Customer Testimonials

New Testimonials - 2007

Barry & Jan Williams - Labradors. South Wales School; Trainer, Tony!

Cadi and Seren were two "normal" young dogs who had taken advantage of the naivety and lack of dog training experience of their owners (me in particular). We decided to get some professional help, in order to ensure a happier future for both parties. A friend recommended Royvon.

Our case was allocated to a trainer, who calmly explained to us what our expectations could be after the training period. We were kept fully in touch of our dogs progress during this time by both our trainer and the rest of the Royvon team.

The results were impressive. The instruction we received when we came to pick the dogs up was first class. We are now in control, with the dogs being more calm and obedient than we could ever have wished for. We now realize that we were not "top dog" and with Royvon's help this has now been rectified, we were told straightaway that this was only the first step on the journey with hard work being done after leaving the course.

We take our dogs out three or four times a day and they and us both enjoy this new relationship.

Cadi and Seren will be attending the free follow up session in the next weeks and we look forward to seeing the Royvon team again.

I am sure there will be a couple of things which need can just to put right.

As for the dogs, they are perfect.

Thanks once again to all at Royvon and to our trainer in particular.

Gayle - Flat Coated Retriever. South Wales School; Trainer, Terry!

I chose to put my young 4 1/2 month old flat coated retriever in kennels for training recently as we had a death in the family (my father-in-law) and we needed to get away for a couple of days. The main problem was that my older dog had rejected the new puppy and this left me with a problem of what to do with the dogs when we went away!

I have never used boarding kennels before, so I was wary. One idea was to find a training kennel so that my puppy would be kept occupied and continue to learn his basics rather than be bored and frustrated. I searched on Google and found Royven Dog Training Kennels. I immediatley spoke with Darren James who put together a traning programme to suit my needs and my puppys' needs.

It all sounded great and just what was needed for Finn. On arrival at Merthyr Tydfil we were met by Sarah Draper and our training supervisor Terry. Terry trains gun dogs, so this was ideal as hopefully Finn will be trained to the 'gun' - all being well! I immediately felt at ease when I met Terry - he used all the same language and was gentle with Finn.

I left the kennels happy that Finn was going to have a great time learning and socialising with other dogs and happy in the knowledge that Terry was the right man for Finn.

The following morning Sarah text me letting me know that Finn was happy and socialising and playing with her standard poodle! She even sent me a photograph of Finn. I immediately felt better. It was a lovely touch. This, Sarah did most days - sent me a brief text and photos of Finn either training with Terry or socialising with other puppies. Plus, Terry phoned
to give me an outline of how things were going. It was great as it was important that I knew how things were progressing - especially as he was so young.

Finn was there for 6 nights and when we picked him up Terry spent some time showing me what activities they had been concentrating on - involving me in the learning process. They had even given him a quick shampoo so he was lovely and clean to take home.

Since we have returned home, Finn is more settled and calmer. He doesn't mouth as much as he did before. Terry and I have spoken on the phone so that I can continue the training and let Terry know where we are up to.

It has been a great experience for not only Finn but myself. I enjoy training my dogs, but because of the problems with my older dog 'Jake', I needed to find another outlet so that we can go away. Although, I would recommend using Royvon even if you haven't any problems. Just to see Finn more settled and calmer in himself was enough.

We plan to go back next month to Royvon. I know that Finn will be happy to learn more and it helps me to keep his training on track.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Royvon for not only the training but for the knowledge that your dog is being genuinely cared for. Many thanks!

Cindy Zdunek - Hungarian Vizsla. Surrey School; Trainer, Jackie!

I would like to recommend Royvon for the fantastic training they gave Brandy, our trainer Jackie had a good relationship with Brandy and that really helped the process. I was especially impressed with her non-harsh methods which are necessary when training a Vizsla. I had a few problems before I took her to Royvon like staying calm, heel walking and the stay command. I saw a vast improvement when I watched the demonstration. I thought she was a different dog. I was particularly impressed by the after care when Brandy left Royvon, I could call, email anytime and get expert advice and the free follow up session was well timed. Her heel walking is a lot better and it is just going to take practice. Royvon gave me confidence in Brandy’s capabilities and made me feel very proud of my girl. The whole experience was rewarding and I must take this opportunity to thank Jackie.

