Darrel’s Training Center listing logo

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
  • 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 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
Billie Constant
5/5
My two precious fur babies began fighting. I was desperate because I thought I was going to need to rehome one of them. I found Darrel on Facebook & reached out. He was 1) very responsive to my emails 2) honest with me about what may and may not work 3) years incredibly patien…Read full reviewClose full review

My two precious fur babies began fighting. I was desperate because I thought I was going to need to rehome one of them. I found Darrel on Facebook & reached out. He was 1) very responsive to my emails 2) honest with me about what may and may not work 3) years incredibly patient! Darrel worked with both of my dogs individually. More importantly, he taught me the skills I needed to practice with my dogs to build their confidence and mine. Darrel‘s techniques are not based in dominance but in obedience. That makes for a much better relationship with me and my dogs. I have reached out to Darrel several times after our training and he continues to be very responsive and offer additional advice if needed I fully intend to take both my dogs at the same time to do additional training because now I can, Thanks entirely to Darrel. Darrel‘s rates are very reasonable, probably too low for the work he puts in to each client. My family and I are incredibly grateful for Darrel’s patience and flexibility. Five stars for courtesy, Overall training techniques, reasonable rates, and genuinely just being a good human.

Tara Behrend
5/5

Darrel kept us up to date regularly with our pup Angus. He made sure we had the tools needed to be successful with Angus before we took him home. I would recommend him to anyone needing training for their dog. The pups are exposed to farm life and exercised regularly. Darrel treats them like his own.

Allison Reifsteck
5/5
We have boarded our dog with Darrel twice now. Both experiences have been wonderful. Being first time dog owners, we were anxious about leaving our dog but Darrel’s facility and approach put us at ease. We received several videos of our dog on walks and playing while we were gone…Read full reviewClose full review

We have boarded our dog with Darrel twice now. Both experiences have been wonderful. Being first time dog owners, we were anxious about leaving our dog but Darrel’s facility and approach put us at ease. We received several videos of our dog on walks and playing while we were gone. We have been extremely pleased with the care our dog received and would highly recommend Darrel and his training center for boarding and training services.

stephguerra22
5/5
We sent our 9 week old puppy to Darrel for 3 weeks and we couldn’t recommend him enough! After 3 weeks of training our puppy was 90% crate trained and sleep thru the night in his crate, almost completely potty trained and learned commands like sit, down and stay. Our puppy would …Read full reviewClose full review

We sent our 9 week old puppy to Darrel for 3 weeks and we couldn’t recommend him enough! After 3 weeks of training our puppy was 90% crate trained and sleep thru the night in his crate, almost completely potty trained and learned commands like sit, down and stay. Our puppy would stay in the house with Darrel and his family at times so our puppy was able to interact with child’s and household items at a young age. Darrel sent us multiple videos and updates of our puppy each week and was quick to get back to me on any question.

katharine short
5/5
We sent our dog Vixen to Darrel for help with a range of issues, including crate anxiety, basic obedience, and serious reactivity toward cats. Before training, Vixen couldn’t be anywhere near cats without becoming aggressive. After working with Darrel, Vixen came back noticeably …Read full reviewClose full review

We sent our dog Vixen to Darrel for help with a range of issues, including crate anxiety, basic obedience, and serious reactivity toward cats. Before training, Vixen couldn’t be anywhere near cats without becoming aggressive. After working with Darrel, Vixen came back noticeably calmer and more manageable around them. While we still don’t fully trust him off-leash near cats, the transformation—from being extremely fixated and aggressive to largely ignoring them—is truly remarkable. Darrel also worked on basic obedience and introduced Vixen to a few agility obstacles, all while ensuring he was treated with care and respect. We were very impressed by how Darrel tailored the training to Vixen’s specific needs—he clearly understands that not every dog learns the same way. Overall, we’re extremely happy with the results and highly recommend Darrel to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective, and personalized dog training. We would send our future dogs there over and over again!

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

Explore nearby & related training