Royvon Dog Training Schools Proudly Presents
"Bubbles"
Before Royvon:
When I am off-lead, I will sometimes ignore other dogs, but sometimes I rush at them - growling. If I'm on the lead, I almost always growl, even if I'm put in a sit. If we're walking, I might even pull on my lead towards another dog.
I also had this other problem of controlling Zac's behaviour the same way. If he runs, I will likely rush him, and bark and growl like I do with strange dogs. I also try to decide when he can or can not play with other dogs. Sometimes I don't even want him to enter a room at home. It's not that we don't get along, it's just something that I do.
I also like to bark - a lot. My specialty is barking in the car, especially right before I am released.
During Royvon:
In addition to the extensive work we did with distraction training (other dogs and sheep primarily), Barry though it important to teach us, and teach our mum how to brace left side, which basically means having both of us walk to heel on the left side. Since we are herding and guarding dogs, and we also are highly alert and intelligent, we do require a lot of mental stimulation and immediate reinforcement training. When we make mistakes, we often like to repeat them, so it's important to be patient and preserver. We like firm, but gentle training and respond well to voice commands because we are quite sensitive. Barry was very creative in finding ways to squash our interests in distractions within the environment by keeping our attention on him. We played games and exercised random obedience drills whilst he gradually increased the distance that he was able to work with us and still maintain control. We are very good dogs, but have potential - because of our breed, having an exceptional owner and extensive training, to be very highly proficient! So, that's what we're working towards through all these exercises and fun.
After Royvon:
All our obedience exercises are going well with no problems - I love the controlled play part and am especially good with my downs. Although I have always had a strong bond with my mum, our training has really enhanced how important we are to each other. Next, I believe we're going to get into more specialised training.
More about Bubbles:
I live with another Tervueren shepherd, Zac. We both are very well loved and cared for, and receive a lot of special attention, including the exercise we need from owners that understand our unique breeding and training requirements. We've both been involved in village obedience courses and have competed in agility. Whilst Zac likes about everything, I am more interested in pleasing. When we first came to Royvon to see what it was all about, the Training Supervisor talked to our mum for a really long time in the parking area to learn more about us whilst we waited in the down position. He was really impressed with how well we were behaved, but there were still a few areas that my mum felt we needed to work on to make her life, and our lives more enjoyable.