Ms. Jeanette Berry - Yorkshire Terrier. Surrey School; Trainer, Ahmet!

I am going to try so hard to do what you told me. You are the best dog trainer in the world and I know all your hard work will pay off eventually.

I loved coming to see you, and I loved following you about, and going into the woods was a lovely walk.

I will miss seeing you so much, but when I have learnt a bit more, I will come back to show you what I've learnt, and it will all be down to your wonderful training. I am going to tell all my friends about you.

My brothers have even noticed a difference with me as I do sit most of the time when I am told and sometimes even lay (even if it's on my back).

Woof, woof,

Pixie, (Titch & Tiny) Bye uncle Ahmet

Kath & Ant Goodall - Border Collie. Merthyr School; Trainer, Rachel!

To all the People at Royvon, especially Rachael who trained Jake for us.

We are both over the moon with Jake's behaviour since returning home from Royvon. He is making good progress every day and we are extremely pleased with him. It is now a pleasure to take him out on his lead, as he is being a very good boy.

We would like to thank you all for all your hard work in training Jake, and we are telling all our friends and family about the Royvon Training School.

Thanks a million

Mr. & Mrs. Weedon - German Shepherd. Surrey School; Trainer, Jackie!

Since Sascha has been back home, both myself and David have been continuing with the work that Jackie has trained Sascha with. Sascha has responded very well to the sit, stay, heel, down commands. Thank you Jackie and everyone at Royvon; it is so nice not having a dog who play bites or who jumps up so often.

Liz Barry - Working Cocker Spaniel. Merthyr School; Trainer, Gwyneth!

Thank you for all your e-mails. We are looking forward to picking Honey up on Saturday and watching Gwynneth put her through her paces! Three weeks is a long time. The communication throughout our dogs stay has been excellent and we have been able to access news even from the remote highlands of Scotland even when my mobile ceased to work. Lochinver was the northernmost internet cafe we found and it was very reassuring and interesting to track Honey's progress. So please thank all the team especially Gwynneth and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Yours, Liz Barry

John Jermine - Golden Retriever. Merthyr School; Trainer, Gwyneth!

George was a new dog when we returned home and has remained both obedient and friendly towards other dogs and no longer seeks to escape the property - he seems very happy and his stay with you was very productive - his "brothers" Oscar,(11years) and Bertie (3years) have both enjoyed and benefitted from the training sessions - we are delighted.
Many thanks

Flora & Dave Rogers - Dandy Dinmont. Surrey School; Trainer, Jackie!

Dear Jackie, Just to say a very big Thank You for the puppy training course, which we found so helpful and enjoyed very much. We are having a good time on our walks and playing in the park. We look forward to seeing you again at sometime in the future.

Alexandra Howard - Cross Breed. Surrey School; Trainer, Hannah!

I have just collected our dog, Rocky, from your training school in Esher at the end of his third module training. During the three months he was trained by Hannah, I just wanted to write to say how grateful we are to her for her efforts, and how impressed we were by her dedication and professionalism. It was obvious that she had taken a great deal of care in getting to know and understand our dog and I was struck by the care and thought with which she went about training him. As a cross breed, he is not a straight forward character and the results she has obtained with him are testament to her great ability as a trainer. I will have pleasure in recommending your school to friends in the future.

Sue Argue - Airdale. Surrey School; Trainer, Jackie!

Hello Diane, thank you for your letter. Just to let you know that George is doing extremely well since the training both he (and us) received from Jackie.

He has returned home a different dog - and responding well to the continued instruction that we are giving him. He's actually a pleasure to take out, and indoors is allowing visitors to enter the house without the normal jumping and barking.

I'm recommending the school to anyone who asks!

Mark Cannell - Bordie Collie cross Working Cocker Spaniel. Surrey School; Trainer, Natasha!

I just wanted to thank you and the Royvon Team for looking after Bella so well during her 3 week stay with you. She looked so healthy and obviously had a good time.

Special praise must go to Natasha, who was responsible for Bella's training. It was extraordinary to see them both at work together and fantastic how Natasha clearly learnt an enormous amount in her three weeks with Royvon, of that there is no doubt.

We will ensure that your collective good work is continued at home and we are very hopeful that Bella will go from strength to strength. Many thanks once again.

