Walnut Dog Trainer
Contact Us Today!Dog Training in Walnut
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, a trusted name since 2004, has been dedicated to serving both dogs and humans in our Walnut community since day one. Karen Widaman, our owner and head trainer, discovered her passion for training dogs at the age of 8. With extensive professional experience and certifications from reputable institutions like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Animal Behavior College, she has become a skilled dog trainer with a profound understanding of canine psychology and behavior. 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.
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).
It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy is founded on the principle that educating your dog in real life skills is essential for their happiness, health, and successful navigation of our human world. We are committed to enhancing the connection between you and your furry friend by fair and clear communication and through the use of positive reinforcement techniques that are tailored to your unique circumstances. We prioritize your dog’s advancement while rejecting harsh force or abusive practices. 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. Because we’re committed to building strong and loving connections between pets and their caring parents, our team of expert trainers is here to support you.
The Importance of Dog Training
Dog training matters for dogs throughout their lives because it encourages proper behavior, strengthens interaction with families, and creates lifelong bonds. 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. This approach plays an essential role in making sure each dog receives helpful guidance and appropriate training.
At It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, you’ll find personalized training plans suited to your dog, positive reinforcement strategies that encourage cooperation, and the professional support of skilled, certified trainers. 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.
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
Karen Widaman and our team focus on building trust and adopting holistic methods. 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 create a harmonious relationship between you and your furry companion, built on mutual understanding and respect. We work hard every day to establish a nurturing learning environment that supports your dog’s learning journey. Our innovative methods guarantee ongoing achievement and joy for you and your cherished companion.
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.
Feeling unsure about where to start? Karen is available to discuss our diverse range of options and collaborate with you to devise a personalized training strategy for your dog. Whether it’s one-on-one training in your own space, getting support from a dog anxiety trainer who helps dogs gain calmness and confidence, exploring our K-9 training service options, or beginning with the basics, we’ll connect you with a dog trainer in Walnut who has the expertise to guide you and your dog in accomplishing every milestone you have in mind.