like Medical Alerts, Mental Health Support, Seizure Response, and Wheelchair Assistance, also including CGC test prep and TSA training.

All specialized programs require prior trainer approval to ensure the dog is ready for the advanced level of training. Many packages across all programs include lifetime support through follow-up private lessons and group classes, emphasizing ongoing reinforcement and support. Group classes provide a controlled environment for socialization and skill practice, with trainer approval required for attendance and advancement between levels. Family members are encouraged to attend beginner and children’s classes.

Pricing Summary

Many training packages include lifetime support through follow-up private lessons and group classes. Specific pricing details are not provided.

Policies

Participation in Advanced Training, Aggression & Reactivity Modification Training, Search & Rescue Training, Service Dog Training, Therapy Dog Training, and Group Classes requires prior approval from a trainer. For Aggression & Reactivity Modification Training, the Board & Train option is mandatory, and completion of this program is required before dogs showing aggression can participate in group classes or intermediate/advanced training.

Group classes are subject to weather conditions. Packages with a lifetime warranty require a certain amount of attendance at group classes to maintain the warranty benefits. There are no classes during the last 7 days of each month. For group classes, participants must wear closed-toed sneakers or boots; flip-flops and backless shoes are not permitted due to safety concerns.

Inghram’s Sit N Stay Dog Academy is a family-run dog training business in Tampa, FL, dedicated to transforming the lives of dogs and their owners. They offer a comprehensive range of specialized training programs designed to improve obedience and behavior for dogs of all ages and backgrounds. Their unique approach emphasizes natural canine communication, utilizing movement, tones, and praise, and eschews traditional treat-based methods in favor of a balanced combination of love and discipline.

The academy provides various training options, including structured daycare, group classes, and intensive board and train programs. They cater to puppies, basic obedience for older dogs, intermediate and advanced skills, and specialized areas like aggression and reactivity modification, therapy dog training, search and rescue training, and service dog training. Many of their packages include lifetime support through follow-up private lessons and group classes, ensuring long-term success for dogs and their families.

Beyond training, Sit N Stay Dog Academy also offers boarding and daycare services. They are committed to helping shelter rescues and puppy training graduates build foundational skills and confidence, fostering well-behaved and happy companions.

Accomplishments

The academy is led by a team of experienced trainers. Founder Clarke Inghram is a master trainer with over five decades of experience, having started as a canine handler and instructor for K9 Handlers in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He established family-run dog training centers in Memphis, TN, Dallas, TX, and Cleveland, OH, and has worked with celebrity clients including Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and professional athletes. He co-founded Sit N’ Stay Dog Academy in 2002 with his daughter, Shalli.

Shalli, the owner and trainer, has over 25 years of experience, having been mentored by her father since age 8. She has worked with diverse species and specializes in service dogs, obedience, and behavioral modification, also serving as a part-time veterinary technician. Jenn, the Operations Manager and Trainer, has over 18 years of experience, including AKC dog show handling, and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen test proctor. She also leads the Therapy Dog program. Alexis, a trainer, has been a mentorship protege under Mr. Inghram for over 16 years and has 10 years of experience as a full-time veterinary technician at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. She specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating “bad dogs” and “last-chance cases.”

How to Get Started!

To begin training, prospective clients are encouraged to contact the academy to learn more and start their dog on the path to success. For specialized programs like Advanced Training, Aggression & Reactivity Modification, Search & Rescue, Service Dog, and Therapy Dog Training, participation requires prior approval from one of their trainers to ensure the dog is ready for the program.