Sally Smedley - Merthyr School; Trainer, Mick!

Hi Darren, I was so impressed with everything about Royvon and your staff. Both dogs were very happy there and clearly well looked after.

My husband's concern had been that the training would knock the character out of Sheba and we are delighted that did not happen.

Mick bonded very quickly and exceptionally well with Sheba; he found her very funny and used her playfulness, fun and cleverness in the training which worked really well. I could see that he was genuinely fond of her and I think that really helped.

Now back at home she is clamer though still very playful and inquisitive. Her sits/stay & down/wait are superb.

So my overall summary is excellent and all of you should be very proud of what you do. I would strongly recommend Royvon to any dog owner. Please share my comments with Mick and the team.

We are really glad we sent her to you and I shall make sure that David Payne hears my recommendation! Best Regards, Sally

Catherine Baxter - Labrador Cross. Surrey School; Trainer, Hannah!

Hi Hannah! I was so pleased with what you'd done with Dylan, I couldn't believe it when we got home & were able to carry out what you'd taught us. It has been a steep learning curve & I have realised how much attention he has had from us all for unwanted behaviour, barking etc in the past. It has been like a switch being turned on in my brain! I am slowly getting respect/authority from Dylan, which was lacking obviously, and our bond has grown much stronger already.

I have worked a lot on body language & tone of voice which has made a big difference. We are having great fun with our little training sessions.

Before we came to you, I have to admit that there were times when I just couldn't cope with Dylan, especially on top of everything else that had been going on in our lives. The holiday did us all good, I feel stronger & able to give Dylan the attention he needs & deserves. I know he was a challenge for you, but you have done an amazing job with him. He's still Dylan, of course, but he's a pleasure now. It's an ongoing thing, of course, but I'm so pleased with how it's all going. He's definitely not the boss any more at home.

Thank you so much for everything, it has made an enormous difference to our lives and put us back on track with Dylan. I have learnt so much from you & the information folder, DVD etc. We are all really enjoying him & he is definitely a happier dog. Kate & Dylan x

big difference. We are having great fun with our little training sessions.

Melanie Walker - Chocolate Labrador. Surrey School; Trainer, Natasha!

We can't thank you enough for the fantastic training you've done with Lottie, our very mad chocolate Lab. We couldn't believe the remarkable change in her, she is a different dog, and so much more contented , a total joy to have.

Claire Bennett - Jack Russell Terrier. Merthyr School; Trainer, Mike!

Just wanted to say that you trained our dog 'Bruce Lee' the Parson Jack Russell, last year at the Wales branch. We diligently followed the pack you provided for training over the following months, and he has gradually improved.

I can honestly say that now, he is a wonderful little dog, and all the problems that we had with him are all ironed out. It took a while, to get him to heel, and behave properly in the house, and most importantly to get his recall good. But we got there in the end.

I am in no doubt that had we not taken him to Royvon and then carefully followed your instructions in the weeks and months afterwards, we would not be where we are with him now!!
I am extremely grateful for your expertise, and I can firmly say that almost a year on, he is still doing well, and behaves beautifully.

I must highlight the importance that your clients do continue the training carefully once the dog leaves Royvon. Royvon lays the foundations, but we the owners have to continue with the rest of the work, but it DOES PAY OFF!!!!

I will be recommending you to other dog owners. And have mentioned you on a few web site forums.

Ann Davidson - Leonburger. Surrey School; Trainer, Jackie!

It is lovely to have Harley home. She is much better behaved than before but there is still the Harley spark in there which is great. She is looking really good too - her coat is looking better than ever and she's filled out too. Can I check what you've been feeding her because it obviously suits her.

Thank you so much for taking such good care of her and turning her in to a dog anyone would be proud to own.

Testimonials - 2006

Ms. Topham - Jack Russell. Merthyr School; Trainer, Barry!

Just a quick note to thank you, Barry, and everyone else for looking after Tylo so well, and as you say, for enhancing both our lives!

Our follow-up visit last week was, in an unexpected way, a great success. What Tylo had learnt during his time with you followed by 4 weeks with me suddenly seemed to "click" after we got home. After those two days with you he is a more controlled and "grown-up" dog!

