Dog Talk

Dogs are known for being lovable floofs, loyal companions, and oftentimes for being energetic. Yet what happens if your dog’s energy level becomes a concern? When your dog starts exhibiting behavior that’ goes beyond energetic to over excitable, it’s time to take a step back and assess. Keep reading to understand the difference between energetic, […]

The New Year arrived and if you’re thinking of welcoming a puppy in 2021, it’s time to start planning for training. Even if you’re still looking for that perfect pup, welcoming your new pet home with a training plan in place will make for a smooth and proactive transition. Puppies are a gift and bring […]

Whether celebrating a holiday or ringing in the New Year, this is the season for celebration. Even with current events changing some of our traditions, there’s still reason to cherish your loved ones – including your pets! Keep reading to find our Top 3 ways to include your dog in the holiday festivities, and check […]

Tis the season to be grateful! Dogs can be a daily source of happiness, but as we move through our routines we may forget to stop and appreciate them for all that they’re worth. Dogs have many great attributes and can be such a positive influence on their owners, from emotional to physical aspects. With […]

  Halloween sets the tone for the holiday season. The holidays can serve as an important reminder that seasonal fun brings lots of fun but it can also expose dogs to fatal foods. To help keep your pet’s diet on track, we’re offering friendly reminders on what foods your pet should avoid. We’re also sharing […]

We are so thrilled to be offering a variety of training options to dog owners across southern California. In addition to basic obedience, It’s A Dog’s World skilled trainers can help your dogs with intermediate and advanced obedience, off-leash training, behavior modification and service dog training. We’re here for all your training needs! Board & Train […]

Whether beating the heat or avoiding the crowds, indoor games can be a fabulous way to spend time with your pet. Indoor games can also double as training sessions. Creating games that keep you and your dog feeling safe and entertained might be easier than you think. Check out these fun ways to engage with […]

  Summertime is the season of fun! And the season of heat. Before planning any outdoor activities with your pet, take a moment and think through the safety side. It’s important to understand what’s included in the scope of outdoor activities, considering many hazards may not always register with humans. Keep reading to stay informed […]

While many of us are starting to venture back outdoors, it’s important to keep best physical distancing practices and local guidelines in mind. Now that many cities are opening select beaches, parks and outdoor areas, you might be ready to start safely going outside and enjoying some fresh air and exercise. Before you head out […]

Spending time with your pup is a great way to encourage bonding and brighten your day. Given the recent stay-at-home guidelines and restrictions, you might be finding yourself home more often and with more opportunity to spend time wth your pet! Check out these indoor and backyard ideas to take advantage of the extra time […]

To crate or not to crate, is it even a question? Yes! It is! Crate training can provide a sense of comfort because in the end you’ll have a well-trained pup, but it can also be very intimidating. How long should I leave my dog in the crate? Will they be scared? Is it right […]

Whether your pup is brand new and in need of basic training or an adult doggo looking for new tricks, 2020 is the year to take training to the next level! It’s A Dog’s world offers a variety of classes, and can help you discern what type of training is best for you and your […]

Picture this: A seemingly sweet dog is cowering next to a couch or near a tree, and you approach to pet him – the dog barks and becomes aggressive. Is your doggy radar off? Should you have known this dog could have aggressive behaviors? The answer is complex, and rest assured, not always obvious. If […]

Heel! Good Girl!  For anyone that has ever felt like a walk with their dog is really an opportunity for the dog to walk you, it’s time to prioritize the heel command! Exercise is of the upmost importance to both people and pets, and when your dog heels it makes for a much more enjoyable […]

High Fives and Paws! Register for Trick Dog Classes at It’s A Dog’s World It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy is proud to announce that we’re now accepting registrations for the AKC® Trick Dog Class! This fun and engaging class welcomes dogs and their owners to learn a variety of fun tricks while working toward earning […]

Puppy Kindergarten classes help puppies start off on the right paw Puppies are the absolute best! Yet they still come with a slew of challenges, and many times your adorable puppy can start displaying some pretty un-cute behavior. That’s where It’s A Dog’s World comes in – our skilled team can help your puppy start […]

