Riverside Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Riverside
Since 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of dogs and humans in the Riverside community. Karen Widaman, now our owner and head trainer, started her dog training journey at the age of 8. With extensive professional experience and recognized certifications from esteemed organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become a respected dog trainer with an in-depth understanding of canine behavior and psychology. Karen’s empathetic and successful methods have empowered numerous dogs and their families to forge deep connections and find obedience and unity.
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).
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy believes in the importance of giving your dog an education in real life skills, as it contributes significantly to their health, happiness, and ability to live harmoniously in 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 main concern is your dog’s success, so we never resort to abusive tactics or extreme force. With over twenty years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes, our training services encompass a diverse range, including basic obedience and the management of challenging behaviors. Our trainers are dedicated to fostering positive and fulfilling relationships between pets and their loving humans.
The Importance of Dog Training
Choosing It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy gives your dog access to a positive reinforcement system that fosters trust, the expertise of certified trainers, and personalized training designed for unique needs. With these resources, both pets and owners gain the skills to communicate effectively, strengthening trust and creating a balanced relationship that brings greater happiness, improved health, and a more fulfilling life together rooted in respect and companionship.
Dog training matters for dogs throughout their lives because it encourages proper behavior, strengthens interaction with families, and creates lifelong bonds. The common belief that training only works in young dogs is incorrect – the fact is that dogs remain capable of learning at all points in life because their intelligence and flexibility allow them to continue adapting. By working with a professional dog training service, pets gain access to consistent structure, expert leadership, and effective, compassionate techniques that supply them with the necessary training and proper support.
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 your pup requires tailored training sessions in your own home, you need support from a dog anxiety trainer who helps dogs gain calmness and confidence, you’re interested in our K-9 training services, or you’re starting with the basics, we’ll introduce you to a dog trainer in Riverside who can support you and your dog in achieving all your desired milestones.
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 are committed to holistic practices and building trust. Tailoring our methods to suit each dog’s unique needs is integral to our philosophy, whether that means incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. Our mission is to create a balanced and respectful bond between you and your four-legged companion, centered on mutual understanding and appreciation. We strive to provide a conducive environment that promotes effective learning for your dog. Utilizing our unique strategies, we ensure ongoing success and happiness for both you and your cherished companion.