How 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.82SCOREShelmar Kennels
Richmond, TX · Grade ALetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20. · #23Position by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. of 32 pet trainers · 4.8★ from 120 Google reviews
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Percentile vs other pet trainers (100 = best)Each 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.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Shelmar Kennels for 3 kinds of job.
Shelmar Kennels for dog boarding with training
Clear ✕All 32 Google reviews tagged “Dog boarding with training”
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…
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!
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…
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.
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!
Martin did a great job with our 6 month old Ridgeback. After just 3 weeks, Koda is very responsive, and settles easily on his own. This is a great base for us to continue our training with him at home. Can't recommend Shelmar enough.
We are so grateful we found Shelmar. Leaving your dog in someone else’s care is never easy, but from the moment we met Martin & Shelly we knew that Bridger was in the very best hands. Martin has such a calm, patient, and nurturing way with dogs. It’s obvious that he doesn’t just train them—he genuinely cares about…
We sent our dog Harry for training with Martin and WOW. I was a little skeptical, but at pick up it was clear Martin knows what he is doing. Not only did Martin do an excellent job with Harry, but the owner lesson at pickup was great. The training program sent home is a helpful reference to keep up the work at home…
Martin did such a great job with my aussiedoodle Nelson! He had some bad habits and tendencies (a nervous Nelly), that are completely gone now. Nelson stays right by my side on walks, no longer barks at other dogs, and is less stubborn when receiving commands. Thank you Shelly and Martin! This is the second dog…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We sent our golden retriever puppy to Martin for a board and train program, and the difference is night and day. She came home calmer, more focused, and genuinely respectful of the people in our home. Martin did a masterful job teaching her that humans aren't part of the litter — she now understands…
We had such a wonderful experience with our dog’s 3-week behavioral training program! The difference in him from before training to when he came home is truly amazing.He came back like a new dog—with a completely new attitude, better behavior, and so much more responsiveness. The owners are incredibly kind, caring,…
Martin was absolutely amazing with our puppy! We all know Basset Hounds can be incredibly stubborn, so with only two weeks of training, I honestly didn’t have very high expectations. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When it was time for pickup, Martin asked us to bring the entire family—including our three children…
What a difference training makes! Martin and team worked miracles with our 7 month old Basset puppy! Martin was so patient with us and had clearly bonded with our pup while she was there. Can’t recommend this place enough as the best place to board/train in our area.
Dog training. Excellent group that trained our puppy for three weeks. Kennel trained, lead trained, and the basic commands. Also trained us! Worth every penny.
I cannot recommend Shelmar Obedience Training enough! When I began looking for a trainer for my 6 mo old English Cocker Spaniel, Ember, I received some discouraging advice. One trainer actually told me I had chosen the wrong breed if I expected obedience. He also relied on e-collars and trained the dogs only once a…
Martin was fantastic with training our dog. The whole process was very seamless and would highly recommended Shelmar Obedience!
From start to finish, my experience with Martin and team was great. The 3 weeks our pup spent with Martin has made a real difference in all of her trouble behaviors. She's very well behaved now and with Martin's guidance we are able to continue to reinforce the skills she learned at Shelmar Kennels.
Great experience. Martin and the team did a great job with our golden retriever. 100% recommend getting your dog training with them.
We're forever grateful to Martin and Shelly for the excellent training and care our beagle puppy received at Shelmar Kennels. Birtie's transformation from an unruly puppy to a loving and well-behaved member of the family is truly remarkable. Thank you again for everything!
I adopted my GSD/(maybe mix) at the Shelter on Mother’s Day. They told me she was 12 weeks but as someone who has been around dogs/puppies my entire life. She was definitely around 9 weeks maximum. This team reached out so quickly when I requested more information. Martin and I had a long phone call discussion about…
Martin and Shelly were amazing with my pup Milo. They took great care of him and trained him to be the amazing pup I knew he could be! Appreciate all their help
I got a large mixed breed in November, Timmy. So very much a puppy with all the worst traits: nipping, digging, eating everything, barking, counter surfing, pulling on the leash… any “bad” habits he had them- and I was not good at breaking these habits. I was at the end of my literal and proverbial rope. My last…
Martin helped our 9 month old Scottish Terrier tremendously. We definitely see a change in Chuck's energy. Chuck has no problem with following basic commands and I now love to walk him around the neighborhood vs. he walking me! I had to come to reality that Chuck wasn't going to come back to us magically fully…
Our little dog Theo was in desperate need of some guidance, but we actually found out that it wasn’t him - it was us! Theo stayed at the facility for 3 weeks and came home a new man. Martin and Shelly are astoundingly helpful and brilliant at what they do. Martin guided us through some Owner Training and we now…
Shelly and Martin are the best at training and will treat your dog like part of their family! Their facility is a dog vacation resort, full of fun for the dogs and your pup will be in good hands. We were thoroughly impressed with the training and progress achieved with our puppy.
Shelmar Kennels, thank you! Although it was difficult to commit to two weeks without her, oh, what a difference the training has made! No more pulling me around the block or jumping up. Anya is doing very well with commands and behaviors on and off leash. Thank you so much for her progress and your hard work. We…
The training at Shelmar is exceptional. All of my dogs have been trained here, and the involvement of myself and my family has been an essential piece of a successful relationship with our pets—a valuable lesson I learned from Shelly. My dogs always return home obedient and happy, which is a clear sign they had a…
Martin & Shelly are awesome trainers with a great facility in Katy, TX
We are overjoyed with the results of the time Maxie and Jack spent training and boarding with Martin and Shelly. Our pups are responsive and calm. They don't run amuck throughout the house anymore. Without having to correct them, they now play outside instead of turbo racing through the house and all over us and…
Shelmar Kennels is a fantastic choice for dog training in the Houston/Katy area. We've taken two dogs there and have been very pleased with the results both times. They combine a deep understanding of dogs and how they think with lots of positive reinforcement (no punishment in their approach) to get dogs trained.…
We are beyond happy with how Shelly and Martin care for our “dog children”. They create the best schedule for them, the continued training is so helpful, it is a great atmosphere for fun for them. One of my best friends introduced us and we have made the switch from our usual dog care.
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Jobs customers hired them for
| Job | Reviews | Category typical |
|---|---|---|
| Dog boarding with training | 32 | — |
| Dog training | 15 | — |
| Dog boarding | 5 | — |







