Dog Training in Springfield, VA

A cheerful golden retriever dog sitting on mossy ground in a forest, looking up at the camera with its tongue out.

What your dog will learn

We provide personalized, private dog training designed to fit your dog, your goals, and your lifestyle. Our training focuses on clear communication, practical skills, and real-world results.

A Bernese Mountain Dog lying on a grassy field with yellow flowers, looking at the camera with its tongue out.

Common Goals we help with

  • Leash pulling

  • Jumping on guests

  • Barking and reactivity

  • Recall and focus

  • Puppy basics

  • Household manners & more

A light-colored dog holding a blue frisbee in its mouth, walking on a grassy field with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

Customized Training

We tailor training to your dog and your goals. By coming to you, we can work through the real-life challenges you face every day. You’ll work directly with an expert, credentialed trainer who guides you from start to finish.

A man with long hair and a beard kneeling on grass with three dogs, two laying down and one sitting, in a backyard with wooden raised garden beds and a fence in the background during sunlight.

A Gentle Approach

All training uses modern, reward-based methods that are effective and humane.

One-on-one, science-based training for puppies and adult dogs throughout Springfield and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.

Whether it’s leash pulling, jumping, barking, or a new puppy, we can help you build a calmer, more polite dog.

CONTACT US

Meet Your Instructor

A man kneeling on the grass and petting a yellow Labrador retriever, both appearing happy and affectionate.

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

“My dogs immediately took to Mark and he was able to work on these behaviors to create more enjoyable walks and more peace in the home. He is very knowledgeable and kind, with a calming presence for both pets and people. He has given our family tools and techniques to be successful and also to deepen our connection and communication with our pets. I feel so lucky to have found Mark and to have benefited from his help. I would highly recommend him to anyone..”

“Mark is not just a trainer; he is a true dog whisperer. His understanding of canine behavior is unmatched, and his patience and dedication to each dog's individual needs are commendable. Mark successfully creates a positive and nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth for both the dogs and the owners. The bond established with Mark was immediate and deeply trusting.”

Two dogs lying on green grass in front of a large leafy tree under a clear blue sky.
Two fluffy, curly-haired dogs, one light tan and one slightly darker tan, lying in a brown pet bed with their tongues out and looking at the camera.

Why choose Polite Dog Training?

  • Certified, science-based training methods

  • Private sessions tailored to your dog

  • Real-life training, not just obedience drills

  • Flexible scheduling & free pet pickup

  • Trusted by dog owners across Northern Virginia

Tell me more

Serving Springfield neighborhoods

We work with clients throughout Springfield, including:

  • West Springfield

  • North Springfield

  • Newington

  • Franconia

  • Surrounding Fairfax County areas

Get Started 
Your Questions, Answered

  • Yes, we provide private training sessions in homes throughout Springfield and nearby areas.

  • Puppies can begin training as early as 8 weeks old.

  • We work around your schedule so you don’t have to wait for classes to open up, and we come directly to you!