Shelmar Kennels Inc

I recently adopted a puppy from the SPCA. It was immediately evident that she was going to be a challenge for me to train by myself. After speaking with numerous trainers in the Houston area, even some recommended by my vet, I stumbled upon Shelmar's website. I called and left a voicemail and received a call back within a couple of hours. At 7:30 at night, Shelly spent over a half hour on the phone with me helping me regain my sanity before we were even committed to training with them. That is great customer service in my book! My puppy went through the three week training session with them, and I've seen a tremendous difference in her. Martin spent a great deal of time with me and my family over two visits and several hours answering all of our questions and advising us how to deal with her challenging behaviors. In addition, my puppy loves going there. I recently dropped her off to board for a few days and she was so excited she ran for Shelly....never even looked back! Needless to say, we love Shelmar and I can't imagine taking my pup anywhere else.

Posted 10/28/09 | Report Abuse

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Tried calling them for a week. They responded following week. They have a nice establisment. Owner greeted us and seems nice, but had to apologised as she is busy and can't spent too much time with us as she had to help the other guy with training. You can make an appointment to visit their place, and upon reaching there, you will be told that you can't inspect the kennels.We were told that the kennels are inside their home, so you can't enter. They have about 40-60 dogs in their home. The home seems very quiet from outside. That's good. They have a another outdoor kenneling area close to the house. Disappointed that we can't inspect the kennels in their house. Will never know the living conditions. The play areas are about 15 by 10 feet. They said they will have a group of 3-4 dogs at a time in the play pen. No grass in the play pen, only sand. The dogs get to go out 4 times a day for 45 mins at a time. If the weather is fine, maybe 1.5hrs. Read good reviews about them, especially with training, many repeat clients. OVerall feeling - undecided about the place. Don't know how the inside of the house look like, whether the 40 dogs are living comfortably or if they are even there. It seemed quiet from outside. Owner explained that they get tired playing the pen and usually sleeps. They keep a strict schedule.

Posted 10/17/09 | Report Abuse

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Hello Shelly and Martin,

Boy, am I having a blast with this dog you guys trained. She is doing wonderful. I can't be more pleased with her turn out. She has adjusted very well back into the "home" environment, yet knows when to snap to it and do what she loves to do. I hope my words truly express my gratitude for both of your efforts.

Best regards,
Mike Weaver and Family

Posted 04/06/09 | Report Abuse

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Today, we have had a fabulous day. We had a great time with you at the Kennels, and then we went to the park on Porter Road and had the best experience with Chase off leash, we ended the experience with some positive ball throws. What a treat for us! This is exactly what we were wanting in our pup! Again, thank you so very much.

Warmest Regards,
Patty & Gary Lamb

Posted 04/06/09 | Report Abuse

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My experience with Shelmar Kennels was extremely positive! My dog, Cody, was 11 months when I first got him and he had already been in 2 other homes. He had separation anxiety when I got him, he was extremely anxious, would cry (scream) if I put him in his kennel or if I would leave the house. He would not listen to us at ALL! He would run away from me, get in the trash and jump/nip at people. He would also have accidents in the house regularly. I was getting very frustrated with the little guy to say the least!!!

He is SOOOO great now!!! He comes when we call him, sits when we ask him to, stays still so we can put his leash on him, goes into his kennel as soon as we say, kennel. Honestly, every issue we had with him has been cured. He has not had a single accident in the house. And he doesnt CRY when we put him in his kennel or if we leave the house!! That is the best part. He just seems like a happier dog! It was definitely a good investment! I dont know HOW they did itbut it worked!!!

Posted 02/27/09 | Report Abuse

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Martin and Shelly - thank you so much! Dede is a different dog to live with, she has no separation anxiety issues anymore, she responds well to me when I give her commands and she will even stay and sleep on her bed now. The difference is truly amazing - and you were exactly right when you told me its easier and much more fun to live with a well behaved dog! Best of all - she is still my baby girl! The training affected none of her personality and the things we always loved about her. Dede is so happy, we are so happy. Love Linda and Dede

Posted 02/12/09 | Report Abuse

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After spending thousands of dollars on having our dog trained at another training facility - with little success - we were lucky to find Martin and Shelly Bell of Shelmar Kennels. Martin tells it the way it is, I'm sure he offends some - but the end result is a very well behaved dog one that my wife and I thought we were going to have to give up for adoption. These guys are committed to the dogs full time, its all they do and all they think about. Martin amazed us with the progress Gyro made in 4 weeks. Martin has a way of connecting with dogs and educating owners. Our owner training session was intense, the information Martin shares and the techniques to keep your dog trained are freely given, Martin asks only that you pay attention and work hard. After all the effort Martin and Shelly put into our dog we just wanted to say Thanks Guys - Great Job! Ronnie, Sandra and Gyro

Posted 02/05/09 | Report Abuse

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Our rotty pup started displaying agression issues, so we contacted Shelmar kennels. Bo has been home for 2 months now and we have not had another issue. His obedience training is top of the class! He plays well with our family and Martin taught us how to think like him, how to correct unwanted behaviour and even how to pet and talk to him properly!
I can't praise them highly enough or thank them too much for saving our dog from a short life and giving us the knowledge to keep it going.

Posted 12/08/08 | Report Abuse

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The training that Shelmar Kennels did with our Brittany Sara is excellent. Sara used to run away, jump up on everyone, dig up the back yard and walking her on the lead was impossible. In six weeks Martin turned her life around. She now comes when she is called, walks to heel on and off the lead, no longer jumps on our kids or guests coming to our house and is turning into a great member of our household. Not only did they train the dog but also my wife and I. Martin also spent time teaching our ten year old how to walk Sara, something that Zach enjoyed very much. Martin put us in control of our dog, making her pleasant to live with. Martin and Shelly - A HUGE THANKS - from Bobby, Rebecca, Zach and Sara.

Posted 12/08/08 | Report Abuse

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Martin Bell and his wife Shelly are very talented dog trainers. I took them my 10 month old Golden Retriever "Rigby" as he was becoming aggressive with both dogs and small children. Martin has a great knack for teaching dogs and people, I have been able to continue training with Rigby and have recieved tremendous support from Martin anytime I needed it.

I read the other post and I want to say in all my time spent at Shelmar, I heard nothing but great reports from all his clients that I met there. Martin will not BS you. He tells it the way he sees it and explains why dogs behave the way they do. Im sure that offends certain types of people, but for me - he saved Rigbys life. He would not let me make excuses (as at the time I was pretty much in denial about Rigbys problems) as making excuses stopped me from dealing with the issues I was having - together we accomplished what I only dreamed was possible with Rigby.
Martin and Shelly have a great facility, 20 acres inside of an 8 foot high fence, a beautiful training pavillion and big excercise runs for the dogs. When it comes to dogs they are dedicated, working long hours every day, 7 days a week. Rigby loves going back to Shelmar, going down their road he is so excited as he cannot wait to see Martin and Shelly and play with the other dogs. Without doubt 5 stars for Training and boarding.

Posted 12/06/08 | Report Abuse

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This posting is a warning to anyone considering leaving an animal at Shelmar Kennels. It describes my deplorable treatment by Martin Bell, the owner of Shelmar Kennels.

I left my dog at Shelmar Kennels in August 2008 for obedience training and rehabilitation from dog-aggression issues. The cost of this four-week training was $1,200. Two days later, I emailed Mr. Bell to ask a few follow-up questions regarding the methods he uses to correct a dogs behavior. He called me and reprimanded me for not having asked the questions while I was there, insinuated that I was one of those crazy dog park women, and suggested that I come get my dog because he didnt want to deal with me. He also told me that he had shown me the correction method he uses, which involves a choke collar and leash. I learned later, when I picked up the dog, that a second correction he used that he didnt tell me about was slapping the dog across the face with force. Despite Mr. Bells confrontational attitude, I declined to pick up my dog because I was in desperate need of help for my pet. The phone call ended with me feeling that I had to grovel for Mr. Bell to keep the animal and train it.

When the dog was ready to come home, Mr. Bell spent three poorly used hours instructing me on how to work with the dog when I brought him home. During this time, Mr. Bell was insulting, condescending, and overbearing. He told me to not say another word because he didnt want to hear what I had to say. He also said youre just making excuses you really dont want to do this as well as I showed you how to do this and youve tried it two times already. You get one more chance to do it right. His overall demeanor was one of superiority and contempt.

It was clear that Mr. Bell didnt care at all about providing any kind of customer service. He told me outright that my opinion of him didnt matter. His abusive behavior was completely unacceptable of anyone who is offering service to the public.

Posted 10/08/08 | Report Abuse

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We have been taking our dogs to Shelmar Kennels to board for the past three years. My husband and I travel for work a lot, our dogs spend every third week in boarding, they are equally as happy at Shelmar or at home, we call it their 'country residence'!! We have used several kennels in the past but the care and attention given to our pets is evident in their demeanour when they see Martin and Shelly.Martin and Shelly own and run the kennel, so you know who will be looking after your dog when you get there. We get onto their road and our dogs get sooooo excited.

Posted 09/19/08 | Report Abuse

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I Judge that the owner has Anger issues and does not have respect for the animals or his clients , he was rude , condesending , we actually turned round and returned to remove our dog , he berated me and was very disrepectfull , be carefull

Posted 08/09/08 | Report Abuse

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