Discover what’s happening while your precious pup slumbers  We’ve all been there. We’re watching our cute pup nap on a dog bed or on the couch next to us, and all of the sudden their paws start moving. You can see movement behind their eyelids or perhaps a few sleep sounds escape from their doggo […]

Discover how to teach your dog their name and check out the top doggy names of the last year!  Training a dog to learn their name can seem daunting, but it really comes down to a little hard work and a lot of love. By using positive reinforcement methods and repetition, your dog – whether […]

Get your pup ready for summer by improving their social skills Whether you have a new puppy or an older pet, socialization is an important part of a dog’s overall lifestyle. With summer approaching, pet owners can get a jump on the seasonal festivities ahead by ensuring your dog is socialized! Friendly fur babies make […]

It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy takes great pride in training all canine breeds of all sizes. Our skilled team develops healthy, happy and well behaved pups, coaching them in areas from basic obedience to socialization and beyond. It’s A Dog’s World is proud to announce their new Service Dog Training Program, and their new […]

Dog training is as versatile as dog breeds. From basic obedience to advanced and specialized training, there are many approaches to and practices for training pups of every age. It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy is proud to offer training from a skilled team of trainers, who are knowledgeable in multiple areas, including the Board […]

For many pet owners, there’s no better feeling than seeing an excited pup who’s thrilled to greet their human. The best part? The feeling is reciprocal. It’s no secret that people have strong connections with their dogs. Canines are loyal, loving, and can provide endless entertainment and earn your adoration at all stages of their […]

TIPS FOR RAISING A LARGE BREED DOG Dogs of all shapes and sizes can find their way into a loving home, but if your four-legged friends have big paws (and big hearts) then you’ll need to take different steps when raising and caring for them. Large breeds can be wonderfully big balls of fluff or […]

Tis the season for holiday cheer, and many folks are planning their annual family photos! If the photo shoot includes everyone in your family—including the furry and four-legged—remember that pets are arguably the most important family member to take into consideration. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the excitement that comes along […]

  How to introduce a new puppy to an older pet If the fall season is bringing more than a change in weather, (a new puppy perhaps?) it’s time to start preparing! For many pet owners, welcoming a second dog into the home can be a very special time in the family’s life. However, it’s […]

Keep These Tip in Mind for Safe & Fabulous Summer! Every summer pet owners look forward to taking their four-legged friends to the beach, lake, local park or on a road trip. Hitting the trails or beach with your pup can be a summertime rite of passage that grows into a lasting tradition, and it’s […]

Say hello to It’s A Dog’s World Director, Karen Widaman!  When it comes to dog training, Karen Widaman is an expert. Director of It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy in Glendora, California, she’s been training dogs since childhood and received her professional certification in 2007. Now leading a team of skilled trainers and working alongside Glendora’s Caring […]

5 Tips on Traveling with Fido this Summer With Memorial Day weekend approaching (and unofficially kicking off the summer season) it’s time to start thinking about ways to make travel accommodations for pup. Whether taking them along for an adventure or finding the best place to board them, it’s important to take the time necessary […]

How to Keep Your Pets Engaged and Learning for Lifelong Health & Happiness Looking for a way to keep your pup engaged? Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or hoping to ignite new energy in your older pet, there are many ways to keep your dog active and learning throughout their life. Keep reading for […]

The holidays are in full swing and so are celebrations! Whether spending time with family or venturing out with friends to toast the season, there’s a good chance get-togethers and dinner parties are filling your calendar. If you’re a dog owner, it’s important to remember that pets may not be as excited for new faces […]

All Hallow’s Eve is here and chances are there’s boys, ghouls, and four legged beasts roaming the streets! Halloween is upon us and as thoughts start shifting to Thanksgiving, it’s best to keep safety tips in mind for the upcoming holidays. Whether Fido likes to join in on a night of tricks and treats or prefers […]

