Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training in Montgomery and Howard Counties

Experiencing behavioral issues with your dog? Our compassionate, in-home dog training in Montgomery and Howard Counties empowers you to overcome challenges fast. 

We teach in your home, where your dog feels the most secure. Through our focused, results-driven approach, you’ll learn how to lead and communicate clearly with your dog, so you can enjoy a calmer, happier life together.

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Personalized Dog & Puppy Training

Every dog is different. That’s why we work with you to create a tailored training plan and bring our experienced trainers to your home on your schedule. Whether you’re looking for puppy training in Montgomery and Howard Counties or help with an older dog, we’ve got you covered!

Nurturing, Dog-Friendly Approach

We don’t rely on bribes or punishment. Our proven methods are based on respect, leadership, and trust, the core values that build lasting changes and better behavior.

A Lifetime of Support

With our Gold Service, your Bark Busters Montgomery & Howard County, Maryland trainer is a single call away and ready to help at any point in your dog’s life at no additional cost.

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address

Our expert puppy training, dog training, and dog behavior services in Montgomery and Howard Counties resolve the most challenging dog behavior issues including:

  • Aggression
  • Adjusting to New Home
  • Barking
  • Biting
  • Chewing
  • Destruction
  • Digging
  • Focus & Listening
  • Housebreaking
  • Improving Confidence
  • Jumping
  • Leash Pulling
  • Marking/Peeing
  • New Baby Preparation
  • Obsessiveness
  • Respecting Other Pets
  • Running Away
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Sibling Rivalry – in House Tensions/ Fights


Not sure where your dog could use improvement? Take our free behavioral quiz today.

Meet Marsha, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer

large marsha engel

Home Dog Training in Greater Montgomery & Howard Counties, MD!

Welcome. I am Marsha Engel, your Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Dog Behavioral Therapist in Greater Montgomery and Howard Counties. I have worked with dogs all my life, and always wanted to spend my second career working as a dog behavior therapist in the area I grew up in, the Nation's capital. I apprenticed with several dog trainers before being introduced to Bark Busters Home Dog Training. I have a graduate degree in clinical psychology and helped change human behavior in my first career lasting over twenty years. I've volunteered since childhood with rescue, service, training, and shelter organizations, and currently have a rescue dog, along with taking care of foster dogs.

I became acquainted with Bark Busters in 2005 when a friend became a customer in another state and his dogs' problem behaviors immediately changed for the better. His attempts to explain the methods to me were confusing and I had to experience it for myself to understand. Over the years I researched many different training methods and was most impressed with the natural dog-friendly system of Bark Busters! I am fortunate to be able to help improve the relationship between owners and dogs, working with the world's premier dog training company, and contributing toward making the families I work with happier ones.

Bark Busters was developed in Australia to be a natural dog friendly way to change behavior and reduce the number of dogs euthanized or surrendered to animal shelters. The success of this dog training methodology grew into the international company of Bark Busters that exists today, the world's largest in home dog training organization.

Why in-home dog training? Because dogs learn best when they can completely focus on the owner in a known environment that is quiet and free of distractions, and the dog's issues that are causing concern can be seen and addressed. A familiar environment where there's nothing competing for your dog's attention enables us to address the dog obedience issues very quickly. Most, if not all, clients to see results in their dog in the first 20 minutes!

Our dog training is based on communication, natural dog instincts, and engaging the mind. At Howard County Bark Busters we don't use harsh physical techniques or bribe with food to extort good behavior. We engage dogs to use their minds - communicating with them on a level that they understand, using the natural dynamics they understand of voice tones and clear body language.

The best part is --the reason we're able to offer our Life of the Dog Guarantee is because our dog obedience training techniques are proven! We have the knowledge and the skills to diagnose any dog, any age and any issue - even complicated canine behaviors. As we have trained well over 1 million dogs there's no issue we haven't worked with. Puppy training, basic dog training or advanced dog training methods, or all, are included with the Lifetime Guarantee.

