Upland Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Upland
Over two decades ago, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy began a journey toward enriching the lives of dogs and humans in our Upland community. Karen Widaman, now leading as owner and head trainer, began her remarkable journey in dog training at the age of 8. Having honed her skills over decades and becoming certified by esteemed institutions like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is recognized as an expert dog trainer with a deep understanding of canine behavior and psychology. With her compassionate and effective methods, Karen has helped countless dogs and their humans build strong connections and achieve a balance of obedience and unity.
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).
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is founded on the principle that educating your dog in real life skills is essential for their happiness, health, and successful navigation of our human world. Our goal is to fortify the relationship between you and your furry friend by fair and clear communication and by utilizing customized positive reinforcement strategies designed specifically for your needs. Our main concern is your dog’s well-being and success, so we never employ abusive techniques or harsh force. With a solid foundation of over two decades of experience and a history of successful outcomes, our training offerings span everything from fundamental obedience to resolving complex behavior issues. Our skilled trainers are dedicated to fostering positive and fulfilling relationships between pets and their dedicated owners.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dogs attending It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy receive individualized training crafted for their unique needs, instruction from seasoned, certified trainers, and reinforcement strategies built on positivity and cooperation. This thoughtful approach builds trust and strengthens your bond, creating a harmonious relationship that allows you and your canine companion to enjoy a happier and healthier life together.
Dog training matters for dogs throughout their lives because it encourages proper behavior, strengthens interaction with families, and creates strong bonds. 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 intelligence and flexibility allow them to continue adapting. A professional dog training service offers expert instruction, structured sessions, and kind, proven techniques that guarantee dogs receive the right support and the most beneficial training possible.
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
Karen Widaman and our team emphasize trust-building and holistic approaches. Tailoring our methods to suit each dog’s unique needs is integral to our philosophy, whether that means 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. Fostering a positive learning environment is key to helping your dog reach their full potential. Our exceptional approach ensures sustained success and fulfillment 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.
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. Regardless of whether you’re interested in working with a dog anxiety trainer to build calmness and confidence, your dog needs individualized training sessions at home, 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 Upland who knows exactly how to assist you and your dog in achieving all your objectives.