San Bernardino Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in San Bernardino
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has proudly served the San Bernardino area since 2004, fostering strong bonds between dogs and their human companions. At 8 years old, our owner and head trainer Karen Widaman first realized her passion for training dogs. 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 empathetic and impactful techniques have enabled numerous dogs and their owners to develop lasting bonds and attain obedience and equilibrium.
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 stand by the principle that giving your dog an education in real life skills is crucial for their physical health, mental wellness, and harmonious coexistence in our human world. Our mission is to deepen the bond between you and your loyal pet by fair and clear communication and by implementing positive reinforcement methods that are designed to suit your individual needs. We prioritize your dog’s success without resorting to abusive methods or extreme force. With a wealth of experience spanning more than twenty years and a track record of success, we offer a comprehensive suite of training services that cater to everything from basic obedience to complex behavior modification. Dedicated to fostering thriving and harmonious relationships between pets and their loving caregivers, our skilled trainers are here to support you.
The Importance of Dog Training
At every age, dog training supports a dog’s well-being by promoting desirable behavior, enhancing understanding with their families, and deepening trust. Despite assumptions that older pets cannot change and learn, dogs are actually lifelong learners who are capable of acquiring skills at any stage of development. Their adaptability makes training meaningful from puppyhood through senior years. A professional dog training service adds value by delivering structured learning, specialized expertise, and gentle, yet effective methods. This approach plays an essential role in making sure each dog receives helpful guidance and appropriate training.
When you choose It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, your dog benefits from customized training plans tailored to individual needs, a compassionate positive reinforcement style, and the guidance of highly experienced, certified trainers. These elements work together to cultivate obedience and understanding, giving you and your pet the opportunity to share a fulfilling partnership that fosters both greater happiness and improved well-being in daily life.
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
With Karen Widaman at the helm, our team emphasizes holistic practices and trust. Our belief in tailoring our methods to each dog’s unique needs includes steps like incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, and extending ongoing support. The aim is to cultivate a harmonious and joyous alliance between you and your furry buddy, grounded in mutual respect and understanding. We are committed to creating a positive educational setting that encourages your dog’s development. Utilizing our unique strategies, we ensure ongoing success and happiness for both you and your cherished companion.
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 it’s getting support from a dog anxiety trainer who helps dogs gain calmness and confidence, one-on-one training sessions at your home, exploring our K-9 training service options, or beginning with the basics, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in San Bernardino who is skilled in helping you and your dog reach every goal you have in mind.