Irvine Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Irvine
With a history dating back to 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been serving dogs and humans in an effort to be an invaluable asset to the Irvine community. Karen Widaman, our owner and head trainer, discovered her passion for training dogs at the age of 8. Now an expert dog trainer with decades of professional experience, certifications from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, and a variety of other impressive credentials, she has a deep understanding of canine behavior and psychology. Karen’s empathetic and efficient strategies have guided numerous dogs and their guardians in establishing solid relationships and attaining obedience and balance.
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 stress the significance of providing your dog with an education in real life skills that fosters their overall well-being and to their successful adaptation to our human world. We aim to fortify the relationship between you and your cherished canine companion by fair and clear communication and by utilizing positive reinforcement strategies that are tailored to your distinct circumstances. Our priority lies in your dog’s accomplishments, avoiding harsh force or abusive tactics. 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. 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
Deciding on It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy for your dog’s training brings forth a multitude of benefits, including tailored training regimens that address your dog’s specific needs, an emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques that promote obedience and trust, and the guidance of certified trainers boasting years of expertise. This approach helps you and your furry friend develop a harmonious and gratifying relationship that leads to a healthy and joyful life together.
Dog training plays a vital role because it improves communication within the family, fortifies the bond between humans and dogs, and encourages desirable behavior. The concept that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is fundamentally flawed. The intelligence of dogs allows them to learn and adjust at any point in their lives. 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.
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
Under Karen Widaman’s leadership, our team emphasizes holistic practices and trust. Tailoring our methods to meet the unique needs of each dog is our priority, whether that includes incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. Our objective is to establish a peaceful and happy connection between you and your four-legged companion, founded on mutual understanding and respect. We provide a supportive learning environment that facilitates your dog’s development. Our exceptional approach ensures sustained success and fulfillment for both you and your beloved pet.
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 assistance figuring out where to begin? Karen is available to discuss the wide range of options and collaborate with you to design a customized training strategy for your dog. Regardless of whether your dog requires individualized training in your home, you’re turning to a dog anxiety trainer who specializes in developing calm and confident, 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 Irvine who can assist you and your dog in reaching their fullest potential.