FirstBarkI had my second session with Steve and was amazed how much we accomplished in such a short period time. My dog has really shown a huge improvement and seems to be comfortable with the many changes.
Nova Pack Dog Training LLC
Falls Church, Virginia
About Nova Pack Dog Training LLC
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 train Customer-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 Evaluation
Program 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 GoogleWhat 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
Recommendations to follow for our first puppy?
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
What types of training do you offer?
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
What are your training methods and philosophy?
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
Should I mentally or physically fatigue my dog?
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
Why Dog Socialization Matters?
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
When a puppy can start their training?
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
What is the purpose of the evaluation?
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
Do you use e collars, prongs or choke chains?
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
Do I have to brush my dog's teeth?
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
Do you recommend to use a crate for my dog?
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
What types of training do you offer?
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
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listing4.7
59 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Leash skills 9
- Dog behavior 7
- Behavior improvement 5
- Punctuality 4
- Responsiveness 4
- Clear explanations 3
All 10 topics
- Dog evaluation 2
- Dog handling 2
- Initial consult 2
- Thorough evaluation 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
Steve at Nova Pack is clearly an expert with dogs and their behavior. Our dog was displaying aggressive behavior with our new puppy and while we thought we could handle our pets -- we were failing and we needed an expert to help us. Steve quickly diagnosed our dog and then spent…Read full reviewClose full review
Steve at Nova Pack is clearly an expert with dogs and their behavior. Our dog was displaying aggressive behavior with our new puppy and while we thought we could handle our pets -- we were failing and we needed an expert to help us. Steve quickly diagnosed our dog and then spent the next hour working with us to determine our way forward demonstrating how we should interact with our pet to make certain he is calm, safe and behaving well. We highly recommend Nova Pack!
Know that your pet will be safe and well-cared-for under Nova Pack Pet Care. Steve is truly passionate about his work and provides absolutely top-notch services. Great communication and very reliable. No problems whatsoever. There's nobody else in the DMV I'd trust more than NPPC.
Steve was great with our cat Ocho. He was extremely responsive when we reached out with a last minute request for the holidays. He sent us updates and pictures with each visit, and also had a detailed report waiting for us upon our return home. He even checked in to make sure we had returned on schedule in case he needed to provide any additional care to Ocho. Very reasonable pricing as well!
As dog owners for over two decades, my wife and I strongly recommend this company’s services. The business owner, Steve, has been our dogs’ third human for over 5 years. We met Steve after a pet sitting incident gone wrong (through a company he was unaffiliated with) that result…Read full reviewClose full review
As dog owners for over two decades, my wife and I strongly recommend this company’s services. The business owner, Steve, has been our dogs’ third human for over 5 years. We met Steve after a pet sitting incident gone wrong (through a company he was unaffiliated with) that resulted in the death of one of our dogs. As one could imagine, it took us a while to process and search for someone new to take care of our younger dog and his new sister. We were fortunate to have met Steve, who stepped into what would become a permanent role taking care of both of our babies, both for daily workday visits and for pet sitting during travel. Steve is a trained professional who is passionate about dogs and dog behavior. He is very professional, dependable, and trustworthy. We highly recommend his company’s services.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.