He was delighted to return to Royvon and very pleased to see Barry, and anyone else who was around. Barry really has done so well with him, and Tylo is obviously very fond of him, and very responsive. He has also benefitted from the all round experience of being with other people and ther dogs.

I've always been proud of my Battersea dogs - but I'm very proud of my Royvon trained Battersea boy! It's an experience neither of us would have missed!

Gwyne Topler - Cross Breed. Merthyr School; Trainer, Barry!

Since we last saw you [our dog] has grown into a really wonderful and obedient dog. He has far exceeded nearly everything I expected of him, and is loved by so many people because of his lovely nature. When we meet unruly dogs in the woods - dogs jumping up, not coming back when called - owners shouting their heads off - Tylo behaves impeccably. I really feel very proud of him, perhaps even a little smug!! He's just the greatest friend I could have!

Craig & Kerry Porter - Merthyr School; Trainer, Meg!

Just to let you know we got home safely and to say a big thank you for training Aztec. I really can't believe the difference you have made to him and us! We stopped on the way home at a service station and there were two other dogs there, we took Aztec out the car and did everything you said and he didn't bother with them! (Excellent!) Once again thanks to you and your team at Royvon for trainig and taking excellent care of Aztec!

Katherine Drysdale - Labrador. Merthyr School; Trainer, Meg!

A very very big thank you to our Trainer as she really took all the pain - it took Jack a day or so to settle back at home but we have kept going with the training and the lead walking is just fantastic - to heel all the way with very few reminders, and a few rewards as we go. I can hold the lead loosely in my left hand and easily manage the push chair as well.

We are also being much more consistent with him in the house and this is paying dividends as he really knows where he stands. Our 19 month old daughter thinks he is fab an dis now helping to give him treats through the child gate - he is staying in his sit or down so much better that it is helping her to delelop her confidence with him.

Christine Mayer - Mixed Breed. Merthyr School; Trainer, Gwyneth!

Firstly, may I say a big "Thank You", especially to Gwyneth and Darren for all their time and patience with Nellie - she certainly has improved! A big "Thank You" to you all at Royvon - you are all a great Team.

Tarina Chow - Merthyr School; Trainer, Darren Mac!

Thanks for arranging the session yesterday with myself, Digby and Darren Mac. I thought I would let you now how pleased I was with the support both Darren and Richard gave us. We worked on Digby’s exuberance with other dogs and I realised I had better control over him than I thought. We looked at ways to handle his lively nature and as a result I actually took him out for an off lead walk around the country park in full view of lots of other dogs and he was brilliant. Thanks again to Royvon for helping with him, he is becoming a real pleasure to take out.

Helen Townsend - Merthyr School; Trainer, Barry!

Hi Barry, Just a quick update on how things are going. Brambles walking to heel is great and her sit-stay & down-stay is excellent and I can either walk back to her or recall her from this. I did this near the lake yesterday with swans nearby and she never moved.

I am more than willing to recommend yourself to anyone who asks and if I think of any names of interested parties I will forward them to you.

Andrew & Jan Williams - Merthyr School; Trainer, Barry!

The 3 week training we have done at home with Lucy has been brilliant. She is so much more obedient and her response to the whistle is brilliant.

The training at Royvon has been worth every penny and we can’t thank you enough for all the hard work we know you had to put in with Lucy and we would not hesitate to recommend Royvon to any of our friends although everyone who knows Lucy can see a big difference in her.

A big thank you Barry for the time you put in working with Lucy (you must have the patience of a saint)!

ScotteJScotteuScotteScotteila

Katy, Phillip, Morty, Tabitha & Sebby Wale - Newfoundland. Surrey School; Trainer, Stewart!

What a find! - when my husband said there was an Esher based dog training centre, we jumped at the chance. Her three weeks away was the 2nd best thing that happened with our pup, the first being having bought her! Stewart worked wonders on her and his experience paid off. He not only trained Purdey but me too to pass on to my family. As I had only given her the basic of sit to 100% aged 10 months, she needed lessons as she was growing at an alarming rate and soon to be maximum of 70kg so we needed extra help before she took us all out, Grannies included!

