FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Became a Dog Handler after joining the US Marines
Real K9 Solutions
$125
Starting price
Specific behaviors to address
Responds in about 1 min
Thumbtack Guarantee
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Hello, my name is Steve, I am a professional dog trainer. I have trained dogs for the last 40 years starting with military working dogs while in the United States Marine Corps I have worked Guide and Service dogs for people that are disabled. With my business I have worked with a variety of breeds and temperaments over the last 20 years in New Jersey and Recently relocated back to Reno. My mission is to improve communication and the dog human relationship. There is no one way of training a dog, it is important to develop a program for the dog and owner that works the best. I offer one on one in home private lessons, problem solving and behavior modification. Look forward to hearing from you
Overview
Hired 26 times
Serves Sparks, NV
Background checked
1 employee
24 years in business
Business hours
Sun9:00 am - 7:00 pmMon9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.
Social media
Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Private lessons
Board and train
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Great 4.8
16 reviews
5
88%
4
6%
3
0%
2
6%
1
0%
Read reviews that mention:
Nicole H.
Nov 28, 2022
Hired on Thumbtack
I've worked with Steve for about a month he's a great trainer and very knowledgeable. My dog is both blind and deaf and he's helping me learn how to teach him properly. My dog is a lot of work for me but its getting alot easier knowing I have Steve to guide me through the process. I'd recommend him to anyone that needs help with their fur buddies.
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Biting • Digging • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Jill L.
Nov 18, 2022
Hired on Thumbtack
We recently had an incredibly positive experience with Steve and highly recommend him! In my initial outreach, he was so thoughtful to ask a variety of questions about our dog and what we wanted out of training to make sure he was the right fit. He did 6 sessions with our bernedoodle puppy and instantly connected with her. He worked on reinforcing correct behavior around potty & crate training, properly walking on leash, recall, removing fear around cars and staircases, and a variety of other commands. He's great at involving the owners in lessons so you can continue training in-between his sessions. Our puppy is so well trained thanks to Steve, and we feel so much more confident in our ability to command her in all situations!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Nicole H.
Jun 11, 2022
Hired on Thumbtack
I have a 3-year-old Labrador mixed with Rottweiler that I have had for 2 years and he's a rescue from the humane society. So for two years I have dealt with unwanted behaviors of jumping, biting, leash pulling and constantly pawing at me when I sit on my couch and try to relax because he wants me to pet him. I have almost felt like a prisoner in my own home and was not even able to play with my son around my dog because then the dog would get too rowdy and try to jump in between us and start Play biting and jumping on us. I met with Steve one time for 1 hour so far and my dog has stopped doing all of those things! Steve was absolutely amazing and I look forward to the next six sessions with him. If he can do all that and teach me how to get my dog to listen to me in 1 hour when I've tried for 2 years then I can't wait to see what else he can do for me and my dog. I highly recommend him to anyone and his rates are very reasonable especially compared to other dog trainers and I would say he is the absolute best. I have had my dog and another dog training course that did not work and I have also taken him to behavioral modification at OSU and put on medicine and that did not work. But 1 hour with Steve has worked miracles. My dog doesn't even have to take as much anxiety medicine as what he used to to calm him down and he still listens to me just as well. I honestly can't say enough good things about Steve and what he's done for me and my dog oreo. We were on the verge of having to make a very hard decision of rehoming him because I could not control him, and now thanks to Steve we get to keep our beloved family member. Thank you so much Steve and I look forward to working with you in our next session.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Therapy or service dog training • Leash pulling • Biting • Chewing • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Ashley l.
May 4, 2022
Hired on Thumbtack
Steve was great with my dog Sasha. As a first time dog mom, Steve gave great advice to help ensure that i was on the right track. Steve is very patient and did a great job explaining his training style prior to hiring him. I look forward to working with Steve in the future!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Biting • Chewing • Crate training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Nancy M.
Aug 31, 2025
Hired on Thumbtack
I was new to the dog training, there for had no one to compare with. Overall the trainer was very professional and patient.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • I'm flexible • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Barking • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Stephen Lavallee