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Dogs are extremely perceptive and sensitive to their owner and very good at reading body language. Present yourself as a confident, capable and enthusiastic handler.
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A. Yes! Most importantly, a well trained dog is a happy dog. And, for most of us, dogs are members of our family and of course we care about their well-being! We also want to be able to walk, socialise, travel and holiday with our dogs and not have to think about disasters occurring because they are out of our control. It's not only socially unacceptable, it's plain just not fun.
Dog training is not just for dogs already displaying problems, and just because your dog is behaving now, does not mean that problems won't develop as the dog matures. In addition, just because your dog behaves perfectly in the home does not mean that they won't completely change once outdoors, or when faced with a situation for which you are both unprepared. Like children, behaviour modification must be established and consistent, and when you learn how to communicate with your dog, and your dog is under your control at all times, you've created a bond and a relationship that will enrich your life - forever!
There are a lot of training methods out there, and it's perfectly normal to feel intimidated, or to admit that you don't know where to start or what's best for you and your dog. Included within this page link is a list of frequently asked questions to help you know what to expect with the Royvon Training Schools. We also encourage you to review our Dog Training Story for a complete course overview.
You've invested in a dog, now invest in your future together!
We encourage you to contact us if you have a question about our training programme, or about obedience training in general that is not answered in this section or our web site.
A. Royvon is the first and industry leader! Royvon was established in 1959 and has had almost 50 years to develop a residential progamme that is second to none. Although there are institutions that try to copy the formula, Royvon has always, and will always maintain their edge through innovations in customer communications, obedience training and behaviour management services, not to mention overall quality pet care and advanced, proven training practices. No other school has the training field acreage as Royvon, nor the indoor facilities to train comfortably in all weather conditions.
In short, Royvon's unique past has built the foundation for a unique and unsurpassed present and future, and continues to attract qualified, top level employees with years of experience and commitments to ongoing learning in positive and highly effective obedience and behaviour results.
A. Well, yes, you can. However, here are some important facts for you to consider before you take on the task. Dog psychology and training is a skilled profession. Dogs, over time, have taken a lot of abuse through irresponsible ownership and training. Some breeds have gotten bad reputations as a result, and quite often at no fault of their own. The time and energy to research a proper dog training procedure, let alone practise is more than most people can spare, and when executed incorrectly, it puts unnecessary wear and tear on your dog, not to mention can be very frustrating for you. Our Team of experts train dogs as efficiently, effectively and humanely as possible, and provide you with the tools to keep your dog under your control for the rest of your lives together.
We also add that most our trainee dogs come to us partially trained, or at least their owners believe them to be so. However, unless the owner can turn the obedience on & off in any situation and in any environment do they really have the control. Our environment enables dogs to be worked by professionals in a variety of situations with the frequency to ingrain effective learning.
A. Royvon's primary method of training is the combination of positive reinforcement and negative punishment - a dog is rewarded for desired behaviour and not rewarded for undesired behaviour. No harsh methods are ever used.
There is an assessment period when the dog first arrives at the school. During this time, the Trainer bonds with the dog and learns what motivates them to use as the primary tools of training. It is often a combination of voice, touch, interactive games with or without toys, and sometimes food rewards. It is very important that the dog enjoy training, therefore it must be a positive experience to be effective.
A. Yes, however it is very important that the skills learned must be practiced. Dogs are opportunists, and if allowed, they will fall into old habits. Although we take responsibility for training the dog, the owner must be committed to the new lifestyle. We provide extensive training notes, training DVD, hands-on training and aftercare services to ensure that you have the support you need to carry the success forward.
We add that we tell many owners that they are the ones with whom the dog has a bond - introducing proper obedience to the relationship only enhances that bond, and at some point owners do experience better results than the Trainers, results more custom to their relationship with their dog and lifestyle.
A. There is an assessment period when the dog first arrives at the school. Whilst the dog is still being introduced to basic obedience, it is more important at this time for the Trainer to get to know the dog, its history, challenges, temperament, motivations, etc. During this stage, a telephone consultation is scheduled with the Trainer and owner where the assessment is discussed in great detail, including the expectations for obedience training and behaviour management. At course conclusion, all owners are given a full set standard demonstration, both on and off lead and with distractions. Further hands-on demonstrations are practised during the tuition. All Royvon dogs are trained to a high standard and ready to continue obedience in their home environment.
A. We accept dogs from the age of 6 months forward. Although there is no upper limit, please understand that the older the dog, the longer its had to settle into its behaviour. With that said, the ideal age is between 6 months and 12 months, and if at all possible, before the dog is 2 years of age. Breeds do differ in maturity, and for this reason if there are any concerns about age, we encourage owners to contact us.
A. We have a collection service the covers all of the United Kingdom. We also have reduced rate collection points throughout the UK, http://royvon.co.uk/reducedtransport.htm. During the enrollment process, collection and delivery arrangements are made to suit owner's preferences. Our in-home collection is charged at a rate of 45p per mile, plus tolls, where applicable. Our reduced rate collection is £30. We do, however, encourage delivery by the owner as it gives the opportunity to survey our facility. It is important for both you and your dog to feel good about everything in regards to the training process.
