Darrel trained our dog (a male Bernese) from the kennel and we couldn’t be happier about the experience. He truly understands the pup, aims to reduce anxiety and did a lot of work with us as well as with our puppy. After we picked him up from the training center Darrel also kept in touch which I appreciate. Thank you Darrel!

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.
Darrel is incredible! We asked that he board and train our baby, Hooper, for 4 weeks before she came home. We specifically requested that he focus on socialization, desensitization, crate training and housebreaking. Darrel did everything we asked and more. He sent us daily videos…Read full reviewClose full review
Darrel is incredible! We asked that he board and train our baby, Hooper, for 4 weeks before she came home. We specifically requested that he focus on socialization, desensitization, crate training and housebreaking. Darrel did everything we asked and more. He sent us daily videos of Hooper's progress and was always available when we had questions or concerns. He is perfectly set up to socialize a dog during the critical period and he is very aware of any anxiety issues and how to correct them. His demeanor with the pups is pitch perfect and 100% positive reinforcement. We received a 12 week old puppy who knows sit, stay, down, leave it and more. Most importantly, she already loves her crate and knows that the bathroom is OUTSIDE. If you are looking for an amazing head start for your pup or excellent training for your older dog, I highly recommend Darrel.
Darrel did great work with my Aussie/Blue Heeler Merlin. For a dog with so much energy, I knew firsthand how difficult it could be to have him sit still and keep his "listening ears" on. But upon pick up of Merlin, I was super impressed by his improvement in attentiveness and res…Read full reviewClose full review
Darrel did great work with my Aussie/Blue Heeler Merlin. For a dog with so much energy, I knew firsthand how difficult it could be to have him sit still and keep his "listening ears" on. But upon pick up of Merlin, I was super impressed by his improvement in attentiveness and responsiveness. I've tried training facilities in the past with Merlin, but they did not come close to the results Darrel was able to achieve in one week. Thanks for your hard work!
Darrel was a WONDERFUL trainer for our new cavapoo puppy. Darrel trained our puppy for 3 weeks, and we were over the moon with how much progress our puppy made. From crate training to basic obedience commands to potty training, Darrel built so many foundational skills in such a s…Read full reviewClose full review
Darrel was a WONDERFUL trainer for our new cavapoo puppy. Darrel trained our puppy for 3 weeks, and we were over the moon with how much progress our puppy made. From crate training to basic obedience commands to potty training, Darrel built so many foundational skills in such a short amount of time. Darrel also took the time to walk us through all of our puppy's skills and growth. He even has been kind enough to stay in touch to make sure the training sticks after pick up. If you are looking for a dog trainer, look no further. Darrel is the best in the game, and we are so grateful for his help!
I highly recommend Darrel’s Training Center to anyone interested in using a trainer to simplify the process of puppy training, advanced training or to fix/correct problem issues!!! Darrel does an awesome job training and helped me with my adult dogs and has trained multiple puppi…Read full reviewClose full review
I highly recommend Darrel’s Training Center to anyone interested in using a trainer to simplify the process of puppy training, advanced training or to fix/correct problem issues!!! Darrel does an awesome job training and helped me with my adult dogs and has trained multiple puppies for my customers!! He’s always been available for tips and guidance along the way, even long after he’s completed the training!!!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.