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
5/5I worked with Stephen and I look forward to our next session. Before I had even taken ownership of my dog or paid for an assessment appointment Stephen reached out to me and gave me guidance on how to introduce my new dog to myself and the home.
Our training session was excelle…Read full reviewClose full review
I worked with Stephen and I look forward to our next session. Before I had even taken ownership of my dog or paid for an assessment appointment Stephen reached out to me and gave me guidance on how to introduce my new dog to myself and the home.
Our training session was excellent. We not only established some basic and useful homework for myself, but established the basic principles we would use to train my dog. We also talked about where my dog was and where I wanted him to be and how we get the dog there.
The impact that the advice and training I have received through NOVA Pack has been vital in making sure I have a happy dog who is well on his way to becoming a very polite and well behaved slobbery beast.
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Scott S
5/5
We had our initial appointment with Steve. He was very professional and forthcoming with information. He answered all of our questions to our satisfaction. We are looking forward to our first training visit. We highly recommend Steve if your pup needs training.
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Tina Sullivan
5/5
Our initial phone consult was very informative and helpful. Our in-home visit with Stephen was excellent. After showing him the behavior concerns we wanted to address he came up with immediate, simple solutions to correct the behavior. The key is consistency. We are so thankful we found him and highly recommend him.
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Raquel Jimenez
5/5
Amazing!!! He told us how to train our dog and what steps we have to follow. He is very professional and confident, he knows how to work with dogs for sure! We will recommend him 💯.
Genial! Nos enseño como actuar con nuestro perro y que pasos seguir. Muy profesional, puntual y sociable. Lo recomiendo 💯.
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Caitlin Colenda
5/5It has been a little over a week since our first meeting with Steve for a puppy evaluation. Steve is professional, polite, and an expert. He gave us the proverbial tools we need to get through these first couple weeks with our new family member to build a solid foundation. We are…Read full reviewClose full review
It has been a little over a week since our first meeting with Steve for a puppy evaluation. Steve is professional, polite, and an expert. He gave us the proverbial tools we need to get through these first couple weeks with our new family member to build a solid foundation. We are looking forward to more sessions with Steve as our puppy gets older! Would recommend Nova Pack to our friends and family.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.