Meet the Owner

Darrel Hager has been training dogs for over 16 years.  He is an expert in his field and is in constantly adjusting to the ever changing way that we live and communicate with our dogs. 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. 

After Rescuing a beautiful pitbull, Nikita, Darrel started attending training seminars, workshops, bite clubs, even big box store classes.  After about a year of being self taught, Darrel found a mentor and was able to go even deeper into the psychology of the dog, and how to teach and guide owners in a way that built confidence. With a little work, Nikita proved to have quite a lot of potential and became a great 'breed ambassador showing off her high drive and tunnel vision focus all over the streets of Chicago.  After 5 years of a successful Pet Business in the Windy City, It was time to move to his dream location in Central Florida. Attention Dog Training was born in in Aug of 2014 .  Darrel quickly acquired the nickname "The Clermont Dog Whisperer" by his happy clients.  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.  This true energetic connection with Darrel and his dogs often results in doggie trainer crushes.  Who can blame them!  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.