Azusa Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Azusa
Catering to Azusa’s canine and human population since 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is a proud member of this one-of-a-kind community. At 8 years old, Karen Widaman, now our owner and head trainer, took her first steps into the world of dog training. With years of professional expertise and certifications from leading institutions such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is now a respected dog trainer with a deep understanding of canine psychology and behavior. Karen’s caring and impactful strategies have supported numerous dogs and their companions through the process of fostering strong connections and reaching obedience and serenity.
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).
At It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, we strongly believe that educating your dog in real life skills is essential for their happiness and for their seamless adaptation to our human society. Our mission is to enhance the relationship between you and your cherished pet by fair and clear communication and by utilizing positive reinforcement strategies that are tailored to your individual circumstances. Our main concern is your dog’s well-being and success, so we never employ abusive techniques or harsh force. Backed by two decades of expertise and a proven history of achievement, we provide an extensive array of training solutions covering everything from fundamental obedience to tackling complex behaviors. Dedicated to promoting thriving and joyous relationships between pets and their loving caregivers, our team of expert trainers is passionate about their important work.
The Importance of Dog Training
Enrolling your dog at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy provides several advantages, such as customized training plans that cater to your dog’s individual needs, a focus on positive reinforcement methods that promote obedience and trust, and the assistance of certified trainers with extensive experience. These efforts nurture a harmonious and gratifying relationship between you and your canine buddy, leading to a life filled with greater joy and fulfillment alongside one another.
The importance of dog training lies in its ability to strengthen the bond between humans and their dogs, enhance communication with families, and cultivate good behavior. Many pet parents are surprised to learn that the effectiveness of training is completely unrelated to the age of the dog. Dogs’ intelligence allows for continuous learning and adaptation at any life stage. Professional dog training services are indispensable as they offer structured learning, employ effective, humane training methods, and deliver expert guidance, all of which are essential in ensuring that dogs receive the training and support they so richly deserve.
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. Regardless of whether you need to enlist the help of a dog anxiety trainer who can foster confidence and calmness, your dog requires individualized training in your home, you’re interested in our K-9 training service offerings, or you’re starting from scratch, we’ll set you up with a dog trainer in Azusa who can assist you and your dog in achieving all your goals.
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
Our team, guided by Karen Widaman, highlights the importance of trust and a holistic approach. From incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus to providing your dog with personalized attention to extending ongoing support, we wholeheartedly believe in tailoring our methods to each dog’s individual needs. We work to nurture a harmonious and strong connection between you and your furry buddy, highlighting mutual understanding and respect. We are committed to creating a positive educational setting that encourages your dog’s development. Employing our unique strategies, we ensure continued success and happiness for both you and your beloved companion.