Professional Dog Obedience Training in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island

Welcome to Best Buddy Dog Training—where we help you and your dog build a bond rooted in trust, respect, and clear communication. For over 15 years, we've provided personalized dog obedience training to families throughout New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York.

Every dog is unique, and so is every family. That's why we don't offer cookie-cutter group classes. Instead, we create customized training plans through our private in-home sessions and immersive board-and-train programs. Our relationship-based approach means your dog learns to listen because they trust you—not because of treats, harnesses, or e-collars.

Introducing a dog to a horse during an in-home-dog training session

Imagine Life With a Calm, Confident Dog

Picture yourself walking down a busy sidewalk with your dog right by your side—no pulling, no lunging, no barking at every passing distraction. Or imagine relaxing at a café while your dog settles quietly at your feet, happy and at ease. That's not a fantasy. It's the everyday reality our clients enjoy after training with Best Buddy.

Why Choose Best Buddy Dog Training?

When you choose Best Buddy Dog Training, you're choosing an experienced trainer who is deeply committed to your success. Our humane, science-informed methods focus on building mutual understanding and emotional clarity between you and your dog, so obedience becomes a natural part of your relationship—not something forced.

We offer both private in-home and board-and-train programs. Whether you're seeking to address behavioral challenges, improve obedience, or strengthen your bond with your dog, we provide the strategies, guidance, and expertise to make lasting changes.

Four dogs standing on a park bench waiting for instructions from their owners in a Best Buddy Dog Training seminar in Vermont

In-Home Dog Training — Personalized Attention Where It Matters Most

Our private in-home dog training program brings expert guidance directly to your door. Because training happens in the environment where your dog spends the most time, we can address real-world challenges as they occur—from leash reactivity at the front door to jumping on guests in the living room.

Whether you're working on basic obedience commands, housebreaking, or more complex behavioral issues, your trainer will design a step-by-step plan tailored to your dog's temperament, your family's lifestyle, and your goals. In-home training is ideal for puppies, adult dogs, and families looking for flexible scheduling without sacrificing quality.

Two dogs lying peacefully side by side during a Best Buddy Dog Training in-home dog training session in Rhode Island

Board-and-Train Dog Boot Camp — Intensive, Transformative Results

Looking for a more intensive experience? Our board-and-train program offers a complete immersion in structured training. During their stay, your dog will live with our head trainer and follow a comprehensive daily regimen designed to address behavioral challenges and build reliable off-leash obedience.

This program is especially effective for dogs with serious behavioral concerns such as aggression, severe anxiety, or deep-rooted reactivity. After the program, your dog returns home with dramatically improved behavior, and follow-up sessions ensure the progress sticks for the long term. It's an investment that families across New England call life-changing.

Weimeraner dog lying down with sheep during a board-and-train training session at Best Buddy Dog Training

Dog Obedience and Behavior Modification Training

True obedience goes far beyond sitting on command. It's about raising a calm, confident dog who chooses good behavior in any situation—at home, on walks, and around other people and pets. At Best Buddy Dog Training, we address the root causes of unwanted behavior, not just the symptoms.

Our training approach is grounded in five core pillars we call P.R.I.M.E.—Proximity, Resources, Interactions, Movement, and Elevation. This framework helps us reshape your dog's understanding of their role in your household and build genuine cooperation. Whether your dog struggles with leash pulling, separation anxiety, excessive barking, or aggression, our methods create meaningful, lasting change.

Springer Spaniel in a pet store parking lot watching a flock of birds during a training session with Shawn Hines, Owner of Best Buddy Dog Training

Puppy Training — Start Your Puppy Off Right

The habits your puppy forms now will shape who they become as an adult dog. Our puppy training program builds a strong foundation of good behavior, socialization, and basic commands from the very start. We help you establish leadership, set boundaries, and create the structure your puppy needs to grow into a well-mannered, confident companion.

Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent behavioral problems down the road. If you've just welcomed a new puppy into your home, now is the perfect time to begin training.

Rottweiler puppy looking up at the camera during a training session with Shawn Hines, Owner of Best Buddy Dog Training

Why Relationship-Based Dog Training Works

At the heart of everything we do is one simple truth: who you are to your dog is everything. When your dog truly trusts and respects you, they'll listen—even in distracting environments, even off-leash, and even without treats.

Unlike methods that rely on food lures or corrective devices, our relationship-based approach builds genuine emotional connection. The result is a dog who is not only obedient but also emotionally balanced, confident, and happy. Our clients see the difference every day, and we have the dogs, testimonials, photos, and videos to prove it.

White German Shepherd Dog Simon investigating curious pigs during a board and train program session

Of course, talk is cheap, as the saying goes. When you need your dog to be obedient is when you see the difference between theories and results. When your dog is struggling with behavior issues, you need a trainer who delivers real solutions, not just theories. With over 15 years of experience, we've helped hundreds of families across New England achieve lasting results. Check out our videos and testimonials to see for yourself.

The truth is that a lot of 'dog trainers' don't know much more about training your dog than you do. We can show you how to get real results quickly while enhancing your relationship with your dog. Mutual respect and affection are crucial. Look closely at the pictures on this website. Every picture shows dogs trained or being trained by Shawn and Best Buddy Dog Training. You see calm happy dogs - being calm and obedient without e-collars - instead of dogs being 'hugged' because they can't be trusted to be calm and still long enough for a photo. Or tempted with treats to stay 'focused'.

Serving Dog Owners Across New England

Best Buddy Dog Training proudly serves dog owners in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island. Many of our clients are busy professionals who need efficient, results-driven training that fits their schedules. We offer flexible appointment times and premium, personalized service—because your dog deserves nothing less.