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AKC CGC Evaluator
Association of Professional Dog Trainers Member
American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid
International Association of Canine Professionals Member

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Montgomery & Howard Counties have to say

Wow. My wife and I have just recently started with Marsha, and in ONE DAY she has us with a NEW DOG. We waited (I thought) too long for training to be very effective at least not quickly. Dunkin is a sweet dog but I thought he had a mind of his own that would always be seeking his way or the highway. Well, he does have a mind of his own, but it turns out he is in fact naturally content to be obedient I just was giving him all the wrong signals. Within a few hours of using the new techniques we learned - essentially how to be the leader not the follower - Dunkin went from pulling my wife and I everywhere on the leash and commanding us to do things all day to being happily the follower. I know it will take time to perfect, we were informed there is usually a honey moon period which we must still be in. BUT the change is enormous and it was instantly evident that things were turning around. Turns out we have a little boy who in addition to being insanely cute and sweet can also be very obedient when we know how to communicate in the language he understands. Many of the signals we thought intuitively would convey what we wanted to convey were in fact sending completely the opposite message. The fact Dunkin is still sane after 2.5 years of wrong signals on our end is amazing. THANK YOU MARSHA you are an AMAZING teacher!!! We can't wait to see Dunkin grow. I was also amazed that there was no real pushback or reluctance from our sweet boy - it is as if he was longing for clear direction. Fantastic results. We will be highly recommending your services to all of our friends, thank you again.
Shanopla
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Our 17 month Schnoodle had been to two different dog trainers prior to us finding Dr. Marsha at Bark Busters. He even earned a certificate of completion from one of the programs. However, we continued to experience bad behavior: incessant barking, unwelcoming to guests, snapping and biting at us....you get the picture. One session with Dr. Marsha and we have a lovable more quiet and calmer puppy. I believe the key was Dr. Marsha took more time to "train" and educate us than our dog. She provided so much more than we expected. She talked to us about things like body language, how to effectively communicate with our dog, and the impact diet and good nutrition has on our dog's personality and overall health. We saw IMMEDIATE results. It was worth every penny and a great investment.
Kimberly Wethers
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I HIGHLY recommend Marsha! We learned so much, even from the moment she first stepped in our house. Our dog (a chocolate lab) has been responding to the techniques she taught us right off the bat, so now it's our job to make sure we follow through on our end. ;-) Thank you Marsha!
Meredith K.
Olney, MD
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My roommates told me my dog barked the entire time I was away and wanted me to move out. Instead, I got help. Mike's separation anxiety wasn't what I thought, I thought it was a sign of love by instead learned it was misplaced responsibility. Since I've been practicing leadership he is happier and calmer when I'm gone.
Lauren R.
Rockville, MD
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Totally surprised that behaviors my dog had been doing for years could be stopped in one lesson!
Ali L.
Laurel, MD
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I booked with Marsha after reading all the good reviews. It took two lessons for me to see my dog more compliant and calm, but given how she was to begin with, that's amazing!
Ronald L.
Rockville, MD
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My dog lunged and barked and acted aggressive on leash and at our windows when people walked by. I stopped walking him much as it was not pleasant. ON THE VERY FIRST LESSON we were able to walk by people and dogs and my dog just looked at me calmly. Remarkable.
Grant M.
Silver Spring, MD
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I just adopted a 5 year old pitbull/amstaff/plott hound/who-knows mix from HCAC and wanted to start this relationship off on the right foot. I left a voicemail for Marsha and she returned my call shortly thereafter. I don't know my new canine companion well enough yet to know what areas really might need help, but Marsha spent 30 minutes on the phone with me answering questions and giving thoughtful advice on what I might encounter and how to deal with situations as they arise. Already her words have had benefits - I'm on Day 2 and leash tugging has lessened tremendously with the use of a good harness. When I'm ready for specific training (me and my pup), I'll definitely call Marsha. I'm already so thankful for her!
SaraBeth D.
Columbia, MD
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My dog had become aggressive on leash and began biting me when I needed to take something from her she'd picked up off the ground. I worried it would continue to get worse. She has stopped after just one lesson! Walks nicely now on a loose leash and does not pay attention to passing dogs at all.
Margot L.
Germantown, MD
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Amazing results in the first lesson! I thought it would take weeks to change my dog's bad behaviors of pulling , barking, destruction when I was away, and not listening to commands. In the first lesson she calmed down and began to pay attention!
Randy K.
Laurel, MD
