Cerritos Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Cerritos
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been committed to our Cerritos community since 2004, proudly catering to dogs and their human companions. Karen Widaman, now leading as owner and head trainer, began her remarkable journey in dog training at the age of 8. With decades of professional experience and certifications from prestigious institutions like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become a seasoned dog trainer with a profound grasp of canine psychology and behavior. Karen’s caring and efficient techniques have supported numerous dogs and their companions in building strong bonds and achieving 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).
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. We are dedicated to strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion by fair and clear communication and through the implementation of positive reinforcement methods that are designed to meet your unique needs. We focus on fostering your dog’s growth by rejecting abusive practices or harsh force. Drawing on over two decades of experience and a track record of success, we provide a wide-ranging selection of training services that address everything from basic obedience to challenging behavior concerns. Our trainers are devoted to promoting positive and loving relationships between pets and their dedicated families..
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training is essential for enhancing communication within families, deepening the bond between humans and their beloved pets, and setting a foundation for good behavior. Don’t believe the statement, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” because it’s completely off-base. Dogs’ intelligence allows for continuous learning and adaptation at any life stage. 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.
Bringing your dog to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy allows you to reap a multitude of rewards, including tailored training regimens that address your dog’s specific requirements, the guidance of certified trainers boasting years of expertise, and an emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques that foster a bond of trust and encourage obedient behavior. This approach fosters a balanced and rewarding partnership between you and your loyal companion, leading to a more joyful and healthy 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.
Not sure where to begin? Karen is available to discuss the wide range of options and work together with you to design a customized training program for your dog. Regardless of whether your dog needs individualized training at home, you’re considering our K-9 training service, you’re seeking the guidance of a dog anxiety trainer who specializes in helping dogs stay calm and confident, or you’re just starting out, we’ll pair you with a dog trainer in Cerritos 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
Karen Widaman and our team are committed to holistic practices and building trust. Our philosophy centers on adapting our methods to suit the specific needs of each dog, whether that involves incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. Our objective is to forge a harmonious rapport between you and your canine companion, characterized by mutual understanding and admiration. Cultivating a supportive and positive learning environment is a focus of our daily efforts. Our exceptional approach ensures sustained success and fulfillment for both you and your beloved pet.