Royvon Dog Training Schools Proudly Presents
"Muskellunge"
Before Royvon:
Before enrolling to Royvon Dog Training Schools, I had a mind of my own - although I loved meeting people, I was a little too enthusiastic and could not control the urge to throw my one-two punches at everything that moved, including other people and dogs who really didn't want anything to do with me. Most of the time I only wanted to play, but it was starting to get me in real trouble and my mum was beginning to dread taking me to public places.
During Royvon:
My Trainer's name was Caroline and she had to teach me a whole new way to communicate. Even through I knew some basic commands, she had to pretty much start over with me, mostly to re-shape certain aspects of my behaviour, such as lunging at other dogs as I pleased. To do this, she had to gradually introduce me to other dogs, on her terms - first by letting me see another dog from a distance for a very short period of time. When I was really good and kept my attention on her, she reinforced my manners with lots of praise and cuddles. I slowly got to get closer to the other dogs, and got to see them for longer periods of time, and every time I behaved myself, I got the same praise! It was really great once I understood exactly what she wanted and I was able to relax all the stress-anxiety I had about being around all those other strange dogs. The other members of the team said I was very happy to be there, too, and that I would jump and snort and wiggle my bum every time I was visited in my accommodation.
After Royvon:
The bond I had with my mum went through the roof! We are now closer than ever and when she calls me from across a field, I come running at full speed. Sometimes I am so excited to see what she wants that I have trouble stopping to sit and I bump into her (but that's just me). As far as other dogs, it took some time for her to be settled with me when we passed another dog, like Caroline was. It confused me that she was so nervous and sometimes I would try to protect her because I had trouble understanding what she wanted me to do. But, she finally learned how to relax and just be with me and to clearly tell me what she wanted me to do. I still very much like other dogs, but I always look for her permission before playing. We are both much happier and get to do much more stuff together!
More about Muskellunge:
I am an American Boxer and have a little different breed standard, which cause many people to want to meet me. I moved to England when I was 18 months old. It was pretty hard on me and I think that's where I picked up some of my bad manners. I was in desperate need of obedience because my owners really want to include me in their fun, like backpacking! WIthout Royvon's training, I would probably be stuck at home and would miss out on the rich life I am entitled to have!
