San Dimas Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in San Dimas
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is considered a beloved fixture in the San Dimas neighborhood, providing top-notch service to dogs and their human families since 2004. Karen Widaman, our owner and head trainer, discovered her passion for training dogs at the age of 8. With a wealth of experience and certifications from leading institutions such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is now an expert dog trainer with an outstanding wealth of knowledge in 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 that fosters their overall well-being and to their successful adaptation to our human world. We are dedicated to strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion by fair and clear communication and through the implementation of positive reinforcement methods that are designed to meet your unique needs. We place emphasis on your dog’s progress, refraining from harsh force or abusive tactics. With over two decades 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 team of experienced trainers is dedicated to nurturing healthy and strong relationships between pets and their caring owners.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training is important for dogs of all ages because it helps promote good behavior, enhances communication between dogs and their families, and strengthens the human-canine bond. Effective dog training can occur at any age, which might be a surprising revelation. The cognitive abilities of dogs allow them to learn and adjust throughout their lives. Given their effective training methods, structured learning, and expert guidance, professional dog training services play a crucial role in ensuring that dogs receive the support and training they deserve.
Bringing your dog to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy brings a wealth of benefits, such as a positive reinforcement approach that cultivates trust and obedience, customized training plans that cater to your dog’s individual needs, and access to certified trainers with years of experience. This paves the path for a harmonious and satisfying relationship between you and your loyal canine, fostering a life of increased happiness and wellness in one other’s company.
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
Emphasizing trust-building and holistic strategies, Karen Widaman leads our team. We believe in customizing our methods to cater to the individual needs of each dog, which may involve incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. The aim is to cultivate a harmonious and joyous alliance between you and your furry buddy, grounded in mutual respect and understanding. Cultivating a supportive and positive learning environment is a focus of our daily efforts. Employing our unique strategies, we ensure continued success and happiness for both you and your beloved 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.
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 it’s one-on-one training in your own space, exploring our K-9 training service options, finding a dog anxiety trainer who fosters confidence and calm behavior, or beginning with the basics, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in San Dimas who has the expertise to guide you and your dog in accomplishing every milestone you have in mind.