Upland Dog Trainer
Dog Training in Upland
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 Upland community. Karen Wildaman, now leading as President and Training Director, began her remarkable journey in dog training at the age of 8. Having honed her skills over decades and becoming certified by esteemed institutions like the American Pro Dog Training Association and Animal Behavior College, she is recognized as an expert dog trainer with a deep understanding of canine behavior and psychology. With her compassionate and effective methods, Karen has helped countless dogs and their humans build strong connections and achieve a balance of obedience and unity.
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is founded on the principle that educating your dog is essential for their happiness, health, and successful navigation of our human world. Our goal is to fortify the relationship between you and your furry friend by utilizing customized positive reinforcement strategies designed specifically for your needs. Our main concern is your dog’s well-being and success, so we never employ abusive techniques or harsh force. With a solid foundation of over two decades of experience and a history of successful outcomes, our training offerings span everything from fundamental obedience to resolving complex behavior issues. Our skilled trainers are dedicated to fostering positive and fulfilling relationships between pets and their dedicated owners.
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. This thoughtful approach builds trust and strengthens your bond, creating a harmonious relationship that allows you and your canine companion to enjoy a happier and healthier life together.
Dog training matters for dogs throughout their lives because it encourages proper behavior, strengthens interaction with families, and creates strong bonds. Despite assumptions that older pets cannot change and learn, dogs are actually lifelong learners who are capable of acquiring skills at any stage of development. Their intelligence and flexibility allow them to continue adapting. 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.
What Sets Us Apart
Karen Wildaman and our team emphasize trust-building and holistic approaches. Tailoring our methods to suit each dog’s unique needs is integral to our philosophy, whether that means 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. Fostering a positive learning environment is key to helping your dog reach their full potential. Our exceptional approach ensures sustained success and fulfillment for both you and your beloved pet.
AKC® Trick Dog Classes
Sign up for the AKC® Trick Dog Class at It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy and begin an entertaining six-week journey with your furry best friend! The training includes a range of fun skills, such as high-fiving, shaking paws, crawling, playing dead, spinning in circles, barking on cue, jumping through a hoop, and other fun activities. When your dog successfully demonstrates the required number of tricks, they can be proudly awarded the AKC® “Novice” or “Intermediate” Trick Dog Title.
At the Novice stage, dogs must perform 10 tricks (or 5 if they have earned a CGC title), and the Intermediate level requires another 10 tricks. Evaluators oversee the course, which is open to all dogs at least 6 months of age who have previously completed Basic Obedience or a similar program. Take this opportunity to enrich your bond, help your dog grow, and enjoy experiences together that will become wonderful lasting memories!
Tailored Training Programs
In addition to our AKC® Trick Dog Class, service dog training, and obedience training, we also offer:
- Private Lessons
- Doggy-Daycare Camp & Train
- Home Stay Training
- Puppy Kindergarten
- Board & Train
- Conformation
Unsure of where to start? Our skilled team is available to chat about the various options and help you create a tailored training plan that meets your dog’s specific needs. Regardless of whether you’re interested in working with a dog anxiety trainer to build calmness and confidence, your dog needs individualized training sessions at home, you’re intrigued by our K-9 training service, or you’re delving into the fundamentals, we’ll link you up with a dog trainer in Upland who knows exactly how to assist you and your dog in achieving all your objectives.
AKC® Urban CGC
Our AKC® CGC dog training services provide a clear, effective approach designed to help your dog behave properly in public spaces. This course specifically prepares dogs for obstacles such as managing crowds, traveling near traffic, visiting stores, and other similar challenges. Sessions take place weekly on Saturdays at 1:00 pm and end with a test. 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 you think your dog might need a higher level of support, we’re happy to connect you with a dog aggression trainer or dog reactivity trainer.
Service Dog Training
Our Upland service dog training program is a fully integrated curriculum overseen by a certified service dog trainer offering hands-on guidance and specialized instruction. 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. Next, your service dog trainer in Upland develops a three-stage K-9 training plan that can include group classes such as Basic, CGC Level I & II, and Urban Canine, along with private field lessons, in-home or off-site sessions, and board and train opportunities 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 rigorous, not every dog will achieve success, and a number may prove unfit for the program, but dogs who excel and reach completion will receive a Certification ID card as recognition. Active participation in lessons and instruction is crucial for your dog’s growth, so your K-9 trainer in Upland highlights the importance of your involvement if you are physically capable. Contact us when you’re ready to learn more details and reserve a consultation appointment 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. Limited to just 12 dogs and owners, this seven-week program provides personalized attention and effective strategies. Weekly one-hour lessons are paired with 45 minutes of daily practice to help your dog learn commands like loose leash walking, sit, recall, down stays, and heel, and also work through behavior concerns. Beyond obedience, topics include exercise routines, nutrition advice, greetings, and handling distractions up to 30 feet away. Once your dog has completed the course, they can advance into two levels of Intermediate Obedience, which prepare them for AKC® Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine evaluations. These certifications recognize your pet’s abilities, encourage legal benefits, and affirm well-mannered behavior. Choose training that builds confidence, fosters obedience, and creates a stronger human-canine bond!
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.
