We provide professional dog training in Northern Virginia, specializing in behavior modification. Our personalized sessions and boot camp programs help dogs and owners achieve desired behavioral changes. Experienced trainers in Reston, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas. Start enhancing your dog's behavior today!
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
Behavior support
Aggression training
How training happens
Board and trainCustomer-reported
Day training
In-home training
Dog age
Puppies
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Training approach
Balanced training
Additional services
Boarding
Other listed services
View 1 additional details
In Home EvaluationProgram details
A 60-minute session at your home to assess your dog’s behavior, environment, and daily routine. We’ll discuss goals, challenges, and training options tailored to your needs. This evaluation builds the foundation for your custom training plan and ensures the best program fit. · Listed price: From $100.00
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
Do you have any tips on how to introduce a second dog to my home?
Yes, we wrote an article discussing this. Please refer to this link: https://novapackdogtraining.com/blog/2025/10/15/how-to-introduce-a-second-dog-to-your-home
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-10-21
I recommend using a crate to help with housebreaking, potty training, and to make sure your new puppy or rescue dog can’t get into trouble while no one is home, along with lots of structure, discipline, and routine.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
I offer in home puppy and dog training, puppy day school, Day training, hybrid board & train, and board & train programs. Services range from potty training, puppy training, housebreaking, 1 on 1 basic obedience training, teaching commands like heel, sit, down, stay, come, as well as behavior modification ranging from house soiling/marking, jumping, resource guarding, nuisance barking, separation distress, barrier frustration, and even dog/human aggression.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
It varies dog to dog, teaching a dog what to do through positive outcomes affection, food, and the absence of pressure can all be rewards, and teaching a dog what not to do through negative consequences such as a verbal and/or a physical correction. This is generally speaking of course, and will depend on temperament of your specific dog.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
I recommend working the dog mentally and physically over just physically. Certain tasks and problems will have a physical aspect to them. If you just physically fatigue the dog, you’ll just end up with an overly exuberant, poorly mannered, likely disobedient dog, who is more athletic, strong, and less responsive to you.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
The socialization period for puppies typically occurs between the ages of 3 weeks to 14 weeks, although it's important to continue socialization efforts throughout their first year of life. During this time, puppies are particularly receptive to new experiences and are more likely to form positive associations with unfamiliar stimuli. Proper socialization helps prevent fear, anxiety, and aggression in adult dogs, making them more adaptable and better equipped to handle various situations.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
They can begin with 1 on 1 in home training right away. For more intensive programs like our board and train, the puppy should’ve been with you at least 4 weeks before sending them to work with me.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
The evaluation is to make sure we agree on how to proceed with training, and to ensure any changes I recommend are amendable to you. As well as seeing the temperament of your dog, how you currently train, and what needs to change lifestyle wise for you and the dog to be successful.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
I don’t use e collars or choke chains at all. There are some circumstances where a pinch or prong collar is necessary and/or helpful, but we would discuss pros and cons before using it. I prefer to use a flat buckle or martingale collar, and a 6ft leash for training in most cases.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
Dental health is often overlooked but is vital for your dog's overall well-being. Brush your dog's teeth regularly using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start slowly, making the experience positive with rewards. Dental chews, natural bones, and toys can also contribute to good oral hygiene.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
Do you offer a Program Guide that I can use to know which service or program is better for me and my dog?
Yes, you can refer to this link from our website, that will explain all the programs and services that we offer: https://novapackdogtraining.com/program-guide-service-comparison
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
Do you know about any specific Timing of Food and Water for a Dog?
8-week-old puppy: 15-30 minutes after eating/drinking before potty time.
12-week-old puppy: 30-60 minutes after eating/drinking before potty time.
16-24 week-old puppy: 60 minutes after eating/drinking before potty time. Adjust the times if the puppy consumes more food or water than usual.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
Yes, Crate training provides controlled and secure environment contributes significantly to a puppy’s overall development. The introduction of crate training should be gradual, fostering a positive association between the puppy and the crate as a safe space.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2025-09-21
I offer in home puppy and dog training, puppy day school, and board & train programs. Services range from potty training, puppy training, housebreaking, 1 on 1 basic obedience training, teaching commands like heel, sit, down, stay, come, as well as behavior modification ranging from house soiling/marking, jumping, resource guarding, nuisance barking, separation distress, barrier frustration, and even dog/human aggression.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2024-09-21
What is the purpose of the evaluation of my dog for your training?
The evaluation is to make sure we agree on how to proceed with training, and to ensure any changes I recommend are amendable to you. As well as seeing the temperament of your dog, how you currently train, and what needs to change lifestyle wise for you and the dog to be successful.
Community answer · Nova Pack Dog Training LLC · 2024-09-21
5/5I recently met with Steve for an evaluation for my very fearful and uncertain pup. She has fear aggression issues and having a dog like her has been extremely stressful and frustrating. I’ve worked with various different trainers and even a vet behaviorist, but haven’t seen the s…Read full reviewClose full review
I recently met with Steve for an evaluation for my very fearful and uncertain pup. She has fear aggression issues and having a dog like her has been extremely stressful and frustrating. I’ve worked with various different trainers and even a vet behaviorist, but haven’t seen the success or progress I’ve been hoping for. Steve took almost two hours for the evaluation and went above and beyond to take the time to explain everything to us. He also wasn’t afraid to handle her and did so with the utmost confidence, skill, and calmness to maximize safety. I was never concerned for either of their safeties during the evaluation, despite the fact that I am always a nervous wreck when anyone has to handle her. After much discussion with Steve, I am looking forward to proceeding with further training and am optimistic about the outcomes.
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Deborah Taub
5/5
Very helpful and supportive. Be ready for serious work (which is good!).
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Dominique Laura Freire
1/5
Initially I agreed with the methods but I no longer do - I'm sorry!
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Anup Sabharwal
5/5The entire family greatly benefited from and enjoyed the training sessions we had with Steve. He patiently taught all of us (grandpa, mom, dad and two teenage boys) effective training techniques, controls and routines. We now have a solid foundational understanding and apprecia…Read full reviewClose full review
The entire family greatly benefited from and enjoyed the training sessions we had with Steve. He patiently taught all of us (grandpa, mom, dad and two teenage boys) effective training techniques, controls and routines. We now have a solid foundational understanding and appreciation of what it takes to train and maintain a well behaved / obedient dog.
Steve exemplifies the patience and persistence that it does take to achieve the results we envisioned. My biggest take away from our training experience is that we need to be consistent and put in the work. Based on the progress so far, I believe in what he has taught us.
Steve came highly recommended from a close friend of ours, and I can see why. In addition to the professional expertise he provides, he is reliable, responsive and a pleasure to work with.
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Alissandra Hipona
5/5
My dog batley has shown great improvement since we’ve worked with Steve over the past 8 months. Highly recommend his services, also his dog whiskey is super cute!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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