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 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.99SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#4 of 75 dog trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 96%
5.0★★★★★50 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%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 Sonoma Dog Training 5/5 based on 50 reviews, noting the owner replies to 98% of feedback. Customers describe services including private lessons, small group classes, and agility training for puppies and adult dogs. Recurring themes highlight punctual communication, personalized training plans, and effective results in addressing issues like leash pulling, reactivity, and basic obedience. Reviewers frequently mention the trainer's ability to explain behavior concepts and provide home exercises, with no common criticisms identified in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 50 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 50 Google reviews (50 with written comments, 27 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 1, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Petaluma, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other dog 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: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Sonoma Dog TrainingDog 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.Sonoma Dog Training: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
99
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.Sonoma Dog Training: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
98
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
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.Sonoma Dog Training: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
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.Sonoma Dog Training: 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
50 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars50100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 50 written reviews
99%praise
Praise7399%
Complaints11%
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 price1652%
Reasonable1445%
Overpriced00%
Not sure13%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend2432%
Staff & attitude1926%
Communication1115%
Speed & response912%
Honesty & trust68%
Quality & results45%
Price & value11%
What customers talk about
We read 50 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“We will use Belinda again in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone with a puppy or rescue dog that needs to learn some manners!”
“…business was to help her get crate trained and Belinda was extremely helpful in calling and texting before we even started training to help get our S…”
“Great communication skills in breaking down tasks for us to learn and become confident with Bruno.”
“We could tell right away , that training dogs is a family legacy and anyone who can have her as a trainer will be in very good hands .”
“She provided us with a clear roadmap and “dream list” of goals and we’re now working toward reliable off-leash behavior.”
“Was an amazing experience, I could not be happier and I highly recommend her.”
“We live in San Francisco and the commute was worth it!”
People customers mention
Belinda30 reviews
Head3 reviews
Terrier3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Sonoma Dog Training for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Meghan4 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. · a month ago★★★★★
We hired Belinda to help us with our skittish rescue dog of 2 years.
Our first order of business was to help her get crate trained and Belinda was extremely helpful in calling and texting before we even started training to help get our Stella settled into her new home. I have a million questions and Belinda had all…
Great price
Elizabeth3 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. · a month ago★★★★★
My first training session was great and thorough. Belinda gave me a good basic training overview and plan to move forward with my Border Collie. We also worked on recall, good positive learning experience for both me and my dog! My dog was happy and alert during the entire session. 👍🏻
Thank you Belinda!
Dog training
Drew2 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★★★★★
Belinda was so helpful with our one-year-old golden retriever, Brophy. We needed some training direction, and Belinda was the perfect person for the job. We worked on crate discipline, handling, heeling, leash walking (he's strong!), recall, and many other techniques to simplify life for both Brophy and us. Thanks…
Dog training
JJ1 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Sailor is a White German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Siberian Husky mix rescue. Some will say GP’s are borderline untrainable. Before meeting Belinda I was in that camp. But after 5 sessions with Belinda, we have made breakthrough results. Highly recommend.
Dog training
Ruth1 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Belinda provided use with a great training/ skill development program for our new rescue,Bruno. She helped us set realistic goals and implementing a home program. Great communication skills in breaking down tasks for us to learn and become confident with Bruno. Easily available for help between seasons. Bruno has…
Reasonable priceDog training
caroline2 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We went to see Belinda for our Bernedoodle puppy and she was extremely helpful. As a first session, she answered all our questions as new” 🐶 people “ and walk us trough very useful insights about making our house ready and planning next steps around gear and training. She also gave us a book about training whose…
We hired Belinda to help us with our skittish rescue dog of 2 years.
Our first order of business was to help her get crate trained and Belinda was extremely helpful in calling and texting before we even started training to help get our Stella settled into her new home. I have a million questions and Belinda had all the answers!
We were committed to doing the work that Belinda showed us in our sessions with her and Stella. After 3 sessions we have a handle on how to make her a really well behaved dog and she has become so much more confident and full of joy since we got her just 8 weeks ago. We will use Belinda again in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone with a puppy or rescue dog that needs to learn some manners!
Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thanks Meghan and Dave! Stella is VERY lucky pooch! lots of adventures and fun in her future and a loving home for life.. Thank you for asking me to be part of the journey.
Elizabeth Lamond3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Elizabeth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My first training session was great and thorough. Belinda gave me a good basic training overview and plan to move forward with my Border Collie. We also worked on recall, good positive learning experience for both me and my dog! My dog was happy and alert during the entire session. 👍🏻
Thank you Belinda!
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · a month ago
I’m glad you had fun! That’s a big part of being successful with our pups! Lovely rescue dog you have 👍🏻
Drew Gaylord2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Drew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Belinda was so helpful with our one-year-old golden retriever, Brophy. We needed some training direction, and Belinda was the perfect person for the job. We worked on crate discipline, handling, heeling, leash walking (he's strong!), recall, and many other techniques to simplify life for both Brophy and us. Thanks to her training sessions, we've already seen so much progress with Brophy!
