Our beagle, Loki, loves to visit Darrel and his team! He gets lots of attention. They do a great job with his nails and he feels soft for days after his bath.

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 has really gone above and beyond for my boy Bernese Mountain Dog Lincoln. He treats him like a member of his family and he touches up training everytime we board with Darrel. We travel a lot so this is a big deal for us because our dogs are our children we used to constant…Read full reviewClose full review
Darrel has really gone above and beyond for my boy Bernese Mountain Dog Lincoln. He treats him like a member of his family and he touches up training everytime we board with Darrel. We travel a lot so this is a big deal for us because our dogs are our children we used to constantly worry while away before we met Darrel. Also when Lincoln was young he had a few glaring behavioral issues and two sessions with Darrel he was a knew dog and has been a joy ever since. He's a sweet gentleman of a dog now and is truly a joy to everyone he meets. Thank you for everything you do Darrel.
Darrel has worked miracles with my stubborn bull dog. He loves to go to Darrel’s and we always know he well cared for while he’s there.
Darrel did a fantastic job with our 5 month old puppy, Remi! He worked with her on basic skills that will help us build upon once we returned home. He sent videos of her while we were gone to show what they were working on and spent time with us when we returned from vacation to …Read full reviewClose full review
Darrel did a fantastic job with our 5 month old puppy, Remi! He worked with her on basic skills that will help us build upon once we returned home. He sent videos of her while we were gone to show what they were working on and spent time with us when we returned from vacation to teach us how to work with her. He was in no rush and made sure we were comfortable to continue on with the skills once we got home. So friendly and helpful!
Darrel was great working with my 9 month old shelter dog. He has separation anxiety and Darrel was able to help calm him down through training to the point where I can feel comfortable when I have to leave him home alone. His sit, stay, place and loose leash walking are all much improved as well. Darrel also worked with me so that I can continue the training on my own.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.