On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston, Texas. The natural disaster rocked the Southeast Texas region and displaced thousands of residents – and their pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that more than 30% of Houston’s population owned at least one dog or cat, and when taking into consideration the stray […]

Dogs—big or small—have a way of finding their way into your heart. Whether joining your home as a puppy or an older pet, purebred or rescue, dogs truly are man’s best friend. For dog owners of large breeds, the joy they bring can be big as they are! Yet it’s important to remember that caring […]

Dogs are incredible creatures. They’re unconditionally loving, loyal, and can be a catalyst for fresh air and exercise. Yet when life gets busy and schedules become hectic, it’s all to easy to put canine exercise on the back burner. Long walks in the morning may be trimmed to a quick potty break in the front […]

The rains are passing and spring is in the air! As the weather begins to warm up and outdoor activities begin to increase, it’s time to grab your pup and head outside – and don’t forget to brush up on springtime safety tips for your pet! Whether playing an epic game of fetch or taking […]

Welcoming a puppy into your home is truly special moment, and an experience that can bring excitement and joy to you and those around you. Cute little tails wagging, bounding around the room, and infectious playfulness are all perks of bringing home a puppy. Yet once the excitement subsides, signs of undesirable behavior may start […]

The Halloween season is upon us, and it’s time to start getting into the spooky spirit! Dogs are a part of the family and it’s great to have them join in on the festivities, and we’re excited for the upcoming holiday and all that goes along with it. Last year we rounded up our Top […]

There’s no denying that a dog holds a special place in their owner’s hearts. They always seem to know when you need a nuzzle or a snuggle, and can bring endless joy and entertainment into your day. They’re a part of your family and consider you part of theirs. Yet sometimes, a pet can become […]

Have you ever watched two dogs run through a field or dog park, playing with one another and appearing to have a conversation all of their own? If you’re a dog lover, chances are that you have! It’s important to take a moment and understand what your pet (and their playmate) is saying to each […]

Fear causes people to behave in ways that aren’t typical, and the same can be said for dogs. When people become afraid, there’s no specific reaction that’s hardwired into us. Much like our furry friends, it can cause us to become aggressive. If you believe your pet is acting aggressively out of fear, take a […]

These two wonderful dogs trained with It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, and are looking for a fur-ever home. Pet adoption is vital to dog community, please take a moment to read about “Big Red” and “Cana” and keep scrolling to discover important facts about pet adoption. The happy-faced auburn dog on the left is […]

With Halloween quickly approaching, costumes are becoming a hot topic. Whether you’re discussing your costume while chatting at the water cooler or listening to your little one rattle off their potential disguises, it’s a discussion that’s increasing in popularity. For pet owners, costumes can be a great way to include your dog in the festivities. […]

  Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for thousands of years. The bond between humans and canines can be so strong, that we work together in life saving operations. Dogs are commonly used in high profile units such as search and rescue teams, and various other fire and police units. No other animal has […]

To our friends who reside in sunny Southern California (both human and four-legged) we are about to embark on a rare phenomenon: rain. If the weather gurus are correct, this year’s El Nino weather patterns are bringing in substantial amounts of rainfall. For a drought-soaked state, that’s going to take some getting used to –especially […]

Pet owners want their dogs to be well-adjusted, social creatures that can handle any situation. The reality is that many dogs, especially older pets, will struggle with socialization. Dogs are lovable companions that deserve to be understood, whether within the comfort of their own home or venturing into unknown territory. Socializing your dog is a […]

  Seeing a dog bound with joy at the site of a leash is a scenario many pet owners can relate to. Our four-legged friends love the outdoors, particularly when the weather is favorable, and daily walks are a beneficial exercise that yields many positive results. The baseline time frame for exercise falls between 45 […]

Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to settle in with a good movie, and we’re rounding up a list of charismatic canines that stole the show. While film vets like Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, and Old Yeller are some of the most beloved onscreen dogs, we’re digging a bit deeper and giving […]

How to initiate the “Turn Around” method.  For some dogs, leash training is a breeze. They respect the arrangement and understand the dynamics fairly quickly. For others… let’s just say it’s not so simple. Many dogs resist being on a leash, but that’s a completely natural reaction. Our four legged friends love being outside, and […]

