Introduction
If you’re exhausted from your dog pulling on the lead, barking at every passerby, or turning your favourite shoes into chew toys, you’re not alone. These common behaviour problems drive thousands of dog owners to their wits’ end every year. Many turn to expensive private trainers or give up altogether, resigned to living with a misbehaving pet.
Enter Brain Training for Dogs, an online programme that’s been generating quite a buzz in the dog training community. Created by professional dog trainer Adrienne Farricelli, this course promises to tackle bad habits using positive reinforcement and “brain games” rather than harsh corrections. But does it actually work, or is it just another overhyped training gimmick?
I’ve thoroughly researched this programme, examined real user experiences, and dug into the science behind the methods. Here’s what I discovered.
What Is Brain Training for Dogs?
Brain Training for Dogs is a comprehensive online dog training course developed by Adrienne Farricelli, a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer with over a decade of hands-on experience. Unlike traditional obedience programmes that rely on dominance or punishment-based methods, this course takes a radically different approach: it focuses on mentally stimulating your dog to unlock their “hidden intelligence.”
The programme is delivered entirely online through video lessons, PDF guides, and step-by-step modules. The core philosophy is based on neuroplasticity—the scientific principle that the brain can adapt and learn new behaviours at any age. By engaging your dog’s mind through fun, challenging games, the programme aims to make them more receptive to learning whilst simultaneously eliminating problem behaviours.
Farricelli isn’t just another self-proclaimed dog expert. Her credentials include training service dogs for military veterans, running a cage-free board and train company, and having her work featured in USA Today, Every Dog magazine, and numerous other reputable publications. She’s also contributed expert advice to platforms like eHow and All Experts.
The course is structured like a school curriculum, with seven progressive modules ranging from “Preschool” basics to “Einstein” level advanced training. The one-time cost is £67 (approximately $67), which includes lifetime access to all materials, future updates, and bonus resources—significantly less than even a single session with a private trainer.
What’s Inside the Programme
Brain Training for Dogs offers a substantial amount of content organised into clear, progressive levels:
- Preschool Module: Foundation training focusing on attention and eye contact through games like “Airplane Game” to establish you as the source of reward and pleasure
- Elementary School: Building on foundational skills with games including “Treasure Hunt” that tap into your dog’s evolutionary instincts whilst relieving boredom
- High School: Developing impulse control and patience through increasingly challenging mental exercises
- College Level: Advanced problem-solving activities that significantly boost your dog’s cognitive abilities
- University Module: Confidence-building exercises including “Hide and Seek,” “Look at That,” and “Hot and Cold” games
- Graduation: Your dog learns to respond to verbal cues, pick up toys by name, and maintain focus even in distracting environments
- Einstein Level: The pinnacle of training, teaching impressive skills like tidying up toys and even playing a miniature piano
Bonus Resources:
- Behaviour Training for Dogs course (