Psych's protagonist is a dog.
Psych . The series stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer , a young crime consultant for the Santa Barbara Police Department whose `` heightened observational skills '' and impressive detective instincts allow him to convince people that he solves cases with psychic abilities . The program also stars Dulé Hill as Shawn 's best friend and reluctant partner Burton `` Gus '' Guster , as well as Corbin Bernsen as Shawn 's father , Henry , a former officer of the Santa Barbara Police Department .