Westminster Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Westminster
With a history dating back to 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been serving dogs and humans in an effort to be an invaluable asset to the Westminster community. At 8 years old, Karen Widaman, now our owner and head trainer, took her first steps into the world of dog training. With extensive professional experience and recognized certifications from reputable organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she is now a celebrated dog trainer with an advanced understanding of canine psychology and behavior. Through her compassionate and results-oriented methods, Karen has assisted countless dogs and their caregivers in cultivating 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).
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 objective is to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged companion by fair and clear communication and by employing positive reinforcement methods that are customized to your unique situation. Our focus is on ensuring your dog’s achievements while avoiding any use of excessive force or abusive methods. Leveraging over twenty years of practical knowledge and a history of successful outcomes, our training services span from basic obedience to the resolution of challenging behaviors. Dedicated to promoting thriving and joyous relationships between pets and their loving caregivers, our team of expert trainers is passionate about their important work.
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. With these resources, both pets and owners gain the skills to communicate effectively, strengthening trust and creating a balanced relationship that brings greater happiness, improved health, and a more fulfilling life together rooted in respect and companionship.
Dog training provides meaningful benefits for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike by shaping good habits, improving communication, and reinforcing the human-animal relationship. 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. Since dogs are naturally intelligent and responsive, training continues to benefit them long-term. 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.
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.
Uncertain about where to start? Karen is available to discuss the multitude of options and assist you in crafting a personalized training program for your dog. Regardless of whether your dog needs individualized training at home, you’re considering our K-9 training service, you’re just starting out, or you’re seeking the guidance of a dog anxiety trainer who specializes in helping dogs stay calm and confident, we’ll pair you with a dog trainer in Westminster who understands how to assist you and your dog in achieving all your objectives.
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
Trust and holistic methods are the main focus for Karen Widaman and our team. Our belief in tailoring our methods to each dog’s individual needs involves leveraging out-of-the-box ideas like incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, and extending ongoing support. We strive to develop a harmonious and respectful relationship between you and your furry friend, emphasizing mutual understanding and admiration. We are dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment that promotes your dog’s growth. Through our distinct approach, we ensure continuous success and happiness for both you and your cherished furry family member.