Santa Ana Dog Trainer

Dog Training in Santa Ana

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 Santa Ana community. At 8 years old, Karen Wildaman, now our President and Training Director, took her first steps into the world of dog training. Equipped with years of professional practice and accreditations from respected organizations like the American Pro Dog Training Association and Animal Behavior College, she is now a respected dog trainer with a deep 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.

The guiding principle at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is the belief that educating your dog is crucial for their well-being and for their successful adaptation to our human-centric society. Our objective is to strengthen the connection between you and your beloved dog by utilizing positive reinforcement methods that are tailored to your particular lifestyle and needs. Our priority lies in your dog’s accomplishments, avoiding harsh force or abusive tactics. 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 skilled trainers are passionate about cultivating positive and loving bonds between pets and their favorite people.

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. Together, these tools help you and your companion build trust and understanding, creating a well-balanced, fulfilling relationship that nurtures your pet’s happiness while also enriching your life with a healthier, more joyful bond every day.

Dog training matters for dogs throughout their lives because it encourages proper behavior, strengthens interaction with families, and creates strong bonds. The belief that older dogs cannot learn effectively is inaccurate, because they remain just as capable of adapting and developing new skills at all ages. Since dogs are naturally intelligent and responsive, training continues to benefit them long-term. Choosing a professional dog training service provides not only a reliable structure, but also access to humane, proven strategies and professional expertise that provides every dog with valuable support and training.

Tailored Training Programs

In addition to obedience training, our AKC® Trick Dog Class, and service dog training, we also offer:

• Home Stay Training
• Private Lessons
• Doggy-Daycare Camp & Train
• Conformation
• Puppy Kindergarten
• Board & Train

Need assistance figuring out where to start? Our experienced team is prepared to talk through the many options and assist you in creating a personalized training program for your dog. Whether your pup requires tailored training sessions in your own environment, you’re interested in our K-9 training service offerings, you need to enlist the help of a dog anxiety trainer who can foster confidence and calmness, or you’re starting with the basics, we’ll match you with a dog trainer in Santa Ana who is skilled in helping you and your dog reach every goal you have in mind.

AKC® Urban CGC

With our AKC® CGC dog training services, you’ll receive a focused program that strengthens your dog’s public behavior skills. This class helps dogs handle daily challenges like exposure to stores, heavy traffic, bustling crowds, and more. Classes take place on Saturdays at 1:00 pm and conclude with a test to measure progress. Dogs must already hold the Canine Good Citizen title and an AKC® registration number before registering. Aggressive dogs cannot be accepted, but adopted and service dogs receive a $10 discount. If your dog needs guidance for difficult behaviors that can’t be accepted into this course, we can connect you with a dog aggression trainer or dog reactivity trainer.

Service Dog Training

Our Santa Ana service dog training program provides comprehensive instruction led by a certified service dog trainer to give dogs the skills they need for effective service work. Each K-9 trainer begins with a free consultation and assessment to evaluate suitability, temperament, and the handler’s specific service requirements. Afterward, the service dog trainer in Santa Ana designs a personalized K-9 training plan spanning three stages, which may include group classes such as Urban Canine, Basic, and CGC Level I & II, plus board and train options, private field lessons, and in-home or off-site private sessions with a local K-9 trainer. Certification testing covers AKC Canine Good Citizen®, Urban Canine Good Citizen®, AKC Community Canine®, and a Public Access Test to prove proficiency and public readiness.

The training is very demanding, not all dogs will succeed, and a few may not be appropriate for service roles, but those who excel and finish the full course will receive a Certification ID card. Your K-9 trainer in Santa Ana will let you know that participation and availability during lessons and instruction are necessary for complete training, provided that you are physically able to play an active part. Reach out to our office to request further information and arrange your consultation at a time that works for you.

Obedience Training

Group Obedience classes at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy combine structure, community, and the expertise of a dedicated local dog trainer. Each class is limited to 12 pairs and runs for seven weeks, combining weekly hour-long sessions with 45-minute practice times each day. Commands such as heel, recall, loose leash walking, down stays, and sit are covered, along with tackling everyday behavior challenges. Beyond commands, lessons highlight exercise, proper greetings, nutrition, and distraction training extending to 30 feet. After completing this stage, two Intermediate Obedience levels give dogs additional skills and confidence to prepare them for the AKC® Community Canine and Canine Good Citizen certifications. Training ensures not only stronger obedience, but also a more confident, well-behaved companion. Join today to build a rewarding partnership with your dog!

AKC® Trick Dog Classes

Take part in the AKC® Trick Dog Class at It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy and discover six weeks of lively bonding with your cherished pet! Throughout the sessions, your pet will learn delightful tricks such as barking on cue, jumping through a hoop, crawling, playing dead, spinning in circles, high-fiving, shaking paws, and more creative skills. After performing a specific number of learned tricks, your pet becomes eligible to proudly hold the AKC® “Novice” or “Intermediate” Trick Dog Title.

For the Novice test, your dog needs to show off 10 tricks (or only 5 if they have also earned a CGC title), and Intermediate involves performing another 10 tricks. Overseen by AKC®-certified CGC Evaluators, this program is available to dogs 6 months or older who have completed a Basic Obedience course or similar foundational training. It’s a rewarding opportunity to build lasting memories, develop stronger skills, and reinforce the connection you share with your pet!

What Sets Us Apart

Karen Wildaman and our team prioritize trust-building and holistic methods. Our philosophy centers on adapting our methods to suit the specific needs of each dog, whether that involves incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. Our goal is to build a strong rapport between you and your canine companion, based on harmony and mutual understanding. Creating a positive space for your dog’s learning is central to our approach. Through our distinct approach, we ensure ongoing success and satisfaction for both you and your beloved furry family member.

Call It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy today at (909) 548-3150 to schedule your free consultation, or stop by and see us at 132 S Pennsylvania Ave, Glendora, CA 91741.