Bloomington Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Bloomington
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, a trusted name since 2004, has been dedicated to serving both dogs and humans in our Bloomington community since day one. Since she was 8 years old, Karen Widaman, our owner and head trainer, has been passionate about training dogs. Armed with decades of professional expertise and certified by renowned organizations such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is now a renowned dog trainer who brings an in-depth knowledge of canine behavior and psychology to the table. 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 emphasize the importance of giving your dog an education in real life skills because it plays a crucial role in their physical wellness, emotional health, and ability to thrive among humans. Our aim is to deepen the connection between you and your furry family member by fair and clear communication and by employing positive reinforcement techniques that are customized to your particular situation. We prioritize your dog’s success, steering clear of extreme force or abusive techniques. With a wealth of experience spanning more than twenty years and a track record of success, we offer a comprehensive suite of training services that cater to everything from basic obedience to complex behavior modification. With a commitment to nurturing happy and harmonious connections between pets and their devoted families, our skilled trainers bring expertise and passion to every session.
The Importance of Dog Training
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. These practices foster a balanced and harmonious relationship between you and your loyal companion, resulting in a more joyful and rewarding life together.
Dog training plays a pivotal role in strengthening the bond between humans and their furry companions, facilitating better communication, and shaping good behavior. Effective dog training can be achieved regardless of age, which might be surprising to learn. The cognitive abilities of dogs allow them to learn and adjust throughout their lives. Professional dog training services are essential because they deliver expert guidance, structured learning, and knowledge of humane, effective training methods, which are instrumental in ensuring that dogs receive the training and support they 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.
If you’re unsure of where to start, Karen is available to discuss the various options and help you create a tailored training plan that meets your dog’s specific needs. Whether it’s one-on-one training at your home, working with a dog anxiety trainer who can help your pet feel calm and confident, exploring our K-9 training service, or beginning with the basics, we’ll match you with a dog trainer in Bloomington who is adept at guiding you and your dog toward reaching all your desired outcomes.
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
Trust-building and a holistic perspective are key focuses for Karen Widaman and our team. Our approach revolves around tailoring our methods to suit the specific needs of each dog, whether that entails incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or extending ongoing support. We strive to develop a harmonious and respectful relationship between you and your furry friend, emphasizing mutual understanding and admiration. We are dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment that promotes your dog’s growth. Our exclusive methods guarantee continuous achievement and joy for both you and your cherished pet.