Pasadena Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Pasadena
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been proudly rooted in Pasadena since 2004, when we first began serving local dogs and their caring owners with dedication. At the age of 8, Karen Widaman began her early interest in dog training, which set the stage for a lifelong professional path. Today, as owner and head trainer, she brings decades of knowledge backed by respected certifications from Animal Behavior College and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). As a recognized expert in canine psychology and behavior, Karen’s approach is both effective and compassionate. She has guided countless owners and their pets toward building stronger connections and achieving lasting obedience and peace.
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, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that a dog’s education in real life skills plays a vital role in their overall well-being and their ability to adapt successfully to a human-focused environment. We strive to enhance the special relationship between you and your pet by fair and clear communication and by applying positive reinforcement techniques designed around your unique lifestyle and goals. Our emphasis is always on the accomplishments of each dog, so we never resort to harmful force or intimidating practices. With more than two decades of professional experience, we provide a broad selection of training options, covering everything from basic obedience lessons to more complex behavioral concerns. Every trainer on our team is passionate about building healthy and lasting bonds between dogs and families.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training is valuable at every stage of a dog’s life because it promotes good manners, improving communication with families, and building strong, lasting bonds. Many people believe older dogs can no longer be trained, but the exciting truth is that dogs can learn new skills at any age. Because they’re so intelligent and adaptable, training continues to be effective throughout their lifetime. 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. 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.
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.
Need assistance figuring out where to begin? Karen is available to discuss the wide range of options and collaborate with you to design a customized training strategy for your dog. Regardless of whether you’re seeking the guidance of a dog anxiety trainer who specializes in helping dogs stay calm and confident, your dog needs individualized training at home, you’re considering our K-9 training service, or you’re just starting out, we’ll pair you with a dog trainer in Pasadena 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
Our team champions trust-building and holistic approaches. We are committed to tailoring our techniques to match the individual needs of each dog, be it through incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or extending ongoing support, or creating a custom training plan just for your pup. We work towards establishing a peaceful and respectful alliance between you and your furry friend, grounded in mutual understanding and appreciation. We are dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment that promotes your dog’s growth. Utilizing our unique strategies, we ensure ongoing success and happiness for both you and your beloved companion.