The 4th of July is a holiday that champions food, fun, and fireworks. While this summer celebration can be the catalyst for great memories, it can spark something quite different for your pet. The 4th of July can be a source of major anxiety and agitation for dogs, and it’s important to keep them in […]

  Andy Andrews is An Expert in Rattlesnake Aversion Training Andy Andrews is a dog trainer with more than thirty-five years of experience. He’s got a gritty, yet caring voice and within five minutes of speaking with him he’ll proclaim his love of dogs. And while the master trainer has decades of tips and tricks […]

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the contributions of the brave men and women who gave their lives for our great country. Yet there’s another category of courageous soldiers that laid down their lives in battle, and these particular military heroes had four legs and a tail. Dogs have been a part of […]

Summer is quickly approaching and our lovable pooches are prone to spending more time outdoors. Fun under the sun is a great way to enjoy fresh air and get some much-needed playtime with your pup, but there are quite a few garden plants and flowers that poise potential harm to your pets. While the list […]

It’s no secret that owning a dog brings excitement and happiness to the homestead, but what happens when a family welcomes home a pup that suffers from incessant barking? As much as we love our pets, that’s one personality trait that could use some improving. Dogs bark as a form of communication, and pet owners […]

With the weather warming up, the temptation to head outside and enjoy the outdoors is nearly impossible to resist. Dogs have a natural desire to keep active and venture out of the house, and traveling to your neighborhood dog park is a healthy and fun option for everyone involved. While most pet owners want nothing […]

If you’re looking for fun, sun, and a dog-gone good time in Glendora this weekend, look no further than the Bark Around Ayala Park! The event kicks off at 9 a.m. this Saturday, March 14 at the beautiful Ruben S. Ayala Park, located at 5665 Edison Avenue near the Glendora Valley YMCA. The event will […]

There’s no denying the fact that dogs are amazing creatures. They provide companionship and joy, and keep their owners active and young at heart. Service dogs are a particular set of canines that venture into the extraordinary. These highly trained animals can perform countless tasks to aid their owner, and can benefit people with both […]

After long day, there’s nothing like opening the front door and being greeted by an ecstatic pet. Their excitement and love is enough to encourage a smile on the worst of days, or serve as the icing on the cake for the best of days. However, when a pet’s instinctual need to jump up and […]

The New Year is in full swing and the resolutions of 2015 are ready to be realized. If getting a dog made the “To Do” list this year, the addition could mean more than gaining a new pet; it could mean a new you. Welcoming a dog into your life is a major step that […]

  Many dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal care providers have turned to pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to use in place of toxic and harmful ingredients commonly found in pet products. Personally, as a dog trainer of twenty-five years and a mother of four rambunctious, accident prone little girls, I have turned to essential oils to […]

Part One of a two part series discussing the importance of pet food.  Pet nutrition can be intimidating. Information regarding the dangers of processed kibble has been crucial to improving pet health, but can often leave pet owners with more questions than answers. Dogs need a healthy diet in order to maintain proper organ function […]

Simple communication with your pet is a necessity. Here’s 5 ways to keep it short and sweet. Training your pet is an ongoing process, whether you have a four-month-old Corgi or a four-year-old Collie. Practice makes perfect and as long as your training session is an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet, everyone […]

A five-month-old Samoyed named Casper stole the hearts of trainers and successfully completed puppy training at It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy in our VIP program.  Puppies present an irresistible charm. They’re full of life, love, and heartfelt doggy kisses. Welcoming a puppy into your home can be a magical moment, yet oftentimes, a perfect […]

5 Easy Ways to Make Sure Everyone in Your Home Enjoys Their Halloween Halloween brings more than candy, spooky movies, and costumes; it brings a whole new world of troublesome adventure to your pets. There’s no need to curb your enthusiasm for the fun-filled holiday, but being aware of potential hazards will ensure a frightfully […]

