Royvon Dog Training Schools Proudly Presents
"Zac"
Before Royvon:
I have some issues with other dogs. Prolonged sniffing, guarding and throaty growls is what I usually do when meeting another dog on narrow paths or pavements, but I'm ok in open spaces, where I find playing with other dogs most enjoyable. I do like to turn deaf to recall in these situations and when I find something of special interest during my off-lead explorations. The latter wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't such a scavenger, as I tend to lose myself and obey on my own time if it's something especially rancid.
During Royvon:
In addition to the extensive work we did with distraction training (other dogs and sheep primarily), Barry thought it would be a good idea to 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:
We are much better walking individually without pulling. Since I've always just loved everything, and all these varied training sessions are no exception - I especially enjoy close work. The bond I have with my mum has ballooned and she is now talking about trying her hand at more specialised training.
More about Zac:
I live with another Tervueren shepherd, Bubbles. 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 (although I'm the only one that still enjoys fun agility in the back garden, which I perform with great enthusiasm and usually a lot of noise!). Of the two of us, I love everything, including my obedience sessions. 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.
