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Darrel’s Training Center

Lovington, Illinois

5/5· 72 Google reviews

About Darrel’s Training Center

With a deep understanding of canine behavior, we employ positive reinforcement and balanced training techniques, including simple pressure and release, to build trust and effective communication. Our motto, “Training that creates Trust,” encapsulates our philosophy, ensuring a harmonious and respectful companionship.

Training & services

Training goals

  • Crate training Customer-reported
    Program details
  • House training
    Program details
  • Leash training Customer-reported
    Program details
  • Obedience training
    Program details
  • Puppy training
    Program details

How training happens

  • Board and train
    Program details
  • Owner coaching Customer-reported
    Program details

Dog age

  • Puppies
    Program details

Training level

  • Advanced training Customer-reported
    Program details

Support between sessions

  • Photo updates Customer-reported
    Program details

Training approach

  • Balanced training
    Program details
  • Positive reinforcement
    Program details

Additional services

  • Boarding
    Program details

Other listed services

View 4 additional details
  • Dog Basic
    Program details
  • Personalized Dog Training
    Program details
  • Training Behavioral
    Program details
  • Us Training
    Program details

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Questions & answers

From Google

What people have asked about this business.

What’s the best way to house-train my puppy?

Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, or waking up. Reward them immediately when they go in the right spot. Establish a routine, supervise them indoors, and use crate training to prevent accidents.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How can I stop my dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t?

Redirect your dog to appropriate chew toys whenever they start chewing on something they shouldn’t. Remove access to tempting items and ensure they’re getting enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Additionally, teach a “leave it” cue by showing them a tempting item, saying “leave it,” and rewarding them when they ignore it. Practice this regularly to reinforce the command.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How can I teach my dog to come when called?

Use a happy, enthusiastic tone when calling your dog. Start in a distraction-free area and reward them with treats or praise when they come. Gradually increase distractions and always make coming to you a positive experience.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
What should I do if my dog shows aggression toward other dogs or people?

Stay calm and avoid punishment, which can worsen aggression. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to help them associate other dogs or people with positive experiences.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
What’s the easiest way to teach basic commands like sit, stay, and leave it?

Use positive reinforcement: Sit: Hold a treat above their head and move it back slightly to encourage them to sit, then reward. Stay: Ask them to sit, hold your hand up, say “stay,” and reward after a few seconds. Gradually increase the time. Leave it: Place a treat on the floor, cover it, and say “leave it.” When they stop trying to grab it, reward them with a different treat.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
What’s the best way to introduce my dog to new people or pets?

Introduce them in neutral environments and keep initial interactions short and positive. Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior. Supervise the introductions and gradually increase interaction time as your dog becomes comfortable.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How do I stop my dog from barking excessively?

Identify the trigger (e.g., strangers, boredom, or noise). Use consistent training like teaching the “quiet” command, rewarding silence, and redirecting their attention with toys or treats. Ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash?

Teach loose-leash walking by stopping or changing direction whenever your dog pulls. Reward them when the leash is slack. Use a proper harness or collar for better control, and practice in low-distraction environments first.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How do I teach my dog to stay off the furniture?

Use consistent commands like “off” and reward your dog when they comply. Provide a comfortable alternative, such as a dog bed, and redirect them there. Keep your dog on a leash during training to gently guide them away from the furniture and reinforce the behavior.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How can I reduce my dog’s separation anxiety?

Gradually get your dog used to being alone by leaving for short periods and slowly increasing the time. Provide engaging toys, such as puzzle feeders, and avoid dramatic goodbyes or greetings. Crate training and calming aids may also help.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google
How do I stop my dog from jumping on me?

Teach your dog to sit when greeting you and reward calm behavior. Maintain good posture, and when moving, step toward your dog rather than retreating. This helps discourage jumping while reinforcing polite behavior.

Community answer · Darrel’s Training Center · 2025-09-21

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
5
out of 572 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • crate training 14
  • video updates 13
  • potty training 7
  • basic obedience 5
  • command training 4
  • tailored training 3
All 10 topics
  • calm training 2
  • confidence training 2
  • loose leash walking 2
  • separation anxiety training 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

73 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Laura Para
5/5
We had a really positive experience leaving our French Bulldog with Darrel for two weeks. She learned a whole lot, and came back much more crate and potty trained than when we left her. She also socialized a whole bunch and we see the positive results of that in a variety of situ…Read full reviewClose full review

We had a really positive experience leaving our French Bulldog with Darrel for two weeks. She learned a whole lot, and came back much more crate and potty trained than when we left her. She also socialized a whole bunch and we see the positive results of that in a variety of situations since having her back home. His farm and sweet family both add to the overall positive experience as well. I definitely recommend Darrel's Training Center.

Sammie Vesling
5/5
We could not be happier with our experience working with Darrel. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly communicative, responsive, and patient, always taking the time to answer our questions and make sure we felt prepared to bring Clark home. The training Clark receive…Read full reviewClose full review

We could not be happier with our experience working with Darrel. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly communicative, responsive, and patient, always taking the time to answer our questions and make sure we felt prepared to bring Clark home. The training Clark received has exceeded our expectations. On his very first night at our house, he slept through the night in his crate, which was amazing for a 12-week-old puppy. He is calm, well-mannered, and already responds so well to his training commands, making the transition into our home much smoother than we ever imagined. We were especially impressed during Clark’s first vet appointment. Our veterinarian commented on how organized everything was—from the breeder’s records and documentation to the training Clark had received—and was genuinely impressed with the level of care and preparation that went into raising him. We are so grateful for all the time, effort, and dedication Darrel invested in Clark. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, caring, and professional dog trainer.

Courtney C
5/5
We struggled to find somewhere to board our pup Remi before going on a family vacation. We found Darrel by word or mouth, and couldn't be happier with our experience! He explained everything very thorough and we felt very safe leaving her in his hands. We were a little nervous le…Read full reviewClose full review

We struggled to find somewhere to board our pup Remi before going on a family vacation. We found Darrel by word or mouth, and couldn't be happier with our experience! He explained everything very thorough and we felt very safe leaving her in his hands. We were a little nervous leaving her for the first time, but Darrel sent videos throughout the trip to let us know she was doing great. Overall wonderful experience and we will definitely be using Darrel's training center for future boarding needs!

Breonna
5/5
Would give 6 stars if I could!! We’ve never felt so comfortable leaving our dog with someone for boarding. We received multiple video updates on how he was adjusting and doing while being boarded. Darrel and his family spent so much one on one time with our dog allowing him to pl…Read full reviewClose full review

Would give 6 stars if I could!! We’ve never felt so comfortable leaving our dog with someone for boarding. We received multiple video updates on how he was adjusting and doing while being boarded. Darrel and his family spent so much one on one time with our dog allowing him to play, explore and be loved on as their own. The property is well-kept and “homey” and his pricing is beyond reasonable! We just found our new permanent boarding option and may even have him do training in the future if need be. HIGHLY recommend.

Matthew Varichak
5/5

Darrel was great! This is where you want to take your dogs for training. Daisy and Duke had a great time. Darrel is very skilled at what he does. Very friendly and professional.

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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