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 consultationProgram details
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
How training happens
Board and trainCustomer-reportedProgram details
Day trainingProgram details
In-home trainingProgram details
Dog age
PuppiesProgram details
Support between sessions
Personalized training plansProgram details
Training approach
Balanced trainingProgram details
Additional services
BoardingProgram details
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: [object Object]
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
5/5We wouldn't have a dog if it wasn't for Stephen. We rescued a puppy and we were not prepared for her special needs. We were about to make the difficult decision and return her to the shelter, but we reached out to Stephen first. We were skeptical about board and train programs be…Read full reviewClose full review
We wouldn't have a dog if it wasn't for Stephen. We rescued a puppy and we were not prepared for her special needs. We were about to make the difficult decision and return her to the shelter, but we reached out to Stephen first. We were skeptical about board and train programs because us HUMANS need just as much training as the dogs do, and Stephen was the only business I could find that even considered doing a hybrid program. After the meet and greet we knew right away he was a perfect fit. He is always available to answer my questions and truly wants you and your dog to succeed. Our girl isn't perfect after the program - but she was never supposed to be. We all now have the foundations and tools to be able to work together and continue to learn as she grows into adulthood. We almost had to give her up, but because of Stephen, I'm thrilled to say she's stuck with us forever.
J
Jeannie King
5/5
Steven came to my home to evaluate my 1 year old dog. He was extremely knowledgeable and we were very impressed with him. I would highly recommend Nova pack dog training and Steven!!!!!
R
Ruby Tamariz
5/5
Stephen was so helpful in sharing his expertise on how to better communicate and handle our dog. It was incredible to see our dog walk so politely, immediately, on her very first walk with Stephen. It was clear that he had a lot of experience with training all kind of dogs of different temperaments. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for help!
S
Suzanne Ledwith
1/5I loved the idea that he said he works like Cesar Milan. NOT!!! He came over and heard was abused for 5 years and his suggestion was to just euthanize my dog. He told me there’s no hope for such a dog. Unfortunately, I have become quite I’ll and the dog he wanted to have euth…Read full reviewClose full review
I loved the idea that he said he works like Cesar Milan. NOT!!! He came over and heard was abused for 5 years and his suggestion was to just euthanize my dog. He told me there’s no hope for such a dog. Unfortunately, I have become quite I’ll and the dog he wanted to have euthanized, is now a Service Dog. He’s nothing like Cesar Milan. I should write to Cesar and let him know about about this person.
F
Fanny Lomingo
5/5
Best dog trainer in the area hands down! Stephen is an expert in his field and has helped me so much better understand my dog and how to build a solid relationship with her. He is super patient and never judged me for not doing the exercises properly. I would recommend nova pack dog training to anyone any day!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
FirstBark