Many people love massages and are aware of the many benefits. But, did you know that massage for dogs also has many benefits? Canine massage has recently gained in popularity as many have discovered the health benefits for the beloved pets. Canine massage really got its start from Equine Massage. Race horses were routinely “rubbed […]

  This is part 2 of the Sound Phobia series Part 1 Fireworks and thunderstorms can cause anxiety in our pets. Is the 4th of July your favorite festivities? While it may be yours, for most of our four-legged companions it is not quite so much fun. July 5th and for several days after the […]

PART 1 It’s summer and it’s time to head outside! But while you’re enjoying picnics, recreation and colorful fireworks displays, your dog may be miserably trying to escape the onslaught of loud, painful noises that accompany our summer activities. Noise phobias can be a debilitating and even dangerous condition for many dogs. According to Behaviorists, […]

  Do you know what signs of stress look like in your dog? It is important to know what signs to look for so that you can safely remove your dog from the source of stress immediately when the stressor occurs. Stress is abstract and subjective. What is terribly stressful for one dog can be […]

Have you ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to be a therapy dog? Is your dog sweet, affectionate, gentle, steadfast in temperament, approachable, doesn’t shy or startle easily? Do you love people, enjoy seeing success and victories achieved by people, do you enjoy helping others? Then, you and your dog may have […]

By Liz Reyes, CPDT-KA Many dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal care providers have turned to Pure, Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils to use in place of toxic and harmful ingredients commonly found in pet products. Personally, as a dog trainer of twenty-five years and a mother to four rambunctious, accident prone little girls, I have turned to […]

Does your dog scarf down the food before you are barely even able to set the bowl down?  Does your dog jump on you and knock the food at of your hand at feeding time?  Watch this video for a unique, super cute  trick other dog owners have taught their dogs to sit and wait patiently […]

First, start off by holding a treat between the thumb and index finger of your right hand. Put the treat on the tip of the dog’s nose. Draw the treat straight up the dog’s nose and in between the dog’s eyes and give the command “sit”. Naturally, when the head goes up, the bottom goes […]

Pet owners have always exclaimed how bright and intuitive their dogs are. Well, this new study may shed some new light into just how much your beloved four legged companion really does know exactly what mood you are in. According to researchers in Hungary, dogs have voice areas in the same part of their brains […]

  Whether you have an older dog that needs some gentle reminders or a puppy that is just starting out, here are 5 easy steps to get your dog fully potty trained: 1.      Keep a schedule.  Feed at the same times every day.  Keep your dog’s bedtime and wake up routines to consistent times every […]

  What is the number #1 thing most puppy owners do wrong?  They don’t start their puppy in a good puppy class from the start.    Getting a well behaved dog starts at 8 – 10 weeks of age.  Good puppies are well socialized, well-rounded that have been trained with lots of positive reinforcement.  Do […]

An on leash reactive dog is one that shows aggressive behaviors to stranger’s dogs while on leash. The same dog while off leash is normally not aggressive. There are a number of reasons why a dog may show aggressive behaviors. A “leash reactive” dog is mainly reactive on leash but usually does not show the […]

Playing fetch is a great way to have fun with your dog and exercise him at the same time. If you’re lucky, your dog plays fetch naturally, but few dogs intrinsically understand the concept of retrieving. Some dogs will chase after the toy but then won’t bring it back, while others simply look at you […]

Try out different combinations with the ingredients below, and let us know your dog’s favorites! Please send us photos of your happy pups with their stuffed kongs to thebestdog@verizon.net or post to Instagram or Facebook. How-to: Mix ingredients in a bowl and fill up your Kong. Serve it fresh, refrigerated, or frozen. We suggest making […]

Dogs eating poop is a revolting subject, but unfortunately it is a pretty common problem that needs to be addressed. Coprophagia is the eating of stool. For the most part, deficiency in vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes are a large component of this occurrence. This is why you will see dogs scarf down rabbit poop, […]

by Kendal Shepherd How a dog reacts to stress or a threat can be represented as a series of ascending steps on a ladder. These gestures are responses to an escalation of perceived threat only and are NOT expressions of a ‘submissive’ or ‘dominant’ state. The choice of strategy (whether to escalate to a bite […]

