Best Buddy Dog Training
Dog Training in Ct, Ma, NH, NY, and RI
Meet Dog Trainer Shawn Hines
At Best Buddy Dog Training, we believe a well-trained dog isn’t just about following commands—it’s about building a trusted relationship that lasts a lifetime. Leading this mission is Shawn Hines, a seasoned dog trainer with more than 30 years of experience transforming the lives of families and their dogs throughout New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New York.
Proven Experience & Credentials
Shawn’s professional background is as unique as it is impressive. A former member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a certified Superdog™ Trainer, and a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), Shawn brings credibility and depth to every training program. His education includes undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in music and law from the University of Miami, showcasing both intellectual rigor and creative problem-solving.
But long before degrees and certifications, Shawn’s love for dogs began at age 11 with his first German Shepherd puppy—a spark that ignited a lifelong passion for dog training.
A Lifetime Devoted to Dogs
From early apprenticeships training protection dogs to advanced study with world-renowned trainers like David Baron of Superdog Inc., Shawn has continually refined his skills and developed a distinctive, relationship-centered training philosophy. Over the decades, he has helped countless families restore balance in their homes, often working with dogs once labeled “untrainable.” Many of these dogs now enjoy calm, confident lives thanks to Shawn’s leadership.
Training Philosophy: Leadership, Trust & Mutual Respect
Shawn’s approach stands apart from trends that rely on clickers, treats, or gimmicks. Instead, he focuses on the human-dog bond, teaching owners how to step confidently into the role of leader, protector, and provider. By using clear communication, calm energy, and mutual respect, Shawn empowers families to earn genuine obedience from their dogs—not through bribery or harsh corrections, but through trust.
The result is a dog that is responsive, cooperative, and reliable both at home and off-leash, even around distractions. Whether working on basic obedience, correcting problem behaviors, or addressing aggression, Shawn creates lasting results that go far beyond temporary fixes.
Serving New England’s Dog Owners
Best Buddy Dog Training proudly serves discerning dog owners across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New York. Through private in-home training and immersive board-and-train “boot camp” programs, Shawn tailors every solution to fit the needs of owners, families, and busy professionals who expect excellence.
With Shawn Hines, you’re not just hiring a dog trainer—you’re partnering with a trusted professional dedicated to giving your family the gift of a calm, well-mannered, and happy dog.
Who you are to your dog is EVERYTHING...
- Shawn Hines