Mark Platenberg

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.