Everything was addressed with perfection. She is now much more calm, especially when greeting people, sitting in the car being petted, and I can walk down the high street without having my arm pulled off and my children all linking hands trying to hold on to her! But most importantly, we feel secure that she won't run after anyone and leap in her excitement to say hello. The mouthing has stopped and we know how to control when she slips out of line in any situation. Her personality has not changed at all, even though when first brought home she was quiet!

She is now a pleasure to take out and `show off'. Especially in the school playground where she has done a little show of her training to be applauded and asked to repeat!

A truly remarkable company and we wish you all the best for the future and will be recommending you to all our friends who have puppies to tricky dogs. I hope to visit with Purdey soon.

Hayley Longstaff

Hi Darren, Hayley from Orchard Kennels here, we have just had Mano the GSD to stay. I don't know what you have done to him but he is like a different dog!! For the first time in 3 years we have been able to walk him without him pulling or trying to get the other dogs and nobody had their teeth knocked out! Please can you send me some details of your school, so I can put it in the reception here for other customers. (I am half tempted to send my GSD to come and spend a few weeks with you)

Sue Scotter

I am writing to say how impressed I have been with the results of your training - their training has improved beyond belief. I would certainly recommend you to anyone.

Debbie Blackshaw

I really can't thank you enough for the fantastic job you have done with my dogs. Our home lives are now such a high quality and it is so nice to have them all with us all the time!

Royvon note: Ms. Blackshaw's four dogs did not get along with each other - Caroline not only obedience trained them, she taught them how to all live together in the same space and walk on-lead together at the same time.

Penny & Cassis

To update you on our progress, my son took these photos of Cassis and myself yesterday to show what we have achieved. You can reassure all your other customers that if I can do this then absolutely any of them can.

Especially as only last week, on speaking to the owner of a local kennel, which I went to view, the owner told me that she was really against sending dogs away to be trained and it doesn't work! Also, that the Olderhill GSD, of which Cassis is, should never be owner by an inexperienced owner like myself, only a really experienced dog trainer should ever own one as they are bred as a working dog and not a family pet and that most of them end up in rescue kennels because their owners can't handle them. I do know that both Cassis' sisters and one of her brothers ended up sent to rescue homes. Anyway, I won't be using her kennels! These photos and the story I sent you about Cassis are proof that dog handling can be achieved by the inexperienced.

Royvon note: We encourage visitors to view Penny's photos of Cassis and ead her success story within our Visual Library link on this web site.

Judith (and Geoff and Monty)

Hi Barry - just a few lines to thank you for your time last Friday and all your efforts with Monty. Overall he seems calmer and happier - but still wants to have cuddles all the time... And, as an owner of a small business myself I am hugely impressed with Royvon and the communication with us. We have more info on Monty than we had after years of our 2 sons in schools! Grateful thanks

Sonia & Colin

Shayden is doing really well! Unfortunately the weather has been so bad down here that we haven't been able to get out too much, although Colin has been making a point of taking him even though there is 3 to 4 inches of snow. The amazing thing is he has still managed to get Shayden to go down even though it is cold wet and miserable, that is an achievement in itself considering he wouldn't even sit on our kitchen floor tiles before because they were too cold.

The change in him is wonderful, not only is he more obedient he seems to be more affectionate and clinging which is lovely.

Even the young boy that delivers our Chinese could not believe it when I got Shayden to sit in the lounge and wait while I paid him as he has seen him loads of times and every time he comes Shayden is the first at the door and jumping all over him with his head in the bags.

We will certainly recommend you to anyone. Colin has also said if we are o have a holiday the only place he would leave him is with you.

P.S. You looked really good on Ant & Dec, it's just a shame they didn't let you say much.

Jo Mayo

What can I say? I was astounded! I could not believe the 'out of control' dog that I had left in your care 3 weeks prior was the same dog now totally under Caroline's control.

I was particularly impressed that during the demonstration that Caroline had arranged for sheep and other dogs, one being a golden Labrador, to be in the field as well - especially as I had mentioned that we live on a farm and that sheep in a neighboring farm were a worry (well, more the farmer's gun!) - and that every time Gilbert had run off it was always to play with a neighbor's golden Labrador.

The demonstration really hit home that I was the reason Gilbert was out of control and that I had failed him. Afterwards, Caroline was very patient rying to teach me that new commands. I must admit, I found it quite difficult to stop using commands familiar to me and switch to new ones with the correct tone of voice and timing. I am reassured by your aftercare programme and am keen to start my training sessions!

