About Royvon

Over 65 Years of Resilience, Relationship, and Fulfilment.

Royvon has never been just a business; it is a way of life and a journey that began in 1959. For over six decades, our family has been dedicated to one thing: creating a place where dogs and their owners can truly thrive. Owned and run by Darren and Hannah James, who live on-site at Royvon Surrey, dogs are at the heart of everything they do everyday.

The beginning

Creating a Centre of Excellence

When Darren’s parents, Roy and Yvonne James, founded Royvon, they set out to create a centre of excellence for dog care. By the 1970s, their vision had flourished into an industry leader. Royvon was home to a premier boarding school, professional grooming, and a highly successful breeding programme for showing German Shepherds, alongside a professional security dog business. Roy and Yvonne were true ‘dog people’ who built Royvon on the belief that a dog’s emotional well-being and health were just as important as their physical needs.

Overcoming adversity

The Tragedy of 1981

In 1981, when Darren was just nine years old, his world changed forever. He lost his father in a tragic accident while returning from a dog show in Scotland. In an instant, the heart of the business was fractured. To keep the family together and ensure the dog business survived, Yvonne had to make the difficult choice to sell the security business to pay the bills. The family fought to keep the gates of our kennels open, even selling land piece by piece just to survive. But while the security side was gone, the mission to create a place where dogs could thrive didn't change. Yvonne’s strength kept the family's connection to dogs alive, and this shared love for animals became the James family purpose.

A bond formed

An Inherited Way with Dogs

“I didn’t grow up on a playground; I grew up on the training field.” says Darren. “By my teenage years, I was mastering the technical discipline of behaviour expertise and dog fulfilment, competing at the Adult Level in Working Trials and Obedience. The veterans of the dog world often noticed that dogs responded to me exactly as they had to my father, with an instinctive trust and a natural sense of calm. This inherited intuition allows me to ensure that every dog at Royvon feels safe, content, and truly fulfilled.”

Building the business

Becoming the UK’s Leading Residential Dog Training School

In 1994, Darren and his sister Sarah took the reins of Royvon. They were determined to evolve to honour the standards our parents had set. By the year 2000, what started as a local service became the UK’s leading Residential Dog Training School. Families began travelling from every corner of the United Kingdom because they saw that we weren't just caring for dogs, we were transforming their lives through a deeper understanding of their well-being and training them in ways that were truly individual to each dog and their family.

Where we are now

Royvon today

We are proud to be celebrating 20 successful years at Royvon Surrey this year, owned by Darren and Hannah James. Hannah has been an integral part of Royvon’s successes for over 25 years; her unique skills and dedication have been the anchor for this business, ensuring we never stray from the core mission Roy and Yvonne created all those years ago. Royvon remains a true family environment. Hannah and Darren live at our Esher location, along with their children Felix and Honey. While the children aren't working the same long hours Darren did in the 1980s, they are helping out in ways that suggest the Royvon legacy and its heritage will continue.

Where we are now

Why We Care So Deeply About the People Who Love Dogs

We love dogs. They have been our constant companions for over 50 years. And we care just as deeply about the people who love them. When Darren’s life was turned upside down in 1981, it was the dog community that held them up. When he spent three months in a hospital far from home recovering from his own injuries, it was local breeders who came to sit by his bed and keep hi, company. Because this community gave so much to a young boy when he needed it most, our life’s work is to give that expertise, relationship, and support back to you.

At Royvon, you aren’t just a client. You are part of a relationship that has been tested by time and proven by love.

Residential Training

Your dog lives and trains with us for 2–4 weeks. We work with reactivity, anxiety, recall, aggression and general obedience. Force-free, always.

Dog Boarding

More than a kennel. Hotel-style rooms, structured enrichment, 24/7 staff. Standard, concierge and country retreat options available.

Puppy Programmes

From puppy assessment and group classes to residential stays and one-to-one masterclasses. Structured support at every stage.

Owner Training

Online or in-person sessions where you learn alongside your dog. Bespoke 1-to-1 training tailored to your situation.

We have two sites. One in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales (our original location) and one in Esher, Surrey. Both offer the full range of training and boarding services.

All breeds. While Royvon started with German Shepherds, we now work with every breed from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Our trainers have specific experience with most popular and working breeds.

Yes, always. All Royvon training is positive reinforcement based. We never use aversive methods, punishment-based equipment or negative reinforcement with any dog in our care.

We welcome visitors by appointment. Contact your nearest site to arrange a time that works — we're happy to show you around and discuss your dog's needs in person.

Yes. We hold 5-star DEFRA ratings and are licensed by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Bridgend County Borough Council.

Want to talk to us?

Whether you're looking at training, boarding or just have questions, our team is here and happy to help.