At Best Buddy Dog Training, we believe true obedience is not just about control—it's about connection. Our training philosophy is rooted in the idea that when a dog genuinely trusts and respects you, listening becomes second nature. No treats. No force. No gimmicks. Just a strong, honest relationship between you and your dog.

We focus on developing calm, responsive behavior where your dog chooses to stay by your side—even off-leash, even with distractions. Off-leash obedience isn't the starting point; it's the natural outcome of a well-built relationship.

The Four Goals of Every Training Program

Every dog we work with is guided toward four foundational goals that shape their temperament and behavior for life:

Temperament: We help your dog develop calm, stable, and confident behavior—the kind that makes them a joy to be around in any setting.
Focus: Your dog learns to pay attention to you, even in busy, chaotic environments where distractions are everywhere.
Cooperation: Rather than resisting guidance, your dog learns to follow your lead with genuine willingness and enthusiasm.
Courtesy: We build mutual respect, trust, and healthy emotional boundaries—the foundation of a harmonious household.

The P.R.I.M.E. Framework — Five Pillars of Dog Behavior

Our training process is built around the P.R.I.M.E. framework—five interconnected elements that shape how your dog understands their role in your home and responds to your leadership:

• Proximity: Who controls personal space and right of way. Teaching your dog to respect physical boundaries is one of the most powerful tools in building obedience.
• Resources: Anything that can be consumed, carried, occupied, or protected—including family members. Managing access to resources helps establish healthy dynamics.
• Interactions: The timing and style of affection and correction, touch, vocalization, and body language. Small adjustments in how you interact with your dog can create dramatic shifts in behavior.
• Movement: Who decides when to move and when to stay put. Guiding your dog's movement builds structure, patience, and self-control.
• Elevation: Who occupies the higher ground. Elevation is often a significant signal about excitement and status that many owners overlook.

Our approach goes beyond teaching commands. It's about creating well-mannered companions who thrive in everyday life. True leadership comes from patience, consistency, and love—and the results speak for themselves.

Training Benchmarks — Foundational Behaviors

We don't deal in vague promises. Here are the specific, measurable behaviors your dog will master through our programs:

• Lie down and stay on command—calmly holding position for 30 to 60 minutes
• Move away on command to a distance of 6 to 10 feet and disengage
• Come when called reliably, even with distractions like squirrels or other dogs nearby
• Heel or walk behind you on-leash or off-leash
• Wait calmly and patiently in a variety of settings, from your living room to a busy sidewalk
• Jump on cue (grooming tables, examination tables, into and out of vehicles, etc.)

These foundational skills lay the groundwork for a peaceful, cooperative relationship. Once your dog masters them, advanced training becomes faster, easier, and more enjoyable for both of you.

Loving Leadership — The Key to Lasting Obedience

Effective dog training isn't just about dominance. It's about loving leadership—being the calm, confident guide your dog looks to for direction. When you lead with clarity, trust and respect, your dog's natural instincts align with your expectations. Bad habits fade. Good behavior becomes the default.

Whether you're working through leash reactivity, separation anxiety, or simply want a dog who relaxes when company comes over, our methods deliver real, lasting change. We offer in-home dog training and board-and-train programs across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island. Contact us today to get started.

Who you are to your dog is EVERYTHING

Shawn Hines
Dog Trainer, Best Buddy Dog Training