Many Thanks!

Robert Armitage

When I arrived (to drop off my dog Simba), I was feeling very anxious and worries about leaving him, but I was greeted by Kevin and Caroline, who sood made me dismiss any fears I had. I came away feeling lots happier, and more confident I had done the right thing!

PS: I am also very impressed with the binder and DVD!

Steve and Cathy Drewett

Just to let you know how pleased we are with the results of the dog training. It really is quite remarkable. Both dogs seem to have benefited from the programme. Well done.

Mrs Carol Collins

I just wanted to drop you a short note as we didn't really have enough time to talk to you about our dogs Jack & Frost - I just want to say thank you for all the time you spent with them and to say what a good job you have done. I only hope that I can continue this with them. Once again, Thank You!

Jacinta Morgan

Sorry I haven't been in touch since I picked up Willow on 15th February. Caroline is a super trainer, and I was really impressed at how she managed to control Willow's high-spirited behaviour, without affecting her very sweet nature. I have had some time away from her since she returned, but despite that, she is responding well to commands outdoors and crowded situations. Again, thank you very much - I have already recommended your residential course to several friends.

K Buck - Kent

Improved enormously from being an excitable Boxer puppy to an obedient well mannered Boxer puppy

Mark and Julie Laurie

We couldn't be more pleased with our dogs' training - they have retained their own individual characters, but now their behaviour and obedience is a constant pleasure. We cannot recommend Darren and his colleagues strongly enough. We had reservations about the course being residential but these were totally unfounded as the care and attention given to Cassie and Toby was evident from day one. Worth every penny - why, oh why, didn't we go to Royvon sooner!! Thanks again - see you soon!

Annabelle Armstrong

Thank you so much for all the work you put into Sasha. She is a reformed character and trying very hard to stay better! I am really pleased at her responses in her training sessions, I can certainly see a light at the end of the tunnel!

Dennis and Margaret Pollard

We've used your services before and would use them again, we are very satisfied with the outcome of our dogs training.

Sara Warr

Just a quick note to say BIG thank you for all you have done for George - he is just a dream dog on the lead when I take him for a walk round the block. He definitely knows I'm the boss now - (but I just have to get my family trained, do you have a residential school for them!?!!!)

Anyway, he is progressing all the time, which I'm sure you'll be pleased to know, and a joy to be with. I will definitely recommend you and give you a call if I need you.

David Draper

I'd like to thank everyone at Royvon for all the hard work they put in with Harvey. He's obedient, well behaved and a pleasure to take out. I'll highly recommend the Royvon Programme to all pet owners It's astonishing!!

Patricia Jones

We sent our dog 'Saffi' on the Royvon Programme in Wales. We didn't know what quite to expect but what a difference - Well worth the money! I now have a super dog I can take anywhere!

Sheila King

During the 3 weeks Maddy has been at Royvon I have been amased how much time your staff have given in relating every singe aspect of Maddy's training progress. In 3 weeks, I think there was only 2 days where I did not receive information, but even then, I could log-in and review Maddy's progress chart on the web site. I have not had one single question mark over the way we have been treated.

As a family we have felt happy in the knowledge of the daily reports - they are thorough and informative. The encouragement also given to self via emails re: "my training" to support Royvon & Maddy's hard work. I have already recommended you to 2 families, and just yesterday met someone else who had used your training services and was overwhelmed by Royvon.

I am very happy I brought Maddy to you, and am looking forward to all the new exciting experiences we will have together. Thank you so much.

Juila Gibbon

Just a quick note to let you know how pleased I am with Holly's training. I feel totally confident when out walking her which I didn't have before I can't thank you enough. Well done!

Mr Davies

If you can train my dog you can train any dog. Very Good Training Facility.

Amanda Burton

To all at Royvon - My main comment of appreciation is for the many communications from the team for various aspects of the programme. I was very worried leaving Poppy in the hands of strangers but my fears where alleviated as soon as I arrived home as there was a letter from you and they then seemed to come every day in some form or another. I would like to give a special thank you to Jill as she trained Poppy perfectly, she is now a dream to take out so I literally take her everywhere with me. Thank you all so much.

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