San Gabriel Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in San Gabriel
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been a beacon of service in the San Gabriel community for over 20 years, catering to both dogs and their human counterparts. Karen Widaman, who now serves as owner and head trainer, began her journey in dog training back when she was just 8 years old. Armed with decades of professional experience and recognized certifications from prestigious institutions such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become an acclaimed dog trainer with an advanced understanding of canine psychology and behavior. Through her compassionate and successful approach, Karen has supported countless dogs and their companions in building strong bonds and achieving obedience and harmony.
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 firmly believe in the necessity of educating your dog in real life skills because it greatly contributes to their overall happiness and adaptability in a human-centric society. We are committed to fostering 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. Our main concern is your dog’s success, so we never resort to abusive tactics or extreme force. Backed by two decades of expertise and a proven history of achievement, we provide an extensive array of training solutions covering everything from fundamental obedience to tackling complex behaviors. Dedicated to nurturing thriving and harmonious relationships between pets and their loving caregivers, our skilled trainers are here to support you.
The Importance of Dog Training
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy provides many advantages, including the leadership of certified trainers with years of knowledge, reinforcement methods focused on positivity and trust, and personalized programs designed for your dog’s needs. These resources promote cooperation and understanding, allowing you and your pet to strengthen your bond while building a harmonious relationship that results in improved health, lasting happiness, and a fulfilling life together.
Dog training provides meaningful benefits for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike by shaping good habits, improving communication, and reinforcing the human-animal relationship. The common idea that training only works when dogs are young is untrue, because canines remain capable of learning at all points in life. 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.
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
Guided by Karen Widaman, our team focuses on holistic methods and establishing trust. Our commitment to tailoring our methods to each dog’s individual needs includes incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, and offering ongoing support. Our goal is to build a strong rapport between you and your canine companion, based on harmony and mutual understanding. We provide a supportive learning environment that facilitates your dog’s development. Through our distinct approach, we ensure continuous success and happiness for both you and your cherished 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.
Feeling uncertain about where to start? Karen is available to discuss the many options and work together with you to design a customized training program for your dog. Regardless of whether your dog needs individualized training sessions at home, you want to work with a dog anxiety trainer who can help your pet feel calm and confident, you’re intrigued by our K-9 training service, or you’re delving into the fundamentals, we’ll link you up with a dog trainer in San Gabriel who knows exactly how to assist you and your dog in achieving all your objectives.