Joyful Dog - In Home Private Certified Dog Trainer - Leesburg, VA

Verified Member since Dec 2021 Verified checkmark

At Joyful Dog, we are passionate about helping you and your furry companions thrive together. Founded in 2013, our certified professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional dog training and behavioral solutions tailored to your needs. We proudly hold distinguished credentials such as Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Fear Free Certified Professional, Tellington TTouch Practitioner, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC). Our extensive expertise is complemented by our commitment to using force-free tools and techniques, ensuring a positive and harmonious experience for both you and your pet. Whether you have a playful puppy or a seasoned canine companion, we cater to dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Our innovative programs, including Connection, Cooperation, and Control™, are deeply rooted in Suzanne Clothier’s Relationship Centered Training methods. We specialize in basic manners, puppy socialization, and behavioral problem-solving with creative communication strategies. Furthermore, our team incorporates Tellington TTouch® techniques to promote physical and emotional balance, and The Family Dog curriculum is perfect for families with kids and pets. As a bonded and insured business, we offer both one-on-one and group classes, with the flexibility of online sessions to accommodate your schedule.

We are proud members of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG). Our mobile services are designed to bring training excellence directly to your doorstep, making it convenient for you and your furry friend. If you're ready to enhance the bond with your dog through expert training and compassionate care, don't wait any longer. Book us through Petworks today and take the first step towards a joyful life with your pet!

  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Bonded
  • Insured
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Three-Session Package
$ 360.00 Per Package book

Three hour-long training sessions, in-home, at a Sniffspot, online, or a combination of those venues. Sessions can include puppy start, basic manners for adolescents and adults, focused skills training, behavioral modification, and Tellington TTouch.

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
  • Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)
  • Tellington TTouch® Companion Animal Practitioner
  • The Family Dog Private Trainer Certified

Proud member of...

  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Loudoun County, Western Fairfax County, Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Frederick, Gaithersburg Maryland

What year did you begin serving pets?

2012

Verified checkmark

marnie montgomery

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BASED IN: Leesburg, VA
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Loudoun County, Western Fairfax County, Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Frederick, Gaithersburg Maryland

Distinction

Pw without hitch CPDT-KA American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC) Fear Free Certified Professional The Family Dog Private Trainer Certified Association of Professioanal Dog Trainers (APDT) International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT) Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner

Customer Reviews

Marnie has a wealth of useful knowledge, and is very patient with new dog owners .She is very responsive. - Halethorpe, MD - October 2025

- Daniel P

Marnie of Joyful Dog is the most positive of positive trainers. Our two tiny shy dogs simply adore her. My boy dog (who loves training) learned so much via his online courses during the pandemic. I feel like he's a little genius Einstein pup. Every time they hear Marnie's voice they wag and wiggle like crazy and get so excited, then they focus like excellent little students. She's also great about training us humans how to treat our dogs respectfully and speak their own language to them. 10 stars! - Ashburn, VA

- Suzie C

Very knowledgeable and patient. Marnie really helped our dog and us. I have learned a lot and have a very different way of approaching things now.

- Ewa R

Marnie and Susan are excellent trainers: very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and helpful. Love their classes!

- Tricia L

excellent

- David W

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
  • Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)
  • Tellington TTouch® Companion Animal Practitioner
  • The Family Dog Private Trainer Certified

Proud member of...

  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Loudoun County, Western Fairfax County, Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Frederick, Gaithersburg Maryland

What year did you begin serving pets?

2012

Customer Reviews

Marnie has a wealth of useful knowledge, and is very patient with new dog owners .She is very responsive. - Halethorpe, MD - October 2025

- Daniel P

Marnie of Joyful Dog is the most positive of positive trainers. Our two tiny shy dogs simply adore her. My boy dog (who loves training) learned so much via his online courses during the pandemic. I feel like he's a little genius Einstein pup. Every time they hear Marnie's voice they wag and wiggle like crazy and get so excited, then they focus like excellent little students. She's also great about training us humans how to treat our dogs respectfully and speak their own language to them. 10 stars! - Ashburn, VA

- Suzie C

Very knowledgeable and patient. Marnie really helped our dog and us. I have learned a lot and have a very different way of approaching things now.

- Ewa R

Marnie and Susan are excellent trainers: very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and helpful. Love their classes!

- Tricia L

excellent

- David W

🐶 About Marnie Montgomery — Certified Dog Trainer in Leesburg, Virginia


Marnie Montgomery is a certified dog trainer serving Leesburg and the surrounding Loudoun County area, including nearby communities such as Reston, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Chantilly, Centreville, Manassas, Fairfax, Vienna, Fairfax City. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Marnie tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Marnie works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.


Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Marnie provides practical, results-driven support with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Marnie Montgomery, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.


Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.


Marnie is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Leesburg, VA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Marnie’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Loudoun County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.


In Leesburg and throughout Virginia, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Marnie to get the most out of your sessions.


Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do you offer in-home dog training in Leesburg, VA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Marnie, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.


Explore Marnie’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Loudoun County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.