How to (Re)Establish Leadership with Your Dog Many dog behavior problems can be directly linked to one key factor; lack of appropriate leadership by the owners. Dogs are pack animals that must learn to work together in a social hierarchy that enables them to function productively for the good of all the pack members. To […]

There is a lot of bad advice given about introducing a cat to your family dog or vice versa. Some remember the introduction as a stressful time or say it’s impossible to have both. The key to any introduction is time and patience. Here are some procedures and facts, which will make the transition smooth […]

Most dogs love to run outside and explore the great outdoors.  Most dogs quickly discover that when the front door is open it is “game on” and they can quickly dash through and have a blast saying “Hi” to all their two legged and four legged friends.  I bet dogs think it’s even more fun […]

The Alarming New Bill That Could Threaten Your Dog’s Life By Dr. Becker Today I’m interviewing a very special guest, Dr. Jean Dodds, about new rabies vaccine legislation proposed in California that also has the potential to spread to other states – including the one you live in. Proposed California Legislation Requires Too-Early Rabies Vaccine […]

Hand targeting is teaching your dog to use his nose to touch your hand on cue, that is if you put your hand out and say “touch”, your dog should come running over and touch your hand with his noise. This is a very useful skill for many reasons: • Teaching walking on the leash […]

Does your dog ignore you or play “hard to get” when in the backyard and its time to come in? Teach your dog to enjoy “checking in” with you by keeping delicious treats on you while watching your dog play in the backyard. Randomly call your dog by saying his name and getting his attention […]

It’s Friday night and after a long work week you decide to grill a delicious steak for yourself. As you go the fridge to get a drink, your mischievous pup jumps up and helps himself to your hard earned dinner. Is this a common scenario in your home? We have heard it all: the Jack […]

Let’s face it, keeping your dog content and happy all day (especially when his best bud….you! are gone eight hours a day) can be a challenging task. We came up with a list of toys that can fight boredom – with or without you. Food Dispensing Toys Food dispensing toys are the best toys to […]

Make 2013 the best year ever for you and your dog by including him in your resolutions. It’s never too late to instill new, healthy habits for you and your dog. As you are considering your list of New Year’s resolutions make sure you think of Fido and include some new healthy habits that will […]

Can you believe we only have 11 shopping days left until Christmas? Since Christmas is right around the corner, we thought we would give you a little help with some great gift ideas for that special someone or for the 4 legged best friend in your life.  And, some of these gifts are great for […]

There are eight needs to be aware of when raising a dog. If you don’t meet your dog’s needs successfully, your dog may act out in an inappropriate or destructive manner. Keep in mind that dog’s will use their paws or mouth to release boredom or frustration. If you meet all the following needs successfully, […]

  You sit down at the table to enjoy a delicious meal with the family.  As you begin to converse and discuss everyone’s day, you are interrupted by Grace, the family dog’s constant whining, barking, and pawing for just a morsel of your food.  At first when she was a puppy you thought this was […]

The “place” command is designed to have your dog to stay in one area for up to two hours at a time. While your dog is in the place command, he or she can get up, turn around, lie back down, chew on toys, and do just about anything, except leave the area. You can […]

Have you ever been at the beach or a park and watched a dog come bounding back to an owner after the owner only gave a simply whistle? Have you thought, “I want my dog to do that”! Well, its easy and here’s how you can have your dog come running to you with just […]

Dogs often respond to the sound of barking by issuing their own woofs. The same is true of howling. When they hear howling or sirens or other high-pitched sounds, many dogs try to sing along. Encouraging your dog to bark or howl, following your example, probably won’t be difficult. Some breeds such as the Siberian […]

By Dr. Becker                                                  A growing collection of recent studies is proving that positive reinforcement training of dogs is much more effective and ultimately successful than training involving dominance and punishment. Some of the studies even demonstrated that training involving punishment actually created additional problem behaviors – certainly an outcome no dog guardian deliberately sets out […]