A. Obedience training will not alter a dog's inherent temperament, as dogs are born with innate characteristics in accordance to their breed, breeding, socialisation history, relationship with their family, and so on. Training will likely calm a nervous or aggressive dog due to the fact that it clarifies the expectations from their owner, and strengthens the bond and provides the trust they need in order to take cues from their leader, but it will not change who they are.
As far as our obedience training programme, we teach the dog a new communication skill which enables the handler to maintain full control of the dog's actions. In formal terms, the process is called shaping the behaviour through reinforcement, and it does exactly that - shapes new, more desired behaviour, rather than changing the dog. When done properly, the dog benefits in so many more ways than just learning to be socially acceptable.
A. All our trainee dogs accommodations have been modern-built to a very high standard with heating and air-conditioning as needed. They all include sleeping quarters and individual access to their own covered run. Smaller dogs are housed together in our nursery accommodation, social dogs are housed with a view of the comings and goings of the school and less social dogs are provided more privacy in quieter accommodations. Although bedding is provided, we encourage owners to provide what they are willing from home for a more familiar resting environment.
A. Part of Royvon's success is due to the extensive communication between you and your dog's Team of carers throughout the entire training process. Upon course commencement you are provided a customer binder to include extensive training notes, training DVD and sections for the regular training progress reports you will receive during the entire time your dog is in our care. Personalised reports will also be sent from our Team Coordinator, the liaison between our trainee dogs, Trainers and owners. There is also a password protected progress reporting feature on our web site. This report is updated daily by your dog's allocated trainer and provides the exact stage for your dog in the course programme. You are also provided a list of Royvon contacts should you need additional support.
A. As a company, we do not have a problem with the use of check chains when they are used correctly. However, in the hands of irresponsible handlers this method can be harmful, therefore is viewed negatively within some training circles. We would never recommend the use of a training collar unless one of our expert personnel has trained the owner first.
We never use electronic collars or devices to train dogs.
A. Of course! But, please be assured that our training is in a loving and caring environment. Your dog will be in a comfortable and clean accommodation, and kept quite happy and busy with training and other activities. Our dog and owner reunions are one of our favourite moments of the process and we have never, ever had a dog "not remember" their owner!
A. Controlling the distracting influences of your dog’s environment immediately puts focus on the attention of the trainer. This attention then becomes an inherent, repeated reward that helps to mould the communication procedure process. Thus, training is an enjoyable experience from the get go, and new distractions can then be introduced without disturbing the interest your dog has with learning and ultimately being predictably obedient. Furthermore, the frequency of the training is highly effective in the re-shaping process.
A. Upon enrollment you will receive an immediate confirmation followed later by a formal confirmation with very comprehensive details on how to prepare and what to expect from the process. This formal confirmation includes a multi-page questionnaire on your dog's profile that we ask be completed and returned at least one week prior to course commencement. This information, coupled with our Trainer assessment of your dog, will help us understand your challenges and allow us to address your needs pointedly and personalised to you and your lifestyle.
Once your dog arrives at the school, you will be given a customer binder complete with extensive training notes and training DVD for your virtual learning. You will also immediately begin to receive regular progress reports on how your dog is settling and responding to training. Many updates will include important information for your continued learning, and some may include pictures of your dog in training. The entire process prepares you for your tuition and continued obedience and behaviour management in the home environment.
A. We encourage all dog owners to contact us with the details of their obedience and behaviour management challenges. We will either make recommendations for your consideration, or request additional information as the situation dictates. We understand that every dog is different, therefore deserves a unique approach best suited to your lifestyle together.
A. We encourage all customers to keep a running diary of their experiences. In some cases, additional support may be required either written or by telephone. In other cases, refresher training may be suggested, or complementary programmes may be offered.
In general, our one-to-one courses are designed to provide the dog owner with the tools to continue the training. It is very rare that repeat training is necessary or required, unless agreed upfront as part of the recommended structure.
Royvon has been caring for dogs and providing training services since 1959, therefore we have a unique edge in knowing how to combine obedience training and behaviour management as they compliment each other for the most highly effective results. We are also in the position to understand dogs in a variety of situations - not just with their owners in a familiar environment. In short, we are able to identify and parcel solutions from our vast, varied and deep pool of expertise.
A. There are some dogs that don't kennel well due to their temperament, history, health or breed and any combination thereof. There are also some dog owners that absolutely will not or can not be parted from their pet. In addition, there are many classroom arrangements that compliment other Royvon programmes by either preparing the puppy or dog for residential training; providing a platform for owners to practise the skills after training, or providing a platform for dogs to properly socialise.
A. For starters, Royvon classroom Trainers train dogs as their sole profession, not as a side-line, hobby or as a volunteer, therefore it is difficult to compete against their depth and breadth of experience on a day-in and day-out basis. Furthermore, Royvon classes combine canine psychology and how dog's lean into their training and instruction to help owners understand the cause of behaviour and address solutions at its roots, not just treat the symptoms.
A. Royvon has been caring for dogs and providing training services since 1959, therefore we have a unique edge in knowing how to combine obedience training and behaviour management as they compliment each other for the most highly effective results. We are also in the position to understand dogs in a variety of situations - not just with their owners in a familiar environment. In short, we are able to identify and parcel solutions from our vast, varied and deep pool of expertise.
