Arcadia Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Arcadia
With a history dating back to 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been serving dogs and humans in an effort to be an invaluable asset to the Arcadia community. Our owner and head trainer, Karen Widaman, discovered her passion for dog training at the young age of 8. Having accumulated years of professional experience and being certified by renowned entities like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is known as a prestigious dog trainer with an expert understanding of canine behavior and psychology. Through her compassionate and effective techniques, Karen has helped countless dogs and their owners build strong bonds and achieve obedience and harmony.
Karen is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the organization Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and she also holds two certifications through Animal Behavior College: Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer (ABCDT) and Animal Behavior College Service Dog Trainer (ABCSDT).
Our core belief at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is centered around the necessity of giving your dog an education in real life skills, which is vital for their happiness, health, and harmonious coexistence with humans. We strive to fortify the bond between you and your beloved dog by fair and clear communication and by utilizing positive reinforcement methods that are tailored to your specific requirements. We concentrate on your dog’s success while steering clear of extreme force or abusive methods. Armed with over twenty years of experience and a proven track record of success, our training programs encompass a diverse range, addressing basic obedience, complex behavior challenges, and everything in between. Committed to building strong and joyful connections between pets and their caring families, our team of expert trainers is dedicated to your pet’s well-being.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training plays a vital role because it improves communication within the family, fortifies the bond between humans and dogs, and encourages desirable behavior. The notion that “you can’t teach a new dog new tricks” is just an outdated myth. Dogs’ intelligence allows for continuous learning and adaptation at any life stage. Professional dog training services are indispensable because they leverage humane, effective training techniques, provide structured education, and promise expert mentorship, all contributing to ensuring that dogs flourish after receiving the proper training and support.
Coming to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy for your dog’s training needs offers numerous perks, such as an approach rooted in positive reinforcement to promote obedience and trust, access to skilled trainers with years of practice and many certifications, and personalized training plans crafted to fit your dog’s unique characteristics. This helps create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship between you and your canine companion, leading to a happier and healthier life together.
Tailored Training Programs
We offer a variety of training programs, including:
- Board & Train
The best way to get your dog off to a great start on their training journey, and the most effective way to solidify commands and behavior. Packages range from 1 to 4 weeks and cover essential skills like heel, sit, down, stay, come, place, and good manners, with go-home lessons included so the training transfers to you. - Day Training
All the benefits of our Board & Train program without your dog spending the night. Drop-off and pick-up 5 days a week, Monday – Friday, with a lesson at the end of each week. Your dog builds obedience, socialization, and good manners in a structured day-camp setting — ideal for everything from rambunctious young puppies to dogs working through behavioral issues. - Home Stay Training
We do all the hard work and come to you! Your dog is trained in his or her own home environment 5 days a week, Monday – Friday — like Boot Camp for dogs in their own home, with no boarding required. Once your dog is fully trained, you receive a 30-minute handover lesson at the end of each week so you can confidently maintain the results. - Private Lessons at the Glendora property or the client’s home.
Individual lessons uniquely tailored to you and your dog, covering everything from basic obedience and off-leash work to behavior modification. Train with a certified professional dog trainer on our beautiful, spacious turfed and shaded field in Glendora, or in your own home to tackle issues that only occur in your home environment.
Unsure of where to start? Karen is available to discuss the numerous options and assist in crafting a customized training regimen for your dog. Whether it’s one-on-one training at your home, exploring our K-9 training service, finding a dog anxiety trainer who fosters confidence and calm behavior, or beginning with the basics, we’ll introduce you to a dog trainer in Arcadia who understands how to assist you and your dog in achieving all your objectives.
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) #1
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is the foundation level of the AKC’s good-manners training series. In CGC #1, dogs learn essential obedience skills such as accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and remaining calm around other dogs and people. The focus is on building a strong relationship between dog and handler while teaching reliable behavior in everyday situations. The CGC test consists of 10 skills that demonstrate a dog’s good manners at home and in public.
Prerequisite: Basic Obedience
AKC Community Canine (CGCA) #2
AKC Community Canine, often called CGCA (Advanced Canine Good Citizen), is the next step after earning the CGC title. These classes move training into real-world environments such as parks, training facilities, pet-friendly stores, and community settings. Dogs practice advanced skills including controlled behavior around distractions, longer stays, polite behavior while owners interact with others, and loose-leash walking in busy areas. The goal is to demonstrate that the dog can remain well-mannered and responsive in everyday community situations, not just in a classroom setting. Dogs must already have a CGC title before earning the CGCA title.
Prerequisite: CGC Level 1
AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU)
AKC Urban CGC is designed for dogs that regularly accompany their owners in towns and cities. This title tests practical urban skills such as walking through crowds, ignoring food on sidewalks, reacting appropriately to traffic noises and other city distractions, crossing streets under control, riding elevators or using stairs, and entering dog-friendly buildings and transportation. The Urban CGC test is conducted in real public environments and demonstrates that a dog can safely and politely navigate the challenges of city life. Like the Community Canine title, dogs must first earn their CGC before pursuing the Urban CGC (CGCU) title.
Prerequisite: CGC Level 2
What Sets Us Apart
With Karen Widaman at the helm, our team emphasizes holistic practices and trust. We believe in customizing our approach to each dog’s unique needs, whether that means using essential oils for relaxation and focus or offering personalized attention and ongoing support. We aim to foster a balanced and respectful bond between you and your furry friend, characterized by mutual understanding and harmony. Creating a positive space for your dog’s learning is central to our approach. Our innovative methods guarantee ongoing achievement and joy for you and your cherished companion.