Dog training schools.

Darren James (aged 32 ) was literally born into the world of dog breeding and dog training and has a continuing commitment to and love of dogs. This has led him to develop Royvon Dog Training Schools as one of the UK's top obedience training centres, specialising in residential courses.

His late parents, Roy and Yvonne James, founded 'Royvon' Boarding Kennels on a hilltop setting in Merthyr Tydfil in 1959 and were themselves successful, award winning dog breeders. Darren passed his first working trail qualification at just 9yrs old (Utility dog at Police Headquarters, Bridgend) He regularly competed in this field for 5 years before becoming a professional dog handler of German Shepherds at 14 yrs, campaigning successfully at top level throughout the UK. Darren judged his first German Shepherd Dog Show (with record entries) at just 16 years old, then went on to judge nationwide.
Darren really enjoyed his schooldays in Merthyr, although, not surprisingly, all out of school activities centred around dogs. He left school at 16 to join the family business (Royvon) but decided to gain academic qualifications through night school, leading to an MBA in Business management.
When Darren (then 22) and his sister Sarah took over the ownership of Royvon, they focused on developing new methods of dog training leading to the unique and highly successful Royvon Dog Training Programme. Darren is extremely proud of the effectiveness of his training methods which use consistency and reward techniques and he and Sarah have invested over a quarter of a million pounds in creating high quality facilities at what has become one of the UK's leading dog training centres.

Darren thoroughly enjoys living and working at Royvon, and he makes full use of the local outdoor amenities available in the hilltop location adjoining the Brecon Beacons National Park. In his limited spare time Darren enjoys travel and exploring. He is a regular guest at International fashion events organised by former Merthyr schoolmate and close friend, top fashion designer Julien MacDonald.

Commenting on the success of the Royvon Dog Training Programme, Darren said," When dogs are your life it is really satisfying to be able to improve the quality of the relationship between a dog and its owners by teaching the dogs how to respond effectively to control commands. The dogs clearly love it and the owners can then share their lives more fully with their pet." Royvon offer a three week residential training course, and have recently introduced a 10 day intensive course, both under the direct supervision of Darren himself. Dogs stay in high quality accommodation and receive training from caring and experienced trainers, based on consistency and reward techniques. No harsh training methods are used.

Darren adds, "Our courses are not about basic obedience. They are intensive obedience courses aimed at achieving a situation where the dog will be under full control both on and off the lead. We use natural distractions to make our training as realistic as possible."

Training includes: Walk to heel on the lead (without pulling); Sit on command; Down on command; Stay on command; about turn remaining close to the handler's left leg and Directional turns. Distance control includes, down command given whilst dog is free running and Recall into sit position all of these are taught & demonstrated "off the lead".

At the end of the course the Royvon trainers give owners a full demonstration of a trainee dog's new found abilities, and owners are expected to spend three hours at the school in order for them to understand and share the way the dog has been taught.

A detailed written pack for use as a reference guide containing the following, is given on day of departure: Commands used; Golden rules for recall; Procedure for when you first arrive home with the dog; the 10 minute obedience session" and Problem Solving.

They also offer ongoing advice and support and a free 'refresher' training session if owners feel it is necessary. Royvon have an outstanding record of success reflecting over 45 year's experience in pet care. They have trained several thousand dogs and are confident that clients will be satisfied with the standard of behaviour of their dog at the end of the course

The company offers a UK -wide dog collection service and can be contacted on 0800 542 9379. Royvon also have a very informative website that can be found at www.royvon.co.uk

_{source Your Dog Mag.}