Lead With Fun Dog Training
About Us
Located in Northern Virginia
Serving Fairfax County Locations West of 495, including Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, McClean, Great Falls, Herndon, Oakton, Reston, Vienna, and South Riding.
Jennifer Pennington
Trainer and Certified Behavior Consultant
CPDT, CDBC, FFPC, BA Biology
Jennifer has been professionally training and caring for dogs and exotic animals for over two decades, including as a keeper at Busch Gardens - Tampa, Curator at the International American Rattlesnake Museum, Staff trainer and Dog specialist at Dogtopia, and curator/educator at Reptiles Alive! in Fairfax, VA.
She uses positive rewards to train dogs, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Jennifer even trained crocodiles! Jennifer has a BS in biology from the University of New Mexico. She is a certified dog behavior consultant through IAABC. She holds a dog training certification from Animal Behavior College and is independently certified as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT). She is also Fear-Free Certified. Jennifer speaks about dog bite safety, dog training, low-stress handling, and more throughout the state.
Jennifer was an operational dog trainer/handler with the oldest and largest search and rescue organization on the East Coast. She trains to support the lifestyle of her Belgian Malinois dogs.
Marie Clifford
Trainer
Ph.D. CTDI
Marie Clifford, Ph.D. is a former college professor who now devotes her career to dog training. With a solid academic background and genuine passion for dogs, Marie uses clear, practical methods to help puppies, adolescent dogs, and newly adopted pets settle in. Currently pursuing her CPDT certification, she focuses on performance behaviors and tailored training that work in everyday life.
Marie is experienced in Rally Free, canine musical freestyle, and trick training—earning multiple titles along the way. She is CTDI trick dog trainer certified and actively participates with the APDT and PPG to stay current with proven training practices.
Based in Reston, VA, Marie lives with her husband, Richard, and her two dogs, Starbuck and Myra. Her proven techniques and real-world experience make her a trusted guide for dog owners looking to build lasting, positive relationships with their pets.
I have trained 4 dogs and the experience [with Jennifer and Lead With Fun] was the best yet!
Colleen M.
Jennifer is awesome to work with! She listens to our concerns and knows how to read my dogs very well. I highly recommend her.
Jennilynne B.
Jennifer is great .. Every session with her makes me more confident working new tricks and positive behavior with my little furry ball…
Ashima C.
