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 69%95+65.8Reliability 31%92+28.3Experts Score= 94Not enough data for value, 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.94SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#12 of 32 pet trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 65%
5.0★★★★★12 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★, last 12 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
All twelve Google reviews for Steven Shepherd K9 Academy are five stars. Customers frequently cite the trainer's punctuality, quick communication, and daily updates during board and train programs. Recurring themes include his patience, personalized approach, and ability to address specific behavioral issues like reactivity and separation anxiety. Reviewers note that he explains the reasoning behind techniques and tailors training to individual dog and owner needs. There are no negative reviews or common criticisms in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 12 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 12 Google reviews (12 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 1, 2026.
Service: Pet Trainer serving Maywood, California.
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 satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
Steven Shepherd K9 AcademyPet 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.Steven Shepherd K9 Academy: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
95
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.Steven Shepherd K9 Academy: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
92
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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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.Steven Shepherd K9 Academy: 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: 73.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
12 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars12100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 12 written reviews
97%praise
Praise3197%
Complaints13%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude1031%
Would recommend722%
Honesty & trust516%
Quality & results413%
Communication39%
Price & value26%
Speed & response13%
What customers talk about
We read 12 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“He always went above and beyond to answer my questions, offer helpful advice.”
“If you're looking for a skilled, trustworthy, and compassionate, dog trainer, I highly recommend Steven.”
“From the very beginning, he genuinely cared about my dog's success.”
“Working with him has been a great experience since the initial inquiry.”
“He takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and truly cares about helping both the dog and the family succeed.”
“Steven is absolutely worth every penny, and we’re so grateful we found him.”
“He is very knowledgeable and quick to reply to all your questions as well!”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Julianna2 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 can't recommend Steven enough! He has been an amazing dog trainer and made such a positive difference in my dog's behavior. From the very beginning, he genuinely cared about my dog's success.
My German shepherd had been attacked by other dogs in many occasions and started he starting to become aggressive…
Great price
Miguel3 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★★★★★
Steven is amazing and super reliable as a trainer!! Helped me get set up and have everything I need as a first time dog owner training my Belgian Malinois. He is very knowledgeable and quick to reply to all your questions as well! Here we are now with a confident, reliable, and OFF LEASH 5 MONTHS old Belgian Malinois!
Samara7 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. · Edited 4 months ago★★★★★
We contacted Steven after a board and train experience unfortunately made our Doberman, Atlas, much more reactive. We were feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, but from the very first day working with Steven, we saw such a huge change in Atlas.
Not only has Atlas improved tremendously, but Steven has…
Nat2 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★★★★★
Steven is a very knowledgeable and kind professional! Working with him has been a great experience since the initial inquiry. He is very patient with both me and my dog 😂 I found this trainer when I was at a very stressed and defeated point with my dog and his separation anxiety. I had good experiences with another…
ivanLocal Guide · 14 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★★★★★
Awesome experience. We found Steven through IG and reached out. After speaking with Steven we felt confident enough to book a 3 week board and train for our high drive 10 month old male rottweiler. Steven did not disappoint! His experience with working breeds and reactive dogs very apparent from day 1. Steven was…
Amellio3 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. · 9 months ago★★★★★
Steven has helped me train two dogs, both being cane corsos and the way he goes about his training so helpful and informative. He really takes the time to understand each dog and owner to better assure their success!!! Highly recommend him for training
I can't recommend Steven enough! He has been an amazing dog trainer and made such a positive difference in my dog's behavior. From the very beginning, he genuinely cared about my dog's success.
My German shepherd had been attacked by other dogs in many occasions and started he starting to become aggressive towards people and dogs.
He always went above and beyond to answer my questions, offer helpful advice. The results have been incredible, and I couldn't be happier.
If you're looking for a skilled, trustworthy, and compassionate, dog trainer, I highly recommend Steven.
Price assessment: Great price
Miguel Mesina3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Miguel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Steven is amazing and super reliable as a trainer!! Helped me get set up and have everything I need as a first time dog owner training my Belgian Malinois. He is very knowledgeable and quick to reply to all your questions as well! Here we are now with a confident, reliable, and OFF LEASH 5 MONTHS old Belgian Malinois!
