La Puente Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in La Puente
Since 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been dedicated to serving the dogs and humans that make the La Puente community so wonderful. Our owner and head trainer, Karen Widaman, discovered her passion for dog training at the young age of 8. With years of professional expertise and certifications from leading institutions such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is now a respected dog trainer with a deep understanding of canine psychology and behavior. Through her compassionate and impactful methods, Karen has guided countless dogs and their loving humans in establishing solid relationships and achieving 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, as it greatly contributes to their overall well-being and their successful interaction with every human they meet. We are committed to nurturing a stronger connection between you and your loyal canine by fair and clear communication and through the use of positive reinforcement techniques that are personalized to your specific needs. We emphasize your dog’s progress, refraining from using abusive tactics or harsh force. With a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades and a track record of success, we offer a comprehensive range of training services that cater to everything from fundamental obedience to complex behavior modification. Our team of skilled trainers is dedicated to fostering healthy and happy relationships between pets and their loving owners.
The Importance of Dog Training
Training your dog is fundamental for promoting good behavior, facilitating effective communication, and fostering a strong human-canine relationship. The concept that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is fundamentally flawed. The exceptional intelligence of dogs enables continuous learning and adaptation at any age. Professional dog training services are indispensable because they offer structured learning, expert guidance, and employ proven, humane training methods, all of which are essential in ensuring that dogs receive the support and training they deserve.
Bringing your dog to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy offers numerous benefits, such as access to certified trainers with years of experience, a positive reinforcement approach that fosters trust and obedience, and customized training plans tailored to your dog’s needs. This fosters a balanced and rewarding bond between you and your furry friend, resulting in a more joyful and vibrant life.
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.
Feeling unsure about where to begin? Karen is available to discuss the many options and collaborate with you to develop a customized training regimen for your dog. Whether you need the expertise of a dog anxiety trainer who focuses on building confidence and calmness, your pup needs personalized training sessions in your own home environment, you’re intrigued by our K-9 training service, or you’re diving into the basics, we’ll set you up with a dog trainer in La Puente who knows exactly how to help you and your dog achieve every goal you have.
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 holistic techniques are emphasized by Karen Widaman and our team. Tailoring our methods to suit the unique needs of each dog is fundamental to our philosophy, whether that entails incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. We strive to develop a harmonious and respectful relationship between you and your furry friend, emphasizing mutual understanding and admiration. We provide a supportive learning environment that facilitates your dog’s development. Our innovative methods guarantee ongoing achievement and joy for you and your cherished companion.