Raise a Calm, Confident Puppy — From Day One

Gentle, science-based puppy training for families across Northern Virginia, with flexible packages or a la carte sessions

Bringing home a puppy is exciting — but it can also feel exhausting and overwhelming. If you're struggling with biting, potty accidents, or nonstop zoomies, you're not alone.

With the right guidance, your puppy can grow into a calm, confident, and well-behaved adult dog. We help families across Northern Virginia build a strong foundation during your puppy’s most important months.

Bring Out the Best in Your Puppy

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Our Approach

We use gentle, science-based methods to teach your puppy without fear, force, or intimidation. Our focus is on communication, consistency, and positive reinforcement, so your puppy learns to understand and respect your expectations while enjoying the process.

Training a puppy in Northern Virginia on a bright sunny day

Common goals we help with

  • Biting, nipping, and chewing inappropriate items

  • Reliable potty habits

  • Greeting people politely and calmly

  • Walking on a loose leash

  • Building confidence around new experiences

  • Creating a positive, lifelong bond

Puppy Training Packages

Whether you want a complete training plan or targeted support, we’re here to help your puppy succeed.

In-Person Consultation In-Person Consultation
In-Person Consultation
$150.00

Meet with the trainer to discuss your goals for your dog and see what training program best fits your needs. Phone consultations are complementary.

Puppy Preschool Puppy Preschool
Puppy Preschool
$700.00

Five lessons for you and your puppy. We’ll introduce the basics of house and crate training, focus on managing unwanted behaviors before they become habits, and introduce helpful vocabulary. This program is a great way to get you and your puppy set up on the right foot (and paw).

Private Lessons Private Lessons
Private Lessons
$150.00

Weekly lessons with you, your dog, and the trainer. This program is a great introduction to how to work and communicate with your dog more effectively, and focus on specific behaviors.

Start Your Puppy’s Training Today

  • "We had a great experience having Mark work with our puppy. Ziggy was always excited to see Mark at our door for his training sessions, and our family learned so much about addressing common puppy behaviors. We would not hesitate to recommend The Polite Dog."

    —Ziggy & Family

  • "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.."

    —Trevi & Family

  • "I had my puppy trained by Mark and I can’t thank enough for his help. As first time dog owner, I lacked knowledge and experience to raise and train my puppy properly. Mark didn’t only train my puppy but also provided me with sufficient education so that I could feel confident with continuing the training. My puppy now is a totally different dog and I am truly grateful."

    —Copper & Family

Your puppy’s early months are the perfect time to build skills, confidence, and great habits that last a lifetime.

Get started today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Book a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ideally, between 8–20 weeks — the earlier, the better for socialization and behavior shaping. If your dog is older than that, don’t worry - it’s never too late to begin training.

  • Yes! We provide private lessons at your home, local parks, and other nearby spots.

  • Most puppies thrive with a structured package, but we also offer à la carte lessons for targeted support with specific challenges.

  • Absolutely. All our training is gentle, science-based, and reward-driven.