Norwalk Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Norwalk
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been a beacon of service in the Norwalk community for over 20 years, catering to both dogs and their human counterparts. Our owner and head trainer, Karen Widaman, discovered her passion for dog training at the young age of 8. Equipped with decades of professional experience and certifications from respected entities like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is known as a highly sought-after dog trainer with a profound knowledge of canine behavior and psychology. Karen’s empathetic and results-oriented strategies have enabled numerous dogs and their caretakers to develop strong connections and attain obedience and cohesion.
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 core principle of It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is centered around the necessity of providing your dog with an education in real life skills, which is vital for their overall well-being and for their successful integration into society. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between you and your faithful companion by fair and clear communication and by employing proven, personalized positive reinforcement strategies. We concentrate on your dog’s success while steering clear of extreme force or abusive methods. With a solid foundation of over twenty years of experience and a history of successful outcomes, our training offerings span from fundamental obedience to resolving complex behavior issues. We are committed to building strong and loving relationships between pets and their adoring owners through the expertise of our skilled trainers.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training is a key aspect in solidifying the connection between dogs and their human companions, nurturing good behavior, and improving communication dynamics within the family. The phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a common misconception. Dogs’ ability to learn and adapt at any age is a testament to their exceptional intelligence. Professional dog training services play a crucial role in ensuring that dogs receive the necessary training and support because they utilize humane, effective training techniques in a structured learning environment, all backed by expert guidance.
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. These actions encourage a harmonious and rewarding bond between you and your canine buddy, paving the way for a more joyful and content coexistence.
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.
If you’re not sure where to begin, Karen is available to discuss our many options and collaborate with you to develop a customized training strategy for your dog. Whether it’s one-on-one training at your home, exploring our K-9 training program, beginning with the basics, or getting support from a dog anxiety trainer who helps dogs gain calmness and confidence, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in Norwalk who understands how to help you and your dog reach every goal you set.
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
Holistic approaches and trust-building are central to Karen Widaman and our team. Our approach revolves around tailoring our methods to suit the specific needs of each dog, whether that entails incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or extending ongoing support. Our goal is to build a strong rapport between you and your canine companion, based on harmony and mutual understanding. We strive to establish a supportive learning environment that benefits your dog. Our unparalleled approach guarantees ongoing success and bliss for both you and your cherished pet.