Everything Canine owner learned training at animal hospital

Victor Villarreal often feels an emotional connection with dogs. People have even referred to him as the "dog whisperer."

Based on this and his training at an animal hospital, he started his owns business, Everything Canine.

He operates the business from his Lake Zurich home where he offers a 10-day training program.

Only taking one dog at a time, the animal stays with Villarreal during the program. The dog is taught basic commands, such as sit, stay, down, come, heel, wait, emergency command leash training skills and house breaking. He charges $525 for the 10-day training.

He also offers hourly training sessions for dogs that may need a less intense focus.

Villarreal, 32, has a designated training area at his Lake Zurich home. He works with puppies as well as older dogs. He launched the business after working for two animal hospitals over the past seven years.

Villarreal also offers boarding in a separate area at his home.

When Villarreal is not training dogs, he works as a musician and plays the guitar.

The business owner believes his emotional demeanor allows him to form an emotional connection with the dogs.

When he works with a dog, he formulates a training schedule based on the dog's needs. "It's very customized," he said.

When giving pet owners advice, Villarreal stresses that training a dog takes patience. He added that praising dogs is more beneficial than yelling at them.

He added that dogs require two, 20-minute walks a day to burn off excess steam.

For more information, call (847) 438-9293.

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Most of the hotels have recently completed renovations to keep the properties fresh.