Pico Rivera Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Pico Rivera
Serving our Pico Rivera community for over 20 years, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is dedicated to the well-being of dogs and the humans who love them. Karen Widaman, our owner and head trainer, took her first steps into the world of 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 is now a revered dog trainer with deep insights into 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).
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. Our objective is to strengthen the connection between you and your beloved dog by fair and clear communication and by utilizing positive reinforcement methods that are tailored to your particular lifestyle and needs. We prioritize your dog’s development, steering clear of abusive methods or extreme force. Leveraging over twenty years of practical knowledge and a history of successful outcomes, our training services span from basic obedience to the resolution of challenging behaviors. Committed to nurturing joyful and harmonious connections between pets and their caring guardians, our team of adept trainers is always here for you.
The Importance of Dog Training
Coming to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy for your dog’s training needs offers numerous perks, such as an approach rooted in positive reinforcement to promote obedience and trust, access to skilled trainers with years of practice and many certifications, and personalized training plans crafted to fit your dog’s unique characteristics. By implementing these methods, you establish a harmonious and enriching relationship with your four-legged companion for a happier and healthier life together.
Dog training is vital for nurturing a strong human-canine relationship, encouraging positive behavior, and fostering effective communication. Age is not a barrier to effective dog training, contrary to popular opinion. At any age, dogs can pick up new skills and adapt due to their keen intelligence. The role of professional dog training services is critical because they deliver expert guidance, employ humane, effective training methods, and provide structured learning, all of which are instrumental in ensuring that dogs receive the support and training 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
Karen Widaman and our team prioritize trust-building and holistic techniques. 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. We strive to develop a harmonious and respectful relationship between you and your furry friend, emphasizing mutual understanding and admiration. We work hard to create a nurturing atmosphere conducive to your dog’s learning. Our exclusive methods promise ongoing success and happiness 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.
If you 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 your pup requires tailored training sessions in your own environment, you’re interested in our K-9 training service offerings, you need to enlist the help of a dog anxiety trainer who can foster confidence and calmness, or you’re starting with the basics, we’ll match you with a dog trainer in Pico Rivera who is skilled in helping you and your dog reach every goal you have in mind.