iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%90+49.1Reliability 24%83+20.1Value 14%94+13.3Replies to reviews 7%27+1.9Craft & service penalty81−1.9Experts Score= 82Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.82SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#23 of 32 pet trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 29%
4.8★★★★★120 Google reviews · 24 photos
94%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Shelmar Kennels 4.8/5 based on 120 reviews, with the owner responding to 43% of them. Customers frequently praise the two to four week board and train programs for improving leash manners, obedience, and reactivity, noting that trainers provide practical tools for owners to continue training at home. However, a minority of low-star reviews criticize the facility for refusing tours, providing limited communication during the stay, and describing the consultation process as rude or arrogant.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 120 reviews (94% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 120 Google reviews (110 with written comments, 28 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 43% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 19, 2026.
Service: Pet Trainer serving Richmond, Texas.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet trainers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and value; weakest: replies to reviews.
Shelmar KennelsPet Trainers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Shelmar Kennels: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
90
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Shelmar Kennels: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
83
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Shelmar Kennels: 81/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
81
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Shelmar Kennels: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
94
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Shelmar Kennels: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Shelmar Kennels: 27/100 on this factor. Category median: 73.D
27
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
120 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars11394%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star65%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 110 written reviews
91%praise
Praise13691%
Complaints149%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price1243%
Reasonable1657%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend4329%
Staff & attitude3825%
Quality & results2517%
Honesty & trust139%
Speed & response128%
Price & value107%
Communication96%
What customers talk about
We read 110 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Best decision I ever made and I highly recommend him and his services.”
“However, if you have a young adult or older dog, I would recommend looking elsewhere for a trainer.”
“His experience and expertise in the world of dog training is supetb.”
“Martin kept starting sentences with "not to be rude," but then came across as arrogant and unprofessional.”
“Martin did a great job working with Gus for a 2 week session.”
“ey is a nice person, the facility was well kept, but i just think she didnt work with my dog as much as expected and I assume I just boarded her for 4…”
“It’s obvious that he doesn’t just train them—he genuinely cares about them.”
“I left my pup with Martin as a rambunctious little wild man and brought him home as a much calmer, more responsive little gentleman.”
“His approach is centered around structure, mental stimulation, and fair correction—not physical punishment—and it made a huge difference.”
“Martin thoroughly explains his training processes and why they work.”
People customers mention
Martin45 reviews
Shelly35 reviews
Bell5 reviews
Houston5 reviews
Shepherd4 reviews
Katy4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Shelmar Kennels for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Linda10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 days ago★★★★★
I have two very bonded sibling dachshund/chihuahua mixes and can absolutely attest to the fact that Martin Bell is a fabulous dog trainer. His experience and expertise in the world of dog training is supetb. His knowledge of how dogs act and react in their environment astounded me. He was spot on with why my dogs…
Reasonable priceDog training
Michelle2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I left my pup with Martin as a rambunctious little wild man and brought him home as a much calmer, more responsive little gentleman. And I learned the tips and tools to keep him on this path. I would highly recommend Shelmar Kennels to build the foundation for a well behaved dog.
Reasonable priceDog training
Eddie4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Martin Bell did an excellent job training Zuko! He was patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand Zuko and work with him. We saw a noticeable difference in Zuko’s behavior and responsiveness throughout the training, and Martin gave us practical tools that we can continue using at home.
I would…
Great priceDog boarding with training
Angela5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
We sent our dog, Bowie, to be trained by Martin. Before we sent our puppy, he was Using the restroom in our house, biting, Destroying furniture, etc… After three weeks with Martin, our puppy came back a completely Different well-behaved dog. He now uses the bathroom outside and has stopped, barking, biting and jumping on everyone. I highly recommend!
Dog boarding with trainingDog training
Valerie1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I can’t recommend Martin at Shelmar Kennels enough! I already thought my puppy Lucy was the best pup, so I didn’t think it was possible for her to get any better, but somehow she did!
Martin not only helped Lucy become more confident and well-behaved, he made me a much more confident dog owner. I can actually enjoy…
Great priceDog training
Becky11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Our Molly, a 6 month old GWP, was totally out of control, and getting into a lot of things we didn't want her to. We took her to Shelmar Kennels for their 3 week training session and she is back home with us now a changed dog. No more charging the back door, no more destroying things and more importantly, no more…
I have two very bonded sibling dachshund/chihuahua mixes and can absolutely attest to the fact that Martin Bell is a fabulous dog trainer. His experience and expertise in the world of dog training is supetb. His knowledge of how dogs act and react in their environment astounded me. He was spot on with why my dogs behaved like they did and successfully corrected their behaviors. He has a beautiful place on the outskirts of town with 20 acres, a pond and lots of fenced room for the dogs to run and play. I was both hesitant about leaving my dogs and desperate to get them trained. Best decision I ever made and I highly recommend him and his services.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Hi Linda, what a lovely thing to read. The way you described Martin being spot on about why your two behaved the way they did is going to stay with him, reading dogs in their own environment is the part of this work he cares most about. Bonded siblings are their own kind of puzzle, so it says a lot that both of them came along the way they did. Being hesitant to leave your dogs is the most normal thing in the world, and we’re glad the decision landed well for you. You know where to find us if anything ever comes up, that’s the Shelmar Promise.
Michelle Lipari2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I left my pup with Martin as a rambunctious little wild man and brought him home as a much calmer, more responsive little gentleman. And I learned the tips and tools to keep him on this path. I would highly recommend Shelmar Kennels to build the foundation for a well behaved dog.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Michelle, this made Martin's day. Wild man to little gentleman in one stay is exactly what we hope every family gets, and hearing that you came away with the tools to keep him on that path is even better. Martin will be so glad you took the time to share this. You know where to find us if anything ever comes up. That's the Shelmar Promise, you're part of the family for the life of your dog.
