Darrel is the best trainer! We bring numerous family dogs to him and are always extremely happy with the results! Do not hesitate to bring your pet to him. You will not be disappointed

Darrel’s Training Center
Lovington, Illinois
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
- House training
- Leash training Customer-reported
- Obedience training
- Puppy training
How training happens
- Board and train
- Owner coaching Customer-reported
Dog age
- Puppies
Training level
- Advanced training Customer-reported
Support between sessions
- Photo updates Customer-reported
Training approach
- Balanced training
- Positive reinforcement
Additional services
- Boarding
Other listed services
View 4 additional details
- Dog Basic
- Personalized Dog Training
- Training Behavioral
- Us Training
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listingMentioned 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.
We had our puppy for 2 months and I was realizing I was out of my depth. I felt like a failure. He spent 2 weeks with Darrel and now we are coming up on his 3rd birthday! Darrel has a real gift and when you find someone this wonderful, you tell everyone!
Darrel is the best Trainer ! In a 2 week period, he had my 8 week old puppy trained to be totally house broken, crate trained, and knew 5 of the 7 commands. Additionally, he is the kindest man to deal with. I would recommend him with no regrets. Howard Pasekoff
The training provided by Darrel was very helpful for us. Our dog’s propensity for compliance with our direction increased significantly following a week-long training stay. We’ve also taken advantage of their boarding services as well. The care provided is always attentive and…Read full reviewClose full review
The training provided by Darrel was very helpful for us. Our dog’s propensity for compliance with our direction increased significantly following a week-long training stay. We’ve also taken advantage of their boarding services as well. The care provided is always attentive and affectionate. The facilities are clean, safe and reasonably spacious. Periodic updates/communications (sometimes video) regarding how our pet is doing are provided and always appreciated. We highly recommend Darrel & his family if you need any of those services.
Winston went to Darrel’s Training Center right at 8 weeks old & spent 3 weeks there! He is potty & crate trained & knows how to sit, lay down & stay (plus started working on a few other things!) He’s amazing & so well behaved! Darrel sent text & video updates almost daily & answe…Read full reviewClose full review
Winston went to Darrel’s Training Center right at 8 weeks old & spent 3 weeks there! He is potty & crate trained & knows how to sit, lay down & stay (plus started working on a few other things!) He’s amazing & so well behaved! Darrel sent text & video updates almost daily & answered all our frequent questions. We will definitely send Winston back for more advanced training when we travel & are super grateful to Darrel for giving him such a great start at being successful in life.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.