Samara Rose7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Samara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We contacted Steven after a board and train experience unfortunately made our Doberman, Atlas, much more reactive. We were feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, but from the very first day working with Steven, we saw such a huge change in Atlas.
Not only has Atlas improved tremendously, but Steven has also taught us so much as dog owners. He takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and truly cares about helping both the dog and the family succeed. His knowledge, patience, and training methods have made such a difference for us.
Steven is absolutely worth every penny, and we’re so grateful we found him. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who genuinely knows what they’re doing and gets real results.
Nat Gallo2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nat has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Steven is a very knowledgeable and kind professional! Working with him has been a great experience since the initial inquiry. He is very patient with both me and my dog 😂 I found this trainer when I was at a very stressed and defeated point with my dog and his separation anxiety. I had good experiences with another trainer when we lived out of state but this issue was new and my prior techniques weren’t giving me the results I was looking for. The modern dog program that we joined has helped my shepherd mix with his separation anxiety and reactivity towards other dogs but this program has also helped me understand how to better communicate with my dog and give us both a better quality of life. Steven is an excellent communicator and makes the experience feel customized to our lifestyle and needs. This has been a great experience and I’m very glad we went to SSK9 Academy for guidance.
ivan hernandezLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews ivan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Awesome experience. We found Steven through IG and reached out. After speaking with Steven we felt confident enough to book a 3 week board and train for our high drive 10 month old male rottweiler. Steven did not disappoint! His experience with working breeds and reactive dogs very apparent from day 1. Steven was professional and sent us updates daily. The change we saw in Omen within a couple of days was surprising! Steven gave us the knowledge and tools we needed to continue to have success with Omen once Omen was back home. We honestly never thought we would be confident enough to play with Omen off leash at a park!!! Omen is doing so well that we have now started IGP sport training with him. Steven was worth every penny and we wish we would have found him earlier.
Andrea Phillips3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Working with Steven has been both highly effective and genuinely enjoyable. What sets training with Steven Shepherd K9 Academy apart is his personalized, thoughtful approach.
Steven truly gets to know your dog. He asks insightful questions to understand current behaviors and your goals, and he carefully observes how your dog interacts with you, other people, and other animals. This comprehensive understanding informs every aspect of his training.
Steven also respects your comfort level with training methods. We encountered other trainers who pushed specific approaches or relied exclusively on tools like shock collars. We also tried group classes where progress depended heavily on constant treats. Steven, by contrast, developed a customized training plan that aligned with our values while remaining highly effective for Ollie. He struck the right balance between motivating desired behaviors and reducing frustrating ones.
Steven is consistently supportive and encouraging. When I was inconsistent, he helped me recognize that progress wasn’t lost. When I unknowingly relaxed my expectations, a simple look or smile was enough to gently redirect me. His ability to coach people with clarity and kindness is truly rare.
Most importantly, training with Steven is enjoyable. Ollie runs happily to him, and we always look forward to our sessions. Our bond with Ollie has grown stronger, and his frustrating behaviors have significantly decreased.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, effective, and supportive training experience, Steven Shepherd K9 Academy is an easy choice. We cannot recommend Steven highly enough.
Amellio Daggett3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Amellio has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Steven has helped me train two dogs, both being cane corsos and the way he goes about his training so helpful and informative. He really takes the time to understand each dog and owner to better assure their success!!! Highly recommend him for training
Shannen Yap3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Shannen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had a wonderful experience with Steven. Finn absolutely loves training with him! Steven is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and he took the time to answer all of our questions. He tailored the training to our specific needs and made sure we were fully set up for success so Finn’s training could make a meaningful, positive impact on his behavior.
Eztli HerreraLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Eztli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Steven’s always been amazing with my dog and very patient with giving instructions and explaining the why behind it. My dog loves him. He gives great feedback on how to better support my dog and my dogs breed.
Terry Marsh2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Terry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Wonderful experience with Steven! He’s incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to his craft. It’s been great working with him to get our pup trained and the progress we’ve seen has been great. Would definitely recommend!
