“Shelby came to us so highly recommended that I was concerned that she sounded too good to be true. However, after a very enlightening and extremely productive two hour session with her, all the superlative reviews I read about her turned out to be 100% accurate. My wife and I believe she is, by far, the best trainer we have ever worked with and the results she achieved with our one year old Golden Retriever are proof positive that Shelby is truly exceptional.

As this was our fifth dog, we decided that we did not need a trainer but when our dog suddenly became very timid and fearful on the streets of NYC, I knew I needed professional help. The trainers I had used in the past were good, but I thought I could do better, so I started asking around. Shelby’s name came up a lot and she had great reviews on Yelp, so I decided to take a chance.

And so after one session with her, I can honestly state that Shelby Semel is the best. First and foremost, she is a very committed, conscientious, sincere and genuine person. Second, she is extremely knowledgeable about and understands canine behavior. Third, and most important, she is able to communicate her expertise and knowledge in a very clear and easy to understand manner.

Shelby also provided us with detailed literature about some of the training commands/techniques we worked on, such as the “come” and “leave it” commands, as well as loose leash walking. Additionally, her clients tell me that she is always there for them by returning all calls and messages regarding past or new training issues.

So if you are looking for a trainer that utilizes a very gentle and humane positive reinforcement system, explains concepts in a clear and concise way, and who will build a bond of trust between you and your dog, then Shelby is the trainer for you.”

“My dog LilyBug is a super sweet, but very excitable dog who needed some help with her impulse control in general and around other dogs. We have been working with Shelby for a few months now and have seen some wonderful improvements in how she greets other dogs on leash! Shelby is a very compassionate trainer and the best we have found thus far! Upon the suggestion from Shelby, I also enrolled Lily in Control Unleashed class and was thrilled to see Lily evolve week after week to a focused dog eager to learn. Susan was a great teacher who was sure not to go faster than any of us could handle and she truly cared about each and every dogs progress!”

“Hi, I’m Max, a 4 year wheaten terrier. Until my owners sent me to Shelby for training, I was in charge. You know... never listened to orders, just hung out, jumped on people whenever...barked when the doorbell rang...you know the routine. My owners always said that I was cute, but not very bright...or trainable. Ha, I showed them! With just two quick sessions, Shelby was able to straighten me up. In fact, she said I wasn’t dumb at all..but very smart and that I really liked to work...and wanted to please. Most importantly, Shelby gave my owners easy to follow direction on how to continue training me when she wasn’t around. Now, I’m the model pup...!!!”

“Shelby and her crew are AMAZING. Shelby has been so wonderful and instrumental to the overall well-being of our puppy - not just training! She’s always willing to give advice and help new dog-owners navigate the rollercoaster ride that is puppy parenthood!

Her clients have formed a community of dog lovers that are always willing to help each other out and pay it forward. My puppy was having some trouble socializing with the other puppies, and Shelby linked us up with another client with a dog that had the same issues. We had puppy play dates and it really helped bring our puppy out of her shell!

She’s NYC’s very own “dog whisperer” - Her training methods work and its amazing that the dogs catch on so quick. It’s obvious she has a passion for dogs - snuggling and cuddling our pups like they were her own.

We couldn’t be happier that we found Shelby and her team.”

“Shelby is great. We’ve done her puppy socialization class, private training and now are in the middle of the basic obedience class.....all of which I highly recommend. Some ppl may be concerned around cost, but if you think of the pair of shoes, bags, furniture etc. that this training will save you from being destroyed, it is well worth the money.”

“As a professional in the NYC doggie scene, I hit the jackpot when I met Shelby through a mutual friend early in my career. Shelby was kind enough to let me shadow some of her puppy and basic obedience classes and the information I learned in those classes I use on a daily basis with my clients with significant results. Her methods are amazing and you will see an immediate difference in your dog’s behavior if you stick with them.

I always highly recommend all of my new puppy parent clients to her for the puppy and obedience classes because they help your new addition become a well balanced and well socialized dog, which in this city makes not only your dog’s life so much happier, but your life so much easier as well! I’ve seen a puppy go from so shy and shell-shocked around a group of other rambunctious puppies to bouncing around and getting in on the action in only a few sessions.

I’ve also recommended clients to her for one-on-one training for specific behavioral issues in adult dogs, and the consensus every time has been “Shelby is amazing!” The other awesome thing, as you can see from the reviews here, is that she has a working relationship with many dog walking companies in the city. This means she can recommend a service to you that will work with her on reinforcing training while your dog is out on mid-day walks which provides consistency across the board - the most important aspect of working with a dog with behavioral issues.

Seriously, if you’re looking for an awesome positive reinforcement trainer that explains things in a clear and concise way, while also making it fun for you and your dog, don’t look any further - Shelby is your gal!”