Brain Training for Dogs Review
Smart, force-free games for a calmer, better-behaved dog.
Brain Training for Dogs is Adrienne Farricelli's online course of games and lessons that use mental exercise to build focus and manners. I'm a NASM-certified trainer (CPT, CES, PES) with 20+ years in fitness and a lifelong dog lover. Here's what it gets right, where the pitch goes too far, and who it suits.
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Why it's different from most dog training courses
Most online dog training courses are a list of commands. Brain Training for Dogs is built around games instead: short puzzles, targeting and scent work that make your dog think, organized into seven levels from Preschool to Einstein.
That approach is sound. Mental exercise tires dogs out in a way a walk alone often doesn't, and a dog with a job to do has fewer reasons to chew, dig or bark out of boredom.
The methods are force-free and reward based, which is what modern trainer certification bodies teach. Adrienne Farricelli lists the CPDT-KA credential, an independent certification for professional dog trainers.
Coach's note: the sales page talks about unlocking a dog's hidden intelligence and eliminating bad behavior. Games help a lot, but serious aggression, fear or separation anxiety still call for your vet and a qualified behavior professional.
What it does well
1. Games, not drills
Training feels like play, so dogs and owners actually want to do it. Short, fun sessions are easier to repeat than long obedience drills.
2. A clear progression
Seven levels build on each other, starting with attention, eye contact and targeting and moving toward harder games and tricks.
3. Force-free methods
Rewards and good timing do the work. There's no shouting, choke chains or punishment, which keeps the relationship with your dog positive.
4. Problem-behavior library
Beyond the games, the course covers specific issues like barking and chewing, with troubleshooting tips for when a step isn't clicking.
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What's inside the course
Here is what the official sales page lists for Brain Training for Dogs at the time of writing (checked November 5, 2026):
- Module 1: Preschool (attention and targeting)
- Module 2: Elementary School (scent and search games)
- Module 3: High School
- Module 4: College
- Module 5: University
- Module 6: Graduation
- Module 7: Einstein
- 21+ brain games with step-by-step instructions
- Pictures and video demonstrations
- Troubleshooting sections for each game
- Library of guides on specific problem behaviors
- Bonus course: Behavior Training for Dogs
It's a self-paced online program, not live coaching. Adrienne Farricelli says she has 15 years of experience as a professional trainer, and the CPDT-KA is a real, independent certification. That's a stronger background than most courses in this space.
Price, guarantee and add-ons
At the time of writing (checked November 5, 2026), the official sales page lists Brain Training for Dogs and its bonus course at $67, down from a listed $127. It's a one-time payment for online access. Prices change, so check the page before you buy.
Orders are processed by ClickBank. The sales page describes a 60-day guarantee: if you're not satisfied for any reason, send an email and you get your money back, no questions asked.
The bonus course, Behavior Training for Dogs, is included in the price. As with most ClickBank products, you may see extra offers after checkout. You don't need any of them to use the course.
My honest pros and cons
- Game-based training dogs and owners enjoy
- Force-free, reward-based methods
- Created by a CPDT-KA certified trainer
- Clear seven-level progression
- 60-day money-back guarantee through ClickBank
- Sales page oversells what games can fix
- Not a substitute for a behavior professional
- No live feedback on your timing or technique
- Needs short, consistent daily practice
- Online only, no printed manual
Coach Luke's take
I've spent more than 20 years in health and fitness. I'm NASM certified as a personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and performance enhancement specialist, and I've trained in seven martial arts. I'm also a lifelong dog lover who sees dogs as great training partners for staying active.
I'm not a certified dog trainer, so I look at courses like this as a coach and a dog lover. What I like is the structure: short sessions, clear steps and rewards, which is exactly how people build habits too. And the author has a real dog-training credential.
What keeps my rating from going higher is the sales pitch. Promising to eliminate bad behavior oversells what a course can do. Reactivity, fear and aggression often need a hands-on professional who can watch your dog in real situations.
Used as intended, it's a fun way to give your dog daily mental exercise. Pair it with walks and play, keep sessions short, and talk to your vet if a behavior shows up suddenly, since pain or illness can be the cause.
What to expect, and who it's for
Expect a more engaged dog and better focus on you, built a few minutes at a time. How fast that happens depends on your dog's age, breed, history and how consistent you are, so treat it as a routine, not a quick fix.
If your dog lunges, bites or panics when left alone, start with your vet and a qualified behavior professional. You can still use the games as enrichment once you have a safe plan.
- Have a puppy or adult dog who gets bored or restless
- Want force-free, reward-based training
- Like short daily sessions you can do at home
- Want a clear plan instead of random tips online
- Are dealing with aggression or a bite history
- Have a dog with severe fear or separation anxiety
- Want a trainer to watch and coach you in person
- Won't have time for short daily practice
"Since using Brain Training for Dogs my dogs are more excited to learn. They actively want to take part and figure out what they need to do! It's not about ‘commanding’ that they perform a behavior, it's about getting them thinking. I really love this approach to dog training and my dogs do too!" - Rosemary D.
"After going through this program I feel 100 times more confident and far better about training. I have a far better understanding of behaviors and my puppy definitely seems to pick up on that confidence. This system is the best confidence booster and the best way to teach your dog." - Sonoma W.
Customer reviews quoted word for word from the official Brain Training for Dogs sales page (checked November 5, 2026). I left out reviews that promise specific results, like cutting barking by a set amount. Individual results vary; these are personal experiences, not a promise or a typical result.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brain Training for Dogs good for puppies?
Yes. The early levels focus on attention, targeting and simple games that suit puppies. Keep sessions very short for young dogs and follow your vet's advice on vaccines before group outings.
Who created Brain Training for Dogs?
Adrienne Farricelli, who describes herself as a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer with 15 years of experience. The CPDT-KA is an independent certification for dog trainers.
How much does Brain Training for Dogs cost?
At the time of writing the sales page lists $67, down from $127, including the bonus Behavior Training for Dogs course. Check the official page for the current price.
Can it fix aggression or separation anxiety?
It can help as daily enrichment, but serious aggression, fear or separation anxiety should be assessed by your vet and a qualified behavior professional. No online course can watch your dog in real situations.
Is it a video course?
It's an online course with step-by-step written lessons, pictures and video demonstrations, according to the sales page. You work through it at your own pace.
Does it have a money-back guarantee?
Yes. The sales page describes a 60-day guarantee: email for a refund if you're not satisfied. Orders are processed by ClickBank.
Want a quick read on your dog's day? My 60-second Dog Routine Check shows where walks, play and brain games could fit better, plus one simple step to start today.
Ready to give your dog's brain a workout?
Short games. Better manners. Happier dog.
A force-free online course of brain games and behavior guides from a certified dog trainer, backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. Check the current price on the official page.
Get Brain Training for DogsInstant online access. Bonus behavior course included. 60-day money-back guarantee through ClickBank.
Affiliate disclosure: if you buy through the links on this page I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. ClickBank is the retailer of this product. This review is for educational purposes only and is not veterinary or behavior advice. Talk with your vet or a qualified behavior professional about aggression, fear or sudden changes in behavior. Individual results vary.