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I had researched different trainers and actually hired two before asking Marsha to help. The other two were okay at obedience training but I needed to see my dog's behavior change for the better. It was quite remarkable how quickly my dog responded to the methods and was calmer! No more jumping , pulling or barking!
Tammy R.
Rockville, MD
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My GSD had many issues which I overlooked until he attempted to bite my grandchild. Marsha Engel showed me techniques to deal with his behavior which will calm him and prevent him from taking charge of situations. I can already see a huge improvement in his behavior, my kids and their kids were over last weekend and my dog behaved beautifully!
John W.
Rockville, MD
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Simply amazing. I told Marsha that I didn't think anything could help my lab with her bad behaviors. She jumped all over people, didn't listen, and chewed up my things. One lesson with Marsha and she's a compliant, changed dog!
Jenn M.
Silver Spring, MD
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We have 2, two year old Chiweenies that we adopted a little over a month ago. They bark at all sorts of things, including the broom, steam cleaner, vaccum, hair dryer, anything moving in the yard or next door, etc. The male dog has been growling and charging at my boyfriends legs since we adopted him. Marsha was at our house for nearly an hour and had our two dogs behaving like angels! No more growling or barking after she used the tried and true Bark Busters methods. Marsha taught us how to gain control in our household. She was very knowledgeable and efficient. I would recommend her to anyone in the area in need of a well behaved / trained pup. Thanks Marsha!
Melanie K.
West Friendship, MD
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Had our initial 2 1/2 hour session. Learned basic strategies to help retrain our 8 year old Westie (and us). So far, so good. The real test will be when our son’s new puppy returns to visit at Christmas.
Debbie N.
Glenwood, MD
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I saw immediate positive changes in my shepherd mix.....things that I didn't believe would ever change did. I contacted Marsha alot over the days following the first lesson and she was very responsive, making sure that I followed the exercises and get lasting results.
Carla W.
Columbia, MD
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Amazing how quickly these methods work! Marsha taught us well and was very entertaining too!
Larry B.
Potomac, MD
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I felt I had no choice but to return my dog to the rescue. A friend suggested I contact Marsha Engel for training, and she assured me success. THE VERY FIRST LESSON I SAW A HUGE IMPROVEMENT! Little did I know the problem behaviors could be changed so quickly and easily if I changed my communication.
Jennifer B.
Silver Spring, MD
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My dog was being aggressive towards other dogs in my apartment complex and I had been given an eviction notice. It was rescinded after my first lesson with Marsha Engel and the manager hired her for her own dog!
Angela R.
Annapolis Junction, MD
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Marsha is the dog whisperer! Now I hope to be with what she taught me. In a few minutes of doing the "programming" with the dog, my Chloe responded by focusing and behaving. No more barking, jumping, not listening!
Christine A.
Catonsville, MD
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I put myself in a bad situation by getting two littermates at once. One puppy is overwhelming, two is just crazy. Though I've always had dogs, I was not elderly then! Marsha Engel made it easy for me, with daily training exercises that I weaved into my daily routine. Housebreaking got better immediately, and now that I'm doing leash work, they are manageable. Don't know what would've happened if I hadn't hired her. If you're hesitating, DON'T! best money I ever spent.
May L.
Potomac, MD
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I first worked with Marsha Engel two years ago when I first got my rescue dog. He was aggressive and didn't listen to a thing I said. I learned to communicate differently with him and he understood! I just contacted her again for some advice and she was very helpful and we are back on track.
Randy M.
Potomac, MD
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I had read Marsha's reviews and was hopeful but skeptical. How can behavior that has been occurring for years change? Well, my dog's did. In minutes. I now need to continue the exercises that program the dog to make it last forever. And I will!
Amy R.
Potomac, MD
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I had 4 trainers and 2 behaviorists before hiring Marsha, so I thought nothing could work but didn't want to give up my dog just yet.....I also thought I knew everything but Marsha Engel taught me how to communicate my expectations to my dog and get the results I wanted. In one lesson his behavior has changed and I know that I will continue to practice and apply the exercises I learned to keep the results I waited so long for!
Sandra W.
Columbia, MD
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Marsha had her hands full with our dog....or so I thought. Our lab was often acting crazy, very hyper, stealing items around the house and jumping up and twirling on leash. On the first lesson he became calm and manageable! I wish we'd hired Marsha Engel sooner!
Linda B.
Derwood, MD
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Marsha conducted an informative session. I felt I knew what had to be done and that I was capable of doing it. I also felt that she was open to any additional questions or help I might need in the future.
Linda B.
Derwood, MD
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What Makes Bark Busters Montgomery and Howard Counties Unique

Bark Busters is the worldwide leader of in-home dog training, helping over 1 million families and their dogs around the globe since 1989. We wholeheartedly believe in our methods and 30+ years of results. At Bark Busters Montgomery and Howard Counties, we clear up the miscommunication between dogs and humans at the root of many behavioral issues by teaching everyone to speak the same language – dog!

Our nurturing, dog-friendly approach teaches you, the pet parent, the same natural communication methods that dogs understand instinctively. Our efficient, results-oriented, training program prioritizes clear communication and leadership while addressing issues in the locations they occur.

This means faster, longer-lasting solutions for you and your dog.

Dogs learn best in a familiar, safe environment, free of outside distractions and disruptions. That is why we come directly to your home, on your schedule to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We work first to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We teach you how to communicate with your dog. Dogs naturally live in families and look to their family leaders for guidance, safety, and love. Most people don't know how to appeal to a dog's natural sense of leadership or communication. We teach you how to use friendly, canine leadership and to "speak dog" using your body language, voice tones, and timing so you and your dog communicate better! You will see results. You want to see a change in your dog’s behavior, preferably sooner rather than later.

Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue. Get Started Today!

We customize our training sessions to achieve your specific goals and meet your dog’s unique needs. When you learn to "speak dog" the Bark Busters way, you get real results – and nurture positive relationships and lasting emotional bonds with your canine family member.

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Home Dog Training

Our Services

Bark Buster trainers conduct the one-on-one training in your home, without the distraction of other dogs or the stress of being sent away for dog obedience training at a kennel. After learning in your home, our behavioral therapist and trainer will work with you as needed outside and around real distractions, once you and your dog are ready.

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Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry. It is designed to help owners resolve their dog's behavior and obedience problems and to provide customers with the satisfaction of ongoing support and peace of mind.

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Dog Behavior Issues

Tips & Advice

We're here to help. From general dog training tips, to puppy toilet training best practices, to learning about various dog breeds we've worked with, Bark Busters offers our free tips and advice on common dog behavior problems and more.

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Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Annapolis Junction, Ashton, Baltimore, Barnesville, Beallsville, Boyds, Brinklow, Brookeville, Burtonsville, Catonsville, Clarksburg, Clarksville, Columbia, Cooksville, Damascus, Dayton, Derwood, Dickerson, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Glenelg, Glenwood, Halethorpe, Hanover, Harmans, Highland, Jessup, Kensington, Laurel, Linthicum Heights, Montgomery Village, Olney, Poolesville, Potomac, Rockville, Sandy Spring, Savage, Silver Spring, Simpsonville, Spencerville, Washington Grove, West Friendship

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