Ever watch a training class and notice how owners who obviously enjoy training have dogs that clearly enjoy their lessons? Meanwhile, people who ignore instructions and appear perpetually bored invariably own dogs that act the same. Putting energy and a good attitude into training proves invaluable in gaining the same response from your dog. “Training […]

Why are dogs so loyal? And, how can their loyalty help us to train our dogs better? These are questions that we frequently get asked and understanding two key elements about dogs will help you train your dog better. Stories about dogs and their loyalty have been in the news a lot lately. In fact, […]

The doorbell rings and the dreaded barking ensue. Your dog barks, jumps at the door, creating such a scene that you dread even opening the door. In the dog’s mind, the doorbell is synonymous with, “A stranger is at the door,”-go crazy! The behavior usually starts off innocently enough. At some point, your little puppy […]

Dog training has evolved into science based techniques over the last few years.  Even so, some common behavior myths are still persistent.  We will tackle 5 common myths that many people still believe when it comes to training their pooch. 1. Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.  False.  Dogs of all ages can learn new […]

Here are some important things to consider before breeding your dog. Raising a litter of adorable balls of fur sounds easy and fun, but having puppies isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Breeding dogs involves much more work and responsibilities than most people are prepared for. Breeding carries the responsibility to your puppies and […]

The bond between dogs and their owners is undeniable. Because of this, many dog owners will go to great lengths to save a dog. Here at It’s A Dog’s World, we have 2 very special clients that have done that very thing and we wanted to take time out to reflect on the ways humans […]

As of January 1, 2012 President and Founder of It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc. (IADW) Liz Reyes resigned and sold the business to Karen Widaman. Liz Reyes opened IADW in June 2000 after working as a professional dog trainer for eleven years. In 2000, she decided it was time to not only train […]

Are you tired of giving your dog the typical leash, bone, or toy for their Christmas present? I’m sure your dog is tired of it too! I have composed a Top Ten List for every dog’s “must haves” this year for Christmas. Remember these are great gift ideas not only for your beloved companion, but […]

Dogs love spending time with their owners regardless of the place and activity. Halloween is a great opportunity for pet and owner to incorporate fun and quality time. Ultimately, it’s the pet owner who is in the driver seat to ensure their pet is comfortable with the activities that go along with Halloween. This Halloween, […]

4 Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing a Puppy   Have you and your family been thinking about adding a new puppy to your family?  Are you ready to make the leap into the abyss of puppy raising?  Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when selecting a new puppy. Once you’re sure you’re ready […]

Dog Days of Summer As the “Dog Days” of summer come to a close, are you looking for some last minute, fun, summertime activities to enjoy with your children and your pet?  There are plenty of ways to let your child have a play-date with your family dog.  Please remember, though, that no matter how […]

Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You Over the course of my 23 years of dog training experience, I have encountered many dog owners inquiring how to correct food aggression in their beloved companion.  Time and again I hear the same story.  In an effort to keep food aggression from developing in a new puppy, […]

Pet Cancer Awareness Month   Dog owners think of their pets as family members.  This is why it is devastating to hear about one of our four legged friends getting cancer.  Dogs and cats get cancer at approximately the same rate people do.  This disease is the #1 health problem.  Yet, 80% of dog and […]

The Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every year on March 17. Dog lovers can also join in the fun by celebrating Irish dog breeds. Some Irish dog breeds include Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Wohlfhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Irish Red & White Setter. Perhaps the most popular is the […]

Everyone wants a happy dog.  This creates a good family companion who is up to go out, run, walk or enjoy a relaxing day at home. To achieve all of this, it’s important to give them proper healthcare and appropriate behavior education. The Importance of Health Care Health care is a no brainer and having […]

Valentine’s Day is here. Do you have anything romantic planned for you and yours? If you don’t, don’t worry, you can make the holiday special by spoiling your pooch, or bringing Fido along on your V-Day date. 1. Gourmet bone. Dog bones are most dogs’ dream, but they can be on the expensive side. Use […]

Most families have a first-aid kit for the members of their family, but not many have one for their pooch. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s good to have in case you do need it while traveling while traveling, out at the park or just when you’re home. As always, if an emergency occurs […]

According to Blomberg Businessweek, Americans will spend over $47 billion per year on their pets. That’s more than Americans spend at the movies, on video games or recorded music. Americans are expected to spend a few more billion annually by 2015. Pet owners, especially dog owners, want their pets to stay in the best pet […]

By: Liz Reyes, CPDT-KA, B.S. It’s a Dog’s World K-9 Academy President A common misconception in the dog owning community arises from the usage of crates. Many loving pet owners fear their dogs may establish a negative relationship with their crates, causing anxieties for both the pet and its person. Dogs are descended from wolves, […]

By: Liz Reyes, CPDT-KA, B.S. For new parents the cyclone of baby showers, baby proofing, and baby needs, can sometimes leave your original baby (that’s right, your pet considers himself your first child) feeling left out and confused. Though Fido may have been an angel before the new addition, now that baby rules the roost […]

By: Liz Reyes, CPDT-KA, B.S. There is a lot of bad advice given about introducing a cat to your family dog or vice versa. Some remember the introduction as a stressful time or say it’s impossible to have both. The key to any introduction is time and patience. Here are some procedures and facts, which […]

By: Liz Reyes, CPDT-KA, B.S. It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of dog parks before you and your dog participate in dog interaction at one. It’s also good to know proper etiquette while at a dog park. Here are some pros and cons and tips and tidbits to make your dog park experience […]

By: Liz Reyes, CPDT-KA, B.S. Interest in sending lovable, and sometimes challenging, dogs to training facilities has experienced a dramatic peak in recent years. With the craft itself constantly evolving I’m happy to take my twenty years of dog training know-how and create a distinct list that will help owners find a facility, and a […]

We see it all the time. A dog enrolls in a group class or private lesson at It’s a Dog’s World and does very well. However, as soon as their owner continues the training commands and routine at home, they have a different dog on their hands. Distractions become an issue for some owners who […]

After training almost every breed there is successfully, It’s a Dog’s World (IADW) trainer Karen Widaman had finally met her match. Charcoal, a 3-year old, 135-pound Great Dane exhibited a severe dominance and territorial aggression over his male owner. It was after Charcoal’s owner developed a very serious illness and came home after a lengthy […]

At It’s a Dog’s World (www.itsadogsworld.biz), we promote the importance of socialization, especially during the first 16 weeks of a dog’s life. Dr Ian Dunbar, author of several best selling dog books including “Before and After You Get Your Puppy,” suggests that a new pup should meet 100 people by the age of 16 weeks. All […]

All the dos and don’ts of camping with your dog, including great spots such as dog friendly campsites, restaurants and beaches.

By: Liz Reyes Clients will very often come up to me with a dog or puppy over 6 months and say their pooch needs to develop better manners or social skills, but that it’s too late. On the contrary, some clients with puppies (between eight weeks and four months) think it’s too soon to teach […]

Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy a day at the park, a camping trip, or a family vacation and include your pooch or pup. However, lately with the recent heat wave and other risks associated with summertime fun, it’s important dog owners take some time to understand dangerous situations and learn some […]

Most people refer to adults and kids when talking about water safety. But don’t forget about an important part of the family, dogs. Many breeds enjoy the water, playing by the shore and doggy paddling with the kids in shallow waters, but any dog can easily be injured or scared while enjoying the water. If […]

Dogs have become so much a part of our lives and have been domesticated for so many years, that we tend to forget they actually are captive animals, and our homes are artificial environments.  A great many canine behavior problems can be traced to a lack of enrichment. Consequently, many behavior problems can be minimized […]

On a stifling hot Southern California summer day, having a pool is a life savior. So, enjoy it, but just make sure if you have a dog you practice some safety tips, which can help avoid injury and in extreme cases drowning. The first thing to do when you have a pool and a dog […]

Planning some trips this summer you want to include your pooch in? You can get Fido in shape with several basic courses and tips from It’s a Dog’s World.