Eddie Hargrove4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Eddie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Martin Bell did an excellent job training Zuko! He was patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand Zuko and work with him. We saw a noticeable difference in Zuko’s behavior and responsiveness throughout the training, and Martin gave us practical tools that we can continue using at home.
I would highly recommend Martin to anyone looking for a professional, patient, and effective dog trainer. We’re very happy with the results and appreciate all the time and effort he put into helping Zuko!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Eddie, reviews like this are the reason we do this work. The change you described in Zuko, and having tools you can actually keep using at home, is exactly the kind of result we're after. He was sharp and eager the whole way through. Martin will be glad to see this. The door's always open if anything comes up down the road.
Angela Fry5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Angela has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We sent our dog, Bowie, to be trained by Martin. Before we sent our puppy, he was Using the restroom in our house, biting, Destroying furniture, etc… After three weeks with Martin, our puppy came back a completely Different well-behaved dog. He now uses the bathroom outside and has stopped, barking, biting and jumping on everyone. I highly recommend!
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Angela, what a turnaround for Bowie. Going from all of that to a completely different, well-mannered puppy in three weeks says a lot about how hard he worked in there. Martin still talks about the good ones, and Bowie's one of them. Give us a shout anytime you need us, that's the Shelmar Promise.
Valerie Delgado1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Valerie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I can’t recommend Martin at Shelmar Kennels enough! I already thought my puppy Lucy was the best pup, so I didn’t think it was possible for her to get any better, but somehow she did!
Martin not only helped Lucy become more confident and well-behaved, he made me a much more confident dog owner. I can actually enjoy taking her on walks and out in public now without feeling like I’m going to lose an arm! 😂
Lucy is still completely herself, just an even better version. I’m so grateful for Martin’s patience, care, and all the work he put into her training. Truly one of the best things I could have done for Lucy!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Valerie, this made Martin's day. Lucy sounds like she was already a great pup, and hearing that she's even more confident now, and that you feel like a more confident owner too, is exactly what we hope for every family. Martin loved working with her, and it's clear she's still every bit herself, just with better manners now. You know where to find us if anything ever comes up. That's the Shelmar Promise.
Becky Delancy11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Becky has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our Molly, a 6 month old GWP, was totally out of control, and getting into a lot of things we didn't want her to. We took her to Shelmar Kennels for their 3 week training session and she is back home with us now a changed dog. No more charging the back door, no more destroying things and more importantly, no more counter-surfing. He worked with her extensively and then worked with us so we knew how to handle the situations that came up with her. They are remarkable trainers. I noticed that Molly seemed to adore Martin as well, which told us quite a bit. He trained with love but also rules. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Shelmar Kennels to anyone.
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Becky, thank you for taking the time to write this out. Molly had a lot of puppy in her when she arrived, and it's great to hear the counter-surfing, the door-charging, and the destruction are all things of the past. GWPs are smart, strong-willed dogs, and it sounds like she rose to the occasion. Martin loved working with her, and it means a lot that he made sure you two knew how to handle things once she was back home. Give us a shout anytime you need us. That's the Shelmar Promise.
Lauren Herrmann1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Lauren has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We brought our rescue dog, Zuko, here for training. He’s an adult male cattle dog mix who had never been taught how to walk on a leash or focus, and who was very nervous / lacked confidence around new people/environments. As soon as we picked him up after 3 weeks, the difference in his confidence was very noticeable! It was amazing seeing how much better he was on a leash and how well he maintained focus with whoever was handling him. One thing that really stood out to us about Shelmar Kennels was the emphasis they put on exercise for dogs, which many larger training facilities do not seem to focus on. Especially for a herding breed like Zuko, that was a huge selling point for us. We are overall very, very happy with Martin and his team and what they did for Zuko.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Lauren, what a lovely thing to read. Rescues like Zuko are some of the most rewarding dogs that come through here, and watching him find his confidence was every bit as satisfying on our end. You're right about the exercise piece too, a herding brain needs a job to do, and it makes everything else in the training come easier. Martin will be so glad you took the time to write all this out. If anything ever comes up with Zuko down the road, you know where to find us.
Chad K14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chad has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Martin and his team are amazing. When we rescued our dog , Ollie, he had no training at all. He is now a perfectly behaved gentleman who is still very loving but no longer jumps on people, comes when called, is well behaved on a leash, etc. We are thrilled with the training both Ollie and we received at Shelmar. Cannot recommend them enough.
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Chad, this one means a lot. Ollie going from no training at all to a well-mannered gentleman says as much about the work you've kept up at home as anything we did here. Martin loved working with him. Give Ollie a scratch from us, and give us a shout anytime you need us.
Sarah VandenBout2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Martin did a great job working with Gus for a 2 week session. Gus was immediately obedient when we picked him up. Martin thoroughly explains his training processes and why they work. Highly Recommended.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Sarah, this made us smile. Gus was a pleasure to have here, and it's great to hear he came home ready to show off everything he learned. Martin cares a lot about making sure families understand the why behind the training, so it means a lot that you noticed. The door is always open if you or Gus ever need us.
Gene Johnson6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gene has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Shelmar Kennels trained our first German Shepherd. So, it only made sense that our second boy (Scout) would go there for training as well. Martin does a great job training and he was super helpful. He took plenty of time to answer all my questions and give me tips on how to get the most out of Scout's behavior!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Gene, thank you for taking the time to write this. Scout was such a good boy to have here, and Martin loved talking through your questions with you, since that's a big part of what makes the training stick at home. Give Scout a scratch from us, and give us a shout anytime you need us.
