West Covina Dog Trainer

Dog Training in West Covina

It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy has been proudly serving our canine and human neighbors in the West Covina community since 2000. Karen Wildaman, the President and Director of Training, first started training dogs at the age of 8 years old. Now an expert dog trainer with decades of professional experience, certifications from the American Pro Dog Training Association and Animal Behavior College, and a variety of other impressive credentials, she has a deep understanding of 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.

At It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, we believe that providing your dog with an education is essential for their well-being and for their ability to live comfortably in our human world. Our mission is to strengthen the bond between you and your dog through positive reinforcement methods tailored to your unique circumstances. We prioritize your dog’s success, steering clear of extreme force or abusive techniques. 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 team of skilled trainers is dedicated to fostering healthy and happy relationships between pets and their loving owners.

The Importance of Dog Training

Dog training provides meaningful benefits for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike because it shapes good habits, improves communication, and reinforces the human-canine relationship. The common idea that training only works when dogs are young is untrue, because canines remain capable of learning at all points in life. Since dogs are naturally intelligent and responsive, training continues to benefit them long-term. 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. 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.

Obedience Training

At It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, our Group Obedience classes give you and your dog structured guidance with the help of a professional local dog trainer. 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. Dogs learn key commands like recall, heel, sit, loose leash walking, and down stays, while also addressing everyday problem behaviors. Training also incorporates nutrition, greetings, regular exercise, and working with distractions as far as 30 feet away. Two levels of Intermediate Obedience are available to continue your dog’s progress and prepare them for the AKC® Community Canine and Canine Good Citizen evaluations. These certifications highlight your dog’s skills, add legal benefits, and ensure well-mannered behavior. Build lasting confidence and improve obedience with training that supports both pets and owners!

Service Dog Training

Our West Covina service dog training program is a fully integrated curriculum overseen by a certified service dog trainer offering hands-on guidance and specialized instruction. A K-9 trainer starts with a free consultation and assessment to determine your dog’s aptitude for service work and evaluate the handler’s requirements. Afterward, the service dog trainer in West Covina 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. Testing for certifications like AKC Community Canine®, AKC Canine Good Citizen®, Urban Canine Good Citizen®, and a Public Access Test is included to confirm certification 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 active involvement and willingness to attend lessons and instruction are essential parts of your dog’s complete development, so your K-9 trainer in West Covina will require your participation if you are physically able to take part. Get in touch with us today to request more details and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

AKC® Trick Dog Classes

Join the AKC® Trick Dog Class at It’s A Dog’s World K9 Academy and enjoy six weeks of interactive fun with your dog! 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. Upon completing a certain set of tricks, your dog can officially earn recognition through the AKC® “Novice” or “Intermediate” Trick Dog Title certification.

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. Conducted by AKC®-certified CGC Evaluators, the program is open to dogs 6 months and older who have successfully completed Basic Obedience or comparable courses. It’s a rewarding opportunity to build lasting memories, develop stronger skills, and reinforce the connection you share with your pet!

AKC® Urban CGC

With our AKC® CGC dog training services, you’ll receive a focused program that strengthens your dog’s public behavior skills. The course prepares dogs for real-life situations like moving safely through traffic, calmly facing crowds, handling stores, and other outdoor challenges. Classes are held on Saturdays at 1:00 pm, with the program finishing in an evaluation test. Prerequisites include holding the Canine Good Citizen title and an official AKC® registration number. Dogs that show aggression cannot join, but adopted pets and service animals qualify for a $10 discount. For dogs who have greater needs, extra guidance is available from a dog reactivity trainer or dog aggression trainer.

Tailored Training Programs

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

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

If you’re not sure where to begin, our experienced team is happy to discuss our many options and help you design a training plan that meets your dog’s specific needs. Whether your pup needs one-on-one attention at home, you’re interested in our K-9 training service, you’re just diving into the basics, or you need to enlist the help of a dog anxiety trainer who can foster confidence and calmness, we’ll set you up with a dog trainer in West Covina who knows exactly how to help you and your dog achieve every goal you have in mind.

What Sets Us Apart

Karen Wildaman and our team emphasize trust-building and holistic approaches. From incorporating essential oils for relaxation and focus to providing your dog with personalized attention to extending ongoing support, we wholeheartedly believe in tailoring our methods to each dog’s individual needs. Our goal is to create a harmonious relationship between you and your furry companion, built on mutual understanding and respect. We strive to cultivate a positive learning environment for your dog. Our unique approach ensures continued success and happiness for both you and your beloved pet.

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.