Ontario Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Ontario
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 Ontario area. The owner and head trainer, Karen Widaman, began her remarkable journey in dog training at the age of 8. With extensive professional experience and certifications from reputable institutions like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become a skilled dog trainer with a profound understanding of canine psychology and behavior. Karen’s caring and effective techniques have empowered numerous dogs and their caregivers to foster deep connections and attain obedience and serenity.
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 are committed to creating 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 prioritize your dog’s advancement while rejecting harsh force or abusive practices. With more than twenty years of experience and a proven history of success, our training programs cover a broad spectrum, from foundational obedience to complex behavior management. Our skilled trainers are devoted to nurturing happy and harmonious relationships between pets and their favorite humans.
The Importance of Dog Training
Enrolling your dog at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy presents several advantages, including the expertise of certified trainers with extensive experience, personalized training plans that cater to your dog’s individual needs, and a focus on positive reinforcement methods that encourage trust and obedience. By adopting these strategies, you create a harmonious and meaningful bond with your beloved pet, resulting in a mutually fulfilling and happy life together.
Training your dog is essential for promoting good behavior, building a lasting bond between humans and dogs, and improving communication dynamics. Many pet parents are surprised to learn that the effectiveness of training is completely unrelated to the age of the dog. The remarkable intelligence of dogs allows them to learn and adapt at any point in their lives. Professional dog training services are crucial as they offer structured education, expert mentorship, and utilize humane, effective training techniques, all contributing significantly to ensuring that dogs receive the training and support they deserve.
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 a holistic perspective are key focuses for Karen Widaman and our team. 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 establish a peaceful and happy connection between you and your four-legged companion, founded on mutual understanding and respect. We strive to create an enriching learning space that encourages your dog’s progress. Through our distinct approach, we ensure ongoing success and satisfaction for both you and your beloved furry family member.
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.
Unsure of where to start? Karen is available to discuss the various options and help you create a tailored training plan that meets your dog’s specific needs. Whether you’re turning to a dog anxiety trainer who specializes in developing calm and confident, 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 Ontario who knows exactly how to help you and your dog achieve every goal you have.