Darrel Hager has been training dogs for over 10 years. He is an expert in his field and often sought after by trainers from around the country to help mentor them. He started by dog walking on the streets of Chicago in between his musical theater career. While on his walks, he was getting walked by the dogs and he couldn't help but feel there had to be a better way. He adopted a beautiful pit bull, Nikita, who demonstrated a significant amount of drive. Darrel started researching dog training on youtube and learning by watching the videos in slow motion. He would then go out and practice what he learned with Nikita. He looked up the best trainers and the best training techniques. After a year, Darrel and Nikita attended a training conference. Darrel and Nikita were sharp, in tune and connected. It didn't take long for this duo to be discovered by the CEO of one of the largest dog training companies in the world. He mentored Darrel and helped him start up a successful dog training business in downtown Chicago. Darrel ran this business for 5 years before moving to Florida to be closer to grandparents, warmer weather and a more kid friendly environment. Attention Dog Training was born in in Aug of 2014. The same successful business model was applied in Florida. Darrel is a true dog whisperer with a serious talent for training. Dog training is a lot of energy work and requires patience. You have to learn to read and anticipate the dogs next move and learn to quickly respond so that the dog finds success faster, easier and with more joy. You'll see in his videos, that Darrel is calm, never yells and is has fun playing with dogs. There is love. This true energetic connection with Darrel and his dogs often results in doggie trainer crushes. Who can blame them! There's something magnetic about this man and his dogs. Client dogs often wag their tails and are excited to work. It's really beautiful to see the dogs grow. Darrel was successful at turning his hobby and love for animals into a lifelong successful career. It all started with that beautiful pitbull named Nikita. We love you forever Nikita, RIP.