Tustin Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Tustin
Serving our Tustin community for over 20 years, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is dedicated to the well-being of dogs and the humans who love them. At 8 years old, Karen Widaman, now our owner and head trainer, took her first steps into the world of dog training. With decades of professional experience and certifications from prestigious institutions like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become a seasoned dog trainer with a profound grasp of canine psychology and behavior. Through her compassionate and impactful methods, Karen has guided countless dogs and their loving humans in establishing solid relationships and achieving obedience and balance.
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 enhance the relationship between you and your cherished pet by fair and clear communication and by utilizing positive reinforcement strategies that are tailored to your individual circumstances. We place emphasis on your dog’s progress, refraining from harsh force or abusive tactics. With more than two decades of hands-on experience and a history of successful outcomes, our training services encompass a wide spectrum, from foundational obedience to handling difficult behaviors. Our trainers are dedicated to fostering positive and fulfilling relationships between pets and their loving humans.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dogs at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy benefit from the dedication of certified trainers with extensive experience, individualized training tailored to each dog’s personality, and reinforcement techniques centered on compassion and trust. With this balanced approach, you and your dog develop trust and harmony, forming a stronger bond that creates the foundation for a healthy, happy life that’s filled with mutual respect and companionship.
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. Many people believe older dogs can no longer be trained, but the exciting truth is that dogs can learn new skills at any age. 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
Holistic approaches and trust-building are central to Karen Widaman and our team. We believe in customizing our approach to each dog’s unique needs, whether that means using essential oils for relaxation and focus or offering personalized attention and ongoing support. We strive to develop a harmonious and respectful relationship between you and your furry friend, emphasizing mutual understanding and admiration. Fostering a positive learning environment is key to helping your dog reach their full potential. Our exclusive methods promise ongoing success and happiness for both you and your beloved pet.
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 help you design a 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, beginning with the basics, or working with a dog anxiety trainer who can help your pet feel calm and confident, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in Tustin who has the expertise to guide you and your dog in accomplishing all your desired milestones.