NOVA Canine Academy
Service area: Serves Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, including Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and surrounding areas.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Behavior Modification
- Family Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Recall
- Barking Excessively
- Jumping on People
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Board and Train
- virtual
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- Intensive Program
- Ongoing Weekly
- One-Time Consultation
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
NOVA Canine Academy offers intensive board and train programs lasting 2–6 weeks, ideal for dogs with severe reactivity or anxiety. Private lessons are conducted in-home or at a training facility, focusing on behavior modification and obedience. Virtual consultations and online training provide remote support. All programs include owner education, video documentation during board and train, and ongoing follow-up via text or call to ensure lasting results. Training is customized to each dog’s needs, with emphasis on building confidence and strengthening the human-dog bond.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing varies by service: private lessons and virtual consultations are offered at set rates; board and train programs range from 2 to 6 weeks with comprehensive packages including video updates and post-graduation support. Online courses and tools are available for purchase. Specific pricing details are not listed publicly but are provided during consultation.
Policies
Policy details for cancellations and rescheduling are not explicitly stated on the website. Clients are encouraged to contact the business directly for specific policies regarding appointments, refunds, or program changes.
Testimonials
When Klaus went to board and train with Ethan, he was an extremely anxious, reactive puppy. A routine walk in our neighborhood was a challenge. Klaus was always barking and lunging—at dogs, at humans, at inanimate objects, at EVERYTHING. As Klaus’s owners, we wanted him to experience all aspects of life with us, but with his behavior that wasn’t possible. We began looking into dog trainers. Thank God for Ethan! Ethan not only trained Klaus but he trained us as well. Ethan explained in great detail what he was working on with Klaus. He explained why Klaus was behaving the way he was and what we needed to do in order to correct his behavior. He welcomed any questions that we had. Klaus’s confidence and behavior grew exponentially during his training with Ethan. Our veterinarian couldn’t believe the transformation; he said Klaus seemed like a different dog. Klaus has now truly become a part of our everyday lives. We routinely go into stores and other public places., and Klaus is a model dog.
-Ev D
The two things I wanted to work on with my rescue pup Kaia were leash reactivity and male stranger danger. When she first saw Ethan she was nervous but now, she’s over the moon when we see him! She’s still cautious with new males but much more confident and less anxious. Ethan helps us strengthen our structured walks and responsive whenever I have questions. He’s really committed to his clients and we just adored the experience working with him. It was fully worth the investment.
Whether you have a behavioral issue you’re trying to correct or want to set up your new pup for success, I highly recommend NCA! You won’t regret it.
-Chamari S
Ethan and his NOVA Canine Academy are phenomenal! We sent our very smart and stubborn German Shepherd Dog/Cattle Dog mix, Bentley, for a 6-week board and train session. Our primary concerns were his reactivity to other dogs and some sense of separation anxiety. The time Ethan took with Bentley, sharing the training sessions through video, and addressing our specific questions and concerns made us feel like we were a part of his training. Then on the day we picked Bentley up Ethan spent a couple hours getting us familiar with the process to sustain the gains/results we clearly experienced with Bentley. Ethan has remained available and committed to us and Bentley to assure Bentley continues to progress. Our goal is to be comfortable taking Bentley anywhere. We are well on our way! Couldn’t be happier! Thanks for all you do NCA team!!!
-Dena G
About the Trainer
NOVA Canine Academy is a professional dog training business led by Ethan Steinberg, serving dog owners in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. The company offers personalized training services tailored to each dog’s unique needs, with a strong focus on behavior modification and building confidence in anxious or reactive dogs. Services include private lessons, board and train programs, virtual consultations, online training courses, and tools for at-home reinforcement. Ethan emphasizes client education, ensuring owners understand the training process and can sustain progress after sessions. Clients consistently praise Ethan’s patience, communication, and commitment to long-term success, noting dramatic improvements in dogs with leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fearfulness, and aggression. The business also provides video updates during board and train programs and ongoing post-program support via text and follow-ups.
NOVA Canine Academy specializes in helping dogs overcome behavioral challenges so they can safely enjoy public spaces and family life. Their approach prioritizes trust-building, positive reinforcement, and structured communication between dog and owner. They serve dogs of all ages and sizes, from puppies to seniors, and work with a wide range of breeds including German Shepherds, Labs, Doodles, and mixed breeds.
In addition to training, they offer educational resources through online courses and video content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, helping owners continue learning beyond one-on-one sessions.
Accomplishments
Ethan Steinberg is a certified CPDT-KA trainer with a proven track record of transforming dogs with severe behavioral issues. Clients report dramatic improvements recognized by veterinarians and family members. His training methods are supported by consistent positive reviews across Google and social media platforms, with a 5.0-star rating based on over 10 reviews. He actively shares educational content through YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to reach a broader audience.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients begin with a free virtual consultation to discuss their dog’s behavior, goals, and appropriate training options. After the consultation, they can schedule private lessons, enroll in a board and train program, or purchase online courses based on their needs.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
9am-5pm
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
Associations
- IAABC
- APDT
- PPG
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet trainer
Location
5834c N Kings Hwy #4055, Alexandria, VA 22303Listing Tools for Trainers
For NOVA Canine Academy Only
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