Helping Pets Behave

4.8 Stars,94 Reviews
23 Cedar Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Service area: Serves Montgomery County, MD, including Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Columbia, and surrounding areas; virtual sessions available nationwide.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Fearfulness
  • Stealing Food
  • Recall
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Resource Guarding

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • In-Home
  • Private Facility
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Doodles
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars

Programs include one-on-one private training (in-person or virtual), behavior consultations with follow-up plans, and digital courses for puppies and other topics. Group classes are offered as pre-recorded digital courses since in-person sessions are currently closed. All programs focus on behavior modification and practical skills for home implementation, with detailed written summaries provided after each session.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Private consultations and training sessions are offered at varying rates; puppy course is $80 online or $165 in-person; professional handling is $200; other group classes are $165. Virtual consults and training are available. Most pet insurance plans reimburse for certified behaviorists.

Testimonials

“Mary has helped us with our dogs many times. Most recently, we adopted a puppy, and she has been an amazing help getting us into the right mindset for Moose. She’s also helped us get our older dogs more accustomed to the new family member. I’d absolutely recommend her for anyone who needs help with their dog.”
– Tim B.

“I’m happy to recommend Mary as an animal behaviorist and trainer. As a veterinarian, I’ve referred many clients to her, and she consistently delivers excellent results for cats and dogs.”
– Mary C.

“Mary is a godsend and I highly recommend her service!! Referred to me by my vet, I am eternally thankful for the guidance she provided. Mary’s engaging, knowledgeable, and concise during onsite training and in written follow-up.”
– Bear’s Owner

About the Trainer

Mary Huntsberry, MA, is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist who provides science-based behavior modification and training for dogs and cats. She specializes in addressing problem behaviors such as reactivity, fearfulness, resource guarding, separation anxiety, leash pulling, and stealing, using research-backed methods that lead to immediate results. Mary offers both in-person and virtual consultations and training sessions, making her services accessible to clients locally in Montgomery County, MD, and beyond. Her approach emphasizes understanding the root cause of behavior issues, teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their pets, and providing detailed follow-up plans. She also offers private training sessions and online digital courses for puppy development, professional handling, backyard agility, trick training, and recall. Mary is Elite Fear Free Certified and works closely with veterinarians to support holistic pet care.

Her services are tailored to dogs of all ages — puppies, adolescents, adults, and seniors — and she works with all sizes and breeds, including small, medium, large, and giant dogs, as well as doodles and brachycephalic breeds. She does not offer boarding, grooming, walking, or daycare services, focusing exclusively on behavior and training.

Clients consistently report dramatic improvements in their dogs’ behavior after working with Mary, especially in areas like walking calmly on leash, reducing fear-based reactions, and resolving household conflicts between pets. Many praise her compassion, clarity, and the lasting impact of her personalized plans.

Accomplishments

Mary Huntsberry holds a Master’s degree and is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) through the Animal Behavior Society. She is also an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional. She has over 20 years of experience as a researcher, veterinary technician, trainer, and animal behaviorist.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with scheduling a consultation via the website’s contact form or phone. During the consultation, Mary assesses the pet’s behavior history, discusses goals, and creates a customized plan. Virtual or in-person sessions follow based on client preference and need.

Helping Pets Behave featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 21+ Years Experience

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Hours

10am-7pm

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • IAABC

Languages

  • English

Other Services Offered

  • Pet trainer

Location

23 Cedar Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

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