Trim excess fat from the pork butt
Season all sides with salt, pepper, and any desired spices
Optional: sear the pork butt in a hot skillet for extra flavor
Place sliced onions or garlic in the bottom of the crock pot
Put the pork butt into the crock pot
Add a small amount of liquid such as broth, water, apple juice, or barbecue sauce
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours
Cook until the pork is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 195°F
Remove the pork butt from the crock pot
Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes
Shred the pork with two forks
Mix the shredded pork with the cooking juices or sauce
Serve as desired