Sierra Madre Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Sierra Madre
Since 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of dogs and humans in the Sierra Madre community. Karen Widaman, who now serves as owner and head trainer, began her journey in dog training back when she was just 8 years old. 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. Through her compassionate and effective techniques, Karen has helped countless dogs and their owners build strong bonds and achieve 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).
The guiding principle at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is the belief that educating your dog in real life skills is crucial for their well-being and for their successful adaptation to our human-centric society. We aim to enhance the connection between you and your canine companion by fair and clear communication and by employing personalized positive reinforcement techniques that suit your individual needs. We prioritize your dog’s development, steering clear of abusive methods or extreme force. Armed with over twenty years of experience and a proven track record of success, our training programs encompass a diverse range, addressing basic obedience, complex behavior challenges, and everything in between. 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
Bringing your pet to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy opens the door to positive reinforcement practices that encourage cooperation, individualized training programs tailored for specific needs, and knowledgeable guidance from certified professionals. Together, these tools help you and your companion build trust and understanding, creating a well-balanced, fulfilling relationship that nurtures your pet’s happiness while also enriching your life with a healthier, more joyful bond every day.
For dogs of any age, dog training plays a vital role in encouraging appropriate behavior, strengthening family communication, and fostering deeper bonds between people and pets. It’s a common misconception (and even a well-known idiom) that older dogs are past the point of learning – but in reality, they can adjust and pick up new behaviors just like they could at a younger age. Professional involvement makes a significant difference because our dog training service provides structure, knowledgeable instruction, and humane approaches. With this guidance, dogs receive the assistance and training they truly deserve for lifelong success.
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.
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 one-on-one training sessions at your home, exploring our K-9 training service options, working with a dog anxiety trainer who can help your pet feel calm and confident, or beginning with the basics, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in Sierra Madre who is skilled in helping you and your dog reach every goal you have in mind.
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. 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. Our objective is to forge a harmonious rapport between you and your canine companion, characterized by mutual understanding and admiration. Creating a positive space for your dog’s learning is essential for us. Our distinctive approach ensures ongoing prosperity and contentment for both you and your beloved companion.