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you Drew! Team Brophy is a pleasure to work with. He’s coming along beautifully.
JJ Smitty1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews JJ has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Sailor is a White German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Siberian Husky mix rescue. Some will say GP’s are borderline untrainable. Before meeting Belinda I was in that camp. But after 5 sessions with Belinda, we have made breakthrough results. Highly recommend.
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you Jim! Sailor is a sweet boy. He just didn’t know anything. Your commitment to the process has resulted in clarity for Sailor and a more predictable lifestyle for all of you. Thank you for choosing to rescue him and investing in the training he needed to be successful in your home.
I’ve really enjoyed working with you both.
Ruth Fotouhi1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Ruth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Belinda provided use with a great training/ skill development program for our new rescue,Bruno. She helped us set realistic goals and implementing a home program. Great communication skills in breaking down tasks for us to learn and become confident with Bruno. Easily available for help between seasons. Bruno has become more confident and thriving. We highly recommend Belinda.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much Ruth it’s been my pleasure to see how well Bruno is doing in your care. Firstly , he’s a lucky boy to be adopted into your family and secondly you and Ali were A+ students! The results are down to the follow through you’ve Ben doing. Enjoy that boy, he’s quite special
caroline miotto2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews caroline has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We went to see Belinda for our Bernedoodle puppy and she was extremely helpful. As a first session, she answered all our questions as new” 🐶 people “ and walk us trough very useful insights about making our house ready and planning next steps around gear and training. She also gave us a book about training whose author is her own mom. We could tell right away , that training dogs is a family legacy and anyone who can have her as a trainer will be in very good hands .
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you Caroline! I hope Zion continues to go from strength to strength out there in his gorgeous East Bay home.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciate it!🙏
Joel Montes2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Joel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are extremely happy with our experience at Sonoma Dog Training with Belinda. After our first session we saw a huge improvement in our dog’s walking behavior and reactivity toward other dogs. What used to be barking and temperamental behavior on walks became much more manageable immediately.
Over the course of four sessions, Belinda has not only helped train our dog, but has also greatly improved our dog handling skills. One of the most valuable things we’ve learned is how to give commands that remain in place until released and creating much better communication and structure.
Belinda opened our eyes to an entirely new way of working with our dog. She provided us with a clear roadmap and “dream list” of goals and we’re now working toward reliable off-leash behavior. Something that once felt out of reach.
We are incredibly pleased with the progress our dog has made in such a short time. The only bittersweet part is that the training is almost over! Our dog has already come such a long way, and we feel confident continuing the journey with the tools and knowledge Belinda has given us.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thanks Joel!
Sugar is such a lucky pup! I don’t get to see too many Dalmation as these days and she has really opened my eyes to the breed
The work has been what you do between sessions and I have to say your commitment is so inspiring
I’m
Glad you are happy with the results so far. We will get her offleash and reliable very
Soon
soon!
Courtney C3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Courtney has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
UPDATE: After just a few sessions I have a completely different dog. I am amazed at the improvements of my dog's behavior and also am so incredibly happy to see her increased confidence & happiness. I am ecstatic how well my dog is doing, but I almost wish she took longer to train so I could have more sessions to see Belinda! Every session with Belinda is so fun and enjoyable, I find myself looking forward to each one.
Belinda is amazing! Brought my grumpy rescue dog here and Belinda was able to educate us and give us a game plan to turn her into the best dog. Was an amazing experience, I could not be happier and I highly recommend her.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you courtney! Sugar is a lovely girl, looks like she had a rough start and then landed in paradise with her new family. she is going to be a great girl for you.
Julie Biagini10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Julie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Belinda is an incredibly talented dog trainer! We got our 7-pound Maltipoo, Cody, during COVID, so he wasn’t well socialized. Belinda worked with him in an outdoor class with other small dogs, and the transformation was amazing.
Cody learned agility, improved his listening, and became much better on leash. Most importantly, he mastered recall, which keeps him safe. Belinda was extremely patient and encouraging, and by the end of the course, Cody proudly received his AKC certificate!
We highly recommend Belinda’s training program — in our book, she’s truly the Dog Whisperer.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you Julie! Cody is such a champ! Big personality it a little body. Really appreciate you taking the time to do a review. It means a lot. 🙏
Cynthia Jensen3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cynthia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Belinda’s style is no nonsense, understanding, compassionate and hilarious. The setting is gorgeous and serene. Her own dogs were on the property but were calm and obviously very well trained to be wonderful hosts and companions. Our 20 month lab is generally well behaved but we needed reminders to deal with things like greeting guests and jumping. We got concrete tools and our dog responded immediately. I highly recommend Belinda and Sonoma Dog Training!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you Cynthia and Team Romily. She’s a lovely girl and has some great skills already. Just needed a little tune up. Thank you for bringing her to visit 🙏
