West Covina Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in West Covina
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been proudly serving our canine and human neighbors in the West Covina community since 2004. Karen Widaman, the owner and head trainer, first started training dogs at the age of 8 years old. Now an expert dog trainer with decades of professional experience, certifications from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, and a variety of other impressive credentials, she has a deep understanding of 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).
At It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, we believe that providing your dog with an education in real life skills is essential for their well-being and for their ability to live comfortably in our human world. Our mission is to strengthen the bond between you and your dog by fair and clear communication and through positive reinforcement methods tailored to your unique circumstances. We prioritize your dog’s success, steering clear of extreme force or abusive techniques. With over twenty years of experience and a long track record of success, we offer a comprehensive range of training services that range from basic obedience to addressing challenging behaviors. Our team of skilled trainers is dedicated to fostering healthy and happy relationships between pets and their loving owners.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training provides meaningful benefits for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike because it shapes good habits, improves communication, and reinforces the human-canine 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. Since dogs are naturally intelligent and responsive, training continues to benefit them long-term. 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.
At It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, dogs enjoy personalized training plans built for their needs, expert instruction from certified trainers, and a positive reinforcement philosophy that emphasizes cooperation and trust. 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.
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 your pup needs one-on-one attention at home, you’re interested in our K-9 training service, you’re just diving into the basics, or you need to enlist the help of a dog anxiety trainer who can foster confidence and calmness, we’ll set you up with a dog trainer in West Covina who knows exactly how to help you and your dog achieve 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
Karen Widaman and our team emphasize trust-building and holistic approaches. From incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus to providing your dog with personalized attention to extending ongoing support, we wholeheartedly believe in tailoring our methods to each dog’s individual needs. Our goal is to create a harmonious relationship between you and your furry companion, built on mutual understanding and respect. We strive to cultivate a positive learning environment for your dog. Our unique approach ensures continued success and happiness for both you and your beloved pet.