The relationships we have with our dogs, just like the relationships we have with other people, can always be improved and enriched through better communication and understanding. Sharing our homes and lives with members of a different species is a unique and wonderful challenge, one that over tens of millions of pet households in the US alone experience daily. 

At The Polite Dog, we strive to assist humans and dogs to better understand one another to live more harmonious, happy lives. Many of the conflicts we experience with dogs are the result of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Too often, we take a one sided approach to these conflicts, placing the blame solely on our dog and failing to consider our role in the relationship. 

Why “should” our dogs listen to us? Is it really “obedience” that we seek, or something else? For us at The Polite Dog, the answer is right there in the name. What we want are dogs who are polite, who understand and respect the structure and rules of living in a human family. We’re not “owners”, we’re guardians and caregivers and we owe it to our dogs and ourselves to do the work that is required to improve the relationships that we have chosen. 

About the Owner & Head Trainer 

Mark Platenberg is a certified professional dog trainer, born and raised in Northern Virginia, with a passion for improving communication between dog owners and their pets. For over 15 years, Mark has worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, honing his talent for understanding the unique needs and dispositions of each dog he trains.

Mark's passion for dogs dates back to his childhood, when he welcomed his first pet dog to the family, Tabby, a black lab mix rescue. Since then, he has raised an array of species, ranging from frogs and snakes to house cats. Mark's career as a dog trainer began after he graduated from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington in 2008, and started working as a dog walker, before transitioning to full-time dog training. An animal lover at heart, Mark has always been quick to come to the rescue of any animal in need, be it a dog that’s run away from home or a box turtle crossing a busy street.

Early in his career, Mark realized that many of his dog-walking clients lacked basic leash manners, and their owners were struggling to cope with their pets during walks. Consequently, he embarked on a journey to become a professional dog trainer to help other pet owners who were facing similar challenges. He believes that raising another species is a learning process, rather than an innate ability, and he finds great joy in teaching both dogs and their owners.

At The Polite Dog, Mark takes a personalized approach to dog training. When you sign up your furry friend, Mark will sit down with you to evaluate your dog's specific needs and determine the best strategy for their training plan. Mark will be there to guide you throughout the entire program, ensuring that both you and your dog are happy with the results.

What is a Certified Dog Trainer: 

A certified dog trainer is someone who has completed a comprehensive certification program. This program requires a minimum of 500 hours of hands-on experience as the lead trainer with dogs, as well as additional hours working with a certified trainer. The certification program includes a comprehensive test of the candidate's knowledge of dog behavior and learning processes. To maintain their certification, trainers must also pursue continuing education in their chosen specialties.