Whittier Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Whittier
Since 2004, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been a trusted partner to both dogs and their human families in the Whittier area. Our owner and head trainer, Karen Widaman, discovered her passion for dog training at the young age of 8. Armed with decades of professional experience and recognized certifications from prestigious institutions such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become an acclaimed dog trainer with an advanced understanding of canine psychology and behavior. With her compassionate and successful approach, Karen has empowered countless dogs and their caregivers to foster deep connections and attain obedience and serenity.
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).
Our philosophy at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is rooted in the belief that providing your dog with an education in real life skills is essential for their overall well-being and for their positive interaction with every human they encounter. Our objective is to strengthen the connection between you and your beloved dog by fair and clear communication and by utilizing positive reinforcement methods that are tailored to your particular lifestyle and needs. Our main concern is your dog’s success, so we never resort to abusive tactics or extreme force. 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. Committed to building strong and joyful connections between pets and their caring families, our team of expert trainers is dedicated to your pet’s well-being.
The Importance of Dog Training
Training your dog is crucial for improving family communication, encouraging desirable behavior, and solidifying the bond between humans and their canine companions. We’ve all heard, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” but that phrase is entirely misleading. Because dogs are exceptionally smart, they can adapt and learn new things again and again throughout life. Professional dog training services play a crucial role in ensuring that dogs receive the necessary training and support because they utilize humane, effective training techniques in a structured learning environment, all backed by expert guidance.
Deciding on It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy for your dog’s training brings forth a multitude of benefits, including tailored training regimens that address your dog’s specific needs, an emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques that promote obedience and trust, and the guidance of certified trainers boasting years of expertise. These practices foster a balanced and rewarding partnership between you and your loyal companion, resulting in a more healthy and joyful 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.
Not sure where to start? Karen is available to discuss the various options and help you design a personalized training plan that meets your dog’s specific needs. Regardless of whether your dog needs personalized training at home, you’re considering our K-9 training service, you’re just starting out, or you’re interested in working with a dog anxiety trainer to build calmness and confidence, we’ll pair you with a dog trainer in Whittier who is adept at guiding you and your dog toward reaching all your desired outcomes.
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
Under the leadership of Karen Widaman, our team emphasizes trust and holistic techniques. We believe in adapting our methods to suit the specific requirements of each dog, whether that involves incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or extending ongoing support. Our goal is to build a strong rapport between you and your canine companion, based on harmony and mutual understanding. We work hard to create a welcoming and positive space that enhances your dog’s learning experience. Through our distinctive techniques, we ensure sustained fulfillment and contentment for both you and your beloved furry friend.