Fullerton Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Fullerton
Since 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been a trusted partner to both dogs and their human families in the Fullerton area. Since she was 8 years old, Karen Widaman, our owner and head trainer, has been passionate about training dogs. Equipped with years of professional expertise and recognized certifications from respected institutions like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is a well-regarded dog trainer with an advanced understanding 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).
The guiding principle at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is the belief that educating your dog in real life skills is crucial for their well-being and for their successful adaptation to our human-centric society. Our goal is to fortify the relationship between you and your furry friend by fair and clear communication and by utilizing customized positive reinforcement strategies designed specifically for your needs. Our main concern is your dog’s success, so we never resort to abusive tactics or extreme force. With over two decades of experience and a track record of successful outcomes, our training services encompass a diverse range, including basic obedience and the management of challenging behaviors. Because we’re committed to building strong and loving connections between pets and their caring parents, our team of expert trainers is here to support you.
The Importance of Dog Training
Choosing It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy as your dog’s training destination comes with several advantages, including the expertise of certified trainers with extensive experience, a commitment to positive reinforcement methods that encourage obedience and trust, and tailored training programs designed to meet your dog’s specific needs. By practicing these techniques, you cultivate a harmonious and fulfilling bond with your furry friend and, therefore, a happier and healthier life together.
The necessity of dog training is evident in its role in fostering positive behavior, enhancing communication with families, and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners. The concept that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is fundamentally flawed. Dogs can adapt and learn at any stage of life because of their extraordinary intelligence. Through structured learning, the use of humane, effective training methods, and expert guidance, professional dog training services play a critical role in ensuring that dogs receive well-deserved, much-needed support and training.
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.
Need guidance on how to start? Karen is available to discuss the multitude of options and assist you in crafting a personalized training plan for your dog. Whether it’s one-on-one training at your home, finding a dog anxiety trainer who fosters confidence and calm behavior, exploring our K-9 training service, or beginning with the basics, we’ll match you with a dog trainer in Fullerton 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
Karen Widaman and our team are dedicated to trust-building and comprehensive methods. We believe in customizing our approach to match the specific needs of each dog, whether that involves incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, delivering personalized attention, or providing ongoing support. Our objective is to forge a harmonious rapport between you and your canine companion, characterized by mutual understanding and admiration. We work hard to create a welcoming and positive space that enhances your dog’s learning experience. Our unparalleled approach promises continued prosperity and bliss for both you and your cherished pet.