Best Buddy Dog Training

(401) 536-7982


Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 4pm, Sun: Closed

Board-and-Train 'Bootcamp'

Sometimes a dog needs more than weekly sessions—they need a fresh start. The Best Buddy Dog Training board-and-train program offers an intensive, immersive experience designed for dogs who need a meaningful behavioral transformation. Whether your dog is struggling with aggression, chronic disobedience, anxiety, or socialization challenges, our program provides the focused, full-time attention it takes to create real and lasting change.

This isn't a traditional boarding kennel where your dog waits in a crate between meals. Your dog joins our pack and spends each day actively learning—in parks, stores, neighborhoods, and other real-world environments—so the skills they build carry over to everyday life the moment they return home.


How the Board and Train Program Works


Pickup and Evaluation

Every board-and-train journey begins with a thorough evaluation. We prefer to pickup and deliver your dog; that way we can see exactly what the dynamic is in your household between humans and dogs. We'll discuss your dog's history, temperament, specific behavioral issues, and your goals as a family.

Immersive Daily Training in Real-World Settings

During their stay, your dog receives daily, hands-on training in the kinds of environments they'll encounter in real life—busy parks, pet-friendly stores, neighborhood sidewalks, and public spaces. This approach builds reliable obedience that holds up under real-world distractions, not just in a controlled training facility.

Our methods are rooted in trust, clear communication, and balanced corrections. We don't use treat-based bribery, shock collars, or harsh techniques. Instead, your dog learns to be calm and responsive through a relationship built on mutual respect and consistent leadership.

Reintegration and Follow-Up Sessions

Training doesn't end when your dog comes home. We include three optional dedicated follow-up and reintegration sessions to help you seamlessly take over as your dog's leader. During these sessions, Shawn works with you in your home environment to transfer the skills, commands, and communication techniques your dog has learned—so the transformation sticks for the long term.

Shawn Hines working with a Keiser Simon Cedar mix during an outdoor training session

What to Expect from Your Dog After Board and Train


Families are consistently amazed at the difference they see when their dog returns home. After completing our board-and-train program, your dog will be:

  • Calm and settled in the home, even with visitors and activity around them
  • Responsive to commands on-leash and off-leash
  • Polite on walks—no more pulling, lunging, or reactive outbursts
  • Comfortable greeting strangers and other dogs with composure
  • Able to hold stays, come when called, and follow your lead with confidence

More importantly, you'll have the knowledge and skills to maintain everything your dog has learned—because our program trains owners just as much as it trains dogs.

Yellow Labrador in boot camp training with Shawn Hines

Is Board and Train Right for Your Dog?


Our board-and-train program is an excellent fit for dogs and families facing challenges such as:

  • Aggression toward people, other dogs, or animals
  • Resource guarding and possessiveness
  • Severe leash reactivity or pulling
  • Excessive barking, anxiety, or fearfulness
  • Dogs who have not responded to previous training methods
  • Families with busy schedules who need an accelerated path to a well-behaved dog

If you've tried group classes, treat-based training, or other approaches without lasting results, our immersive board-and-train program may be the breakthrough your family needs.

Dog practicing obedience during a board and train session with Shawn Hines

Board and Train Program Details


  • 4-6 weeks of intensive, full-time residential training
  • Daily real-world training sessions in parks, stores, and public spaces
  • Customized behavior modification plan for your dog's specific issues
  • 3 follow-up and reintegration sessions at your home after training
  • Lifetime phone and video follow-up support at no additional cost

Board and Train Service Areas


Best Buddy Dog Training's board-and-train program is available to families throughout the Northeast:

  • Connecticut - Serving Hartford, New London, Fairfield County, and communities statewide
  • Massachusetts - Greater Boston, Central MA, the South Shore, and beyond
  • Rhode Island - Headquartered in Warwick, serving all of RI
  • New Hampshire - Southern and central New Hampshire
  • New York - New York City metro area and surrounding regions
Dog settling calmly during a board and train program session

What Connecticut Dog Owners Are Saying

I am now able to better enjoy my time and my life with Joy. Shawn at Best Buddy Dog Training changed my life for the better.

Kate P., Gardner, MA

We were ready to give up a couple of times... Shawn was the one that kept us going

Deb L., Smithfield, RI

How nice to walk down the street with my dog trotting slightly behind me on a loose leash.

Mary Anne H., New York, NY

Shawn is a one of a kind trainer who really knows his stuff.

Lucien C., Windsor, Ct

he is great with the grand kids and protects the home when we are away, a direct result of Shawn's professional training.

Frank B., Norwich, Ct

The first step toward a calmer, more obedient dog is a conversation. Contact Shawn today to discuss your dog's behavior, learn more about the program, and find out if board and train is the right fit for your family.