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Nova Pack Dog Training LLC

Falls Church, Virginia

4.7/5· 59 Google reviews

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 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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.7
out of 559 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.

59 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Khan Adnan
3/5
01/14/20: Day 2- updating my review. My dogs behavior is worse today after Stephens visit. He snapped the very next morning while I was cleaning his face, which he has never done. Growl again today, very unexpected behavior. I think this method of pushing the dog with aggression …Read full reviewClose full review

01/14/20: Day 2- updating my review. My dogs behavior is worse today after Stephens visit. He snapped the very next morning while I was cleaning his face, which he has never done. Growl again today, very unexpected behavior. I think this method of pushing the dog with aggression may not be good for my dog. When I asked Stephen why his behavior seem worse today or how should I react to his growl?, he stated that he cannot advise me over the phone. I don't doubt Stephen was trying to help but I haven't been given a specific plan or exercises to do with him to get any measurable results. I will update more once I speak to Stephen to give him a chance to explain. Open to suggestions. 01/12/20: Stephen was great and on time. He is quick to respond. Was able to handle the dogs aggression well and make him follow directions to go out with leash on. Still waiting to see how the dog behaves going forward but so far so good.

tomi
5/5

It's important to have a trainer who cares. Steve definitely does. :)

Chandy Ek (ចាន់ឌី)
5/5

Our trainer did an excellent job. Knowledgeable, professional and very impressive with his different skillsets. Would definitely recommend Nova Pack Dog Training.

Stevie Dunphy
5/5

Steve was so helpful in working with our dog, Tucker, over several weeks to help Tucker learn more self-control so that he can have positive interactions with other dogs. Steve is very knowledgeable and was able to clearly break down what we needed to do each step of the way. Working with Steve made a huge difference in Tucker's training and behavior!

Courtney Alvarez Castegnaro
5/5

Working with Steve has been an awesome experience! His patience, attention to our puppy, and dependability were all things I really appreciated. Highly recommended for anyone with a new pup or a doggo that needs some help.

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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