Best Buddy Dog Training

(401) 536-7982


Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm, Sat: 9am - 5pm, Sun: Closed

The Dog Trainer

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Behind every great dog is a great trainer—and behind Best Buddy Dog Training is Shawn Hines. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience, Shawn has spent the last 15 years with Best Buddy Dog Training helping hundreds of families across New England build stronger, more trusting relationships with their dogs. His approach is grounded in clarity, affection, empathy, and a deep understanding of canine behavior that only comes from decades of dedicated work.

Professional Credentials and Experience

Shawn's professional credentials reflect a career built on continual learning and a commitment to excellence:

  • Former member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Certified Superdog™ Trainer
  • Professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
  • Holds undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in music and law from the University of Miami

His diverse educational background gives him a unique combination of intellectual discipline and creative problem-solving—qualities that make him especially effective at reading dogs, understanding family dynamics, and designing training plans that work in the real world.

Shawn Hines sitting down in a grass field with a Golden Retriever lying next to him.

A Lifelong Passion for Dogs

Shawn's love for dogs didn't start in a classroom. It began at age 11, when he got his first German Shepherd puppy (a gift from his Mom). That early bond sparked a lifelong passion for understanding how dogs think, communicate, and connect with the people they love. Decades later, that same passion drives every training session.

Whether he's working with a nervous rescue, a headstrong adolescent dog, or a brand-new puppy, Shawn brings the same warmth, skill, and dedication to every family he serves.

Shawn Hines kneeling to pet a Rottweiler in the Best Buddy Dog Training board and train program in New England

Serving Families Across New England

Shawn and Best Buddy Dog Training proudly serve dog owners in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island. Through private in-home sessions and immersive board-and-train programs, Shawn delivers the personalized attention and expert guidance your dog needs to thrive.

Shawn Hines standing on a wooden bridge with a Ggreat Dane dog during an in-home training consultation

Ready to work with a trainer who truly cares about you and your dog? Contact Best Buddy Dog Training today to schedule a consultation with Shawn. Call 401-536-7982 or visit our contact page to get started.

Who you are to your dog is EVERYTHING

Shawn Hines
Dog Trainer, Best Buddy Dog Training