Dog Training in Arlington, VA
Private Dog Training in Arlington
At The Polite Dog, we offer personalized training that fits your dog and your goals. We come to you so we can address real challenges where they actually happen — at home, on walks, and in your Arlington neighborhood. Our science-based training isn’t cookie-cutter; every plan is tailored to your dog’s temperament and needs.
Struggling with unwanted behaviors? You’re not alone.
Common goals we help with:
Polite leash walking
Recall and reliable “come”
Basic cues (sit, down, stay, leave it)
Puppy manners and foundation skills
Behavior challenges (reactivity, jumping, barking)
Training Customized to You
Every training plan is customized to your dog, your goals, and your daily life. No one-size-fits-all programs — just focused strategies that work for you.
A Gentle Approach
Our training is rooted in modern, science-based, reward-driven methods that prioritize both results and your dog’s wellbeing.
Our training is relationship-focused and practical. We create real-life training plans that work in busy Arlington neighborhoods, apartment buildings, and nearby parks.
Raising another species is a learning process — not an innate ability. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Instructor
Owner & Head Trainer | Mark Platenberg CPDT-KA
Mark Platenberg is a certified professional dog trainer, born and raised in Northern Virginia, with more than 15 years of experience working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. His passion for dogs began in childhood with his first family pet, Tabby, a black lab mix rescue, and over the years he has cared for a wide range of animals. After graduating from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington in 2008, Mark worked as a dog walker before transitioning to full-time training. Early in his career, he saw many dogs struggling on leash, which inspired him to pursue professional training to better help both dogs and their owners thrive together. Mark believes that raising another species is a learning process, not an innate skill, and he takes great joy in improving communication between people and their dogs. At The Polite Dog, he uses a personalized approach, starting with an initial evaluation to understand each dog’s needs and then guiding clients through the entire program to ensure both dog and owner feel confident and successful.
From Our Clients“Mark is miracle worker! Calm, patient, positive and truly a dog-whisperer with our very energetic Lagotto Romagnolo puppy. I recommend him to everyone I know..”
“Thanks to Mark, our dogs have made remarkable progress in controlled leash walking, remaining in place when visitors arrive, and responding promptly when called, both indoors and off-leash. If you're looking for a dog trainer who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to helping your pets reach their full potential, look no further than Mark. Trust us; you won't be disappointed!”
Why choose Polite Dog Training?
One-on-one in-home training with a certified professional
Customized training plans, not one-size-fits-all
Real-world skills you can use every day
Flexible scheduling & free pet pickup
Trusted by dog owners across Northern Virginia
Serving Arlington neighborhoods
We work with dog owners throughout Arlington, VA, including:
Clarendon
Ballston
Rosslyn
Crystal City
South Arlington
Cherrydale
Lyon Village
Pentagon City
…and nearby communities across Northern Virginia.
From Arlington’s apartment hallways, busy sidewalks, and well-loved local parks, we help dogs stay calm, focused, and responsive in high-distraction environments.
Your Questions, Answered-
Yes! We specialize in puppy basics, including crate skills, focus, and early manners.
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Absolutely — from leash reactivity to impulse control, we tailor plans to your dog’s needs.
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Yes — we can train on your street, at local parks, and right where your dog lives to ensure practical results.