Darrel’s training was just perfect for my pup. He is patient , knowledgeable and caring. I felt like he and my pup were on the same mind track…he had her looking at him and listening to him at all times . They truly bonded ! Can’t say enough about Darrel , he is the best and exactly what we were looking for in a trainer 😊

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
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- House training
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- Leash training Customer-reported
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- Obedience training
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- Puppy training
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How training happens
- Board and train
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- Owner coaching Customer-reported
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Dog age
- Puppies
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Training level
- Advanced training Customer-reported
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Support between sessions
- Photo updates Customer-reported
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Training approach
- Balanced training
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- Positive reinforcement
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Additional services
- Boarding
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Other listed services
View 4 additional details
- Dog Basic
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- Personalized Dog Training
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- Training Behavioral
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- Us Training
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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’ve trusted Darrel with Neo since he was 3.5 months old, and the training results have been fantastic! He’s patient, professional, and truly understands dogs. When we travel, Neo stays with his family and is treated like one of their own. Highly recommend for both training and boarding! (Photos: 3.5mo and 2yrs)
Darrel’s Training Center is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for top-quality boarding or training services! They are incredibly professional, caring, and attentive. My dog felt right at home, and I had complete peace of mind throughout her stay. I especially loved the photo …Read full reviewClose full review
Darrel’s Training Center is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for top-quality boarding or training services! They are incredibly professional, caring, and attentive. My dog felt right at home, and I had complete peace of mind throughout her stay. I especially loved the photo and video updates—they made such a difference and really showed how well my pet was being cared for. Highly recommend Darrel’s Training Center to anyone wanting a safe, trustworthy place with excellent training and communication!
My husband and I decided to get two weeks of training for our new pup with Darrel. Darrel went through the training with us and we were impressed with how our dog did in those two weeks! I highly recommend this training center for your new puppy!
I am a therapist and Certified Therapy dog handler who lives in New York . We just purchased our fourth therapy dog from Bernadoodles doodles on the Prairie BEAU is a micro mini who was personally trained by Darrel for 6weeks. We cannot thank the entire team, mother, father,…Read full reviewClose full review
I am a therapist and Certified Therapy dog handler who lives in New York . We just purchased our fourth therapy dog from Bernadoodles doodles on the Prairie BEAU is a micro mini who was personally trained by Darrel for 6weeks. We cannot thank the entire team, mother, father, son, daughter, grandchildren, everyone working together to help create the most calm, sweet, smart, balanced dog Darrel not only gave our dog the basics in commands sit down wait stay he also taught him not to be afraid to get his haircut to be around wheelchairs and other equipment vital for the success of a well trained therapy dog. I highly recommend this breed and especially the calm, caring and positive training that Darrel put into our Dog BEAU My husband and I plus all of my special needs clients that we work with are in love with this boy We Cannot express our joy and appreciation in words we hope we were able to properly on this platform. I highly recommend Darrel. He has a Real talent and love for what he does it’s a family affair and his beautiful children and his wife work along to give a properly socialized Balanced training for our dog. We will forever be thankful I completely give permission if anyone would like to reach out to me as to my experience. I want to personally thank you again, Edna Darrel, Maria Enya And all the children for helping us have the best dog possible for our people and our family. We send you our thanks be blessed. May God give you always the the love and the joy to continue what you’re doing, raising beautiful dogs that are well trained, and properly socialized all my thanks to you UPDATE now at seven months old BEAU continues to shine working with our special-needs clients. He is also very well socialized with our cats from our healing hearts Siberians cattery and he allows the cat part of his therapy session with ease, and he just loves hanging out with them
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.