Sierra Madre Dog Trainer

Dog Training in Sierra Madre

Since 2000, It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of dogs and humans in the Sierra Madre community. Karen Wildaman, who now serves as President and Training Director, began her journey in dog training back when she was just 8 years old. With a wealth of experience and certifications from leading institutions such as the American Pro Dog Training Association and Animal Behavior College, she is now an expert dog trainer with an outstanding wealth of knowledge in 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.

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. We aim to enhance the connection between you and your canine companion by employing personalized positive reinforcement techniques that suit your individual needs. We prioritize your dog’s development, steering clear of abusive methods or extreme force. Armed with over twenty years of experience and a proven track record of success, our training programs encompass a diverse range, addressing basic obedience, complex behavior challenges, and everything in between. Dedicated to fostering thriving and harmonious relationships between pets and their loving caregivers, our skilled trainers are here to support you.

The Importance of Dog Training

Bringing your pet to It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy opens the door to positive reinforcement practices that encourage cooperation, individualized training programs tailored for specific needs, and knowledgeable guidance from certified professionals. 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.

For dogs of any age, dog training plays a vital role in encouraging appropriate behavior, strengthening family communication, and fostering deeper bonds between people and pets. 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. Professional involvement makes a significant difference because our dog training service provides structure, knowledgeable instruction, and humane approaches. With this guidance, dogs receive the assistance and training they truly deserve for lifelong success.

Obedience Training

Our obedience training program offers Group Obedience courses led by an experienced local dog trainer who helps both owners and dogs achieve long-term success. Sessions are capped at 12 participants to ensure small group attention throughout the seven-week course. Each week includes a one-hour lesson plus daily 45-minute practice. Throughout the program, your dog will learn recall, sit, loose leash walking, down stays, and heel, while also overcoming behavioral concerns. Training includes crucial life lessons such as greetings, distraction practice up to 30 feet, exercise, and nutrition. Once your dog completes the program, two levels of Intermediate Obedience help polish skills further. These courses prepare dogs for the AKC® Community Canine and Canine Good Citizen certifications, which provide recognition and potential legal benefits. Give your dog every opportunity to succeed with training that develops obedience, builds confidence, and encourages positive social interactions!

Service Dog Training

Our Sierra Madre service dog training program is a carefully structured curriculum led by a certified service dog trainer to provide comprehensive support for both dogs and handlers. The K-9 trainer starts with a free consultation and assessment to evaluate the dog’s skills, temperament, and suitability for service work while also reviewing your assistance needs. After this, your service dog trainer in Sierra Madre customizes a three-stage K-9 training plan, offering group classes like Urban Canine, CGC Level I & II, and Basic, plus private field lessons, in-home or off-site sessions, and board and train opportunities with a local K-9 trainer. Certification testing includes Urban Canine Good Citizen®, AKC Canine Good Citizen®, AKC Community Canine®, and a Public Access Test to validate skills.

The training is intensive, not every dog will pass, and some may not be appropriate candidates, but those who excel and complete the program will earn a Certification ID card as proof of their accomplishment. Your presence and consistent participation during instruction and lessons are integral to your dog’s development, so your K-9 trainer in Sierra Madre will request your involvement if you’re physically able to take part. Reach out to us today to get more information and arrange a consultation that works with your availability.

AKC® Urban CGC

Take advantage of our AKC® CGC dog training services for a program that sharpens your dog’s behavior in public surroundings. The course readies your dog for environments that may involve busy traffic, lively crowds, trips into stores, and other challenges. Classes are held on Saturdays at 1:00 pm and conclude with a test. To join, dogs must have an AKC® registration number and the Canine Good Citizen title. Aggression is not permitted, but adopted pets and service animals qualify for a $10 discount. If your dog needs additional training support, we can set you up with a dog aggression trainer or dog reactivity trainer.

AKC® Trick Dog Classes

Enroll in the AKC® Trick Dog Class at It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy and share a rewarding experience with your beloved dog! Over the course, your dog will be introduced to amusing tricks like crawling, shaking paws, high-fiving, barking on cue, spinning in circles, playing dead, jumping through a hoop, and more. By performing a required number of tricks, your dog can proudly achieve either the AKC® “Intermediate” or “Novice” Trick Dog Title to showcase their talent and playful training success.

To pass the Novice test, your dog must complete 10 tricks (or just 5 if they already hold a CGC title), while the Intermediate level requires an additional 10 tricks. Our program is conducted under the guidance of AKC®-certified CGC Evaluators and welcomes dogs who are at least 6 months old and have finished Basic Obedience or comparable courses. This is the perfect chance to strengthen your relationship, sharpen skills, and share joyful experiences with your pet!

Tailored Training Programs

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

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

Need guidance on how to start? Our proficient team is happy to talk about the multitude of options and assist you in crafting a personalized training plan for your dog. Whether it’s one-on-one training sessions at your home, exploring our K-9 training service options, working with a dog anxiety trainer who can help your pet feel calm and confident, or beginning with the basics, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in Sierra Madre who is skilled in helping you and your dog reach every goal you have in mind.

What Sets Us Apart

Guided by Karen Wildaman, our team focuses on holistic methods and establishing trust. We believe in customizing our methods to cater to the individual needs of each dog, which may involve incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus, providing personalized attention, or offering ongoing support. Our objective is to forge a harmonious rapport between you and your canine companion, characterized by mutual understanding and admiration. Creating a positive space for your dog’s learning is essential for us. Our distinctive approach ensures ongoing prosperity and contentment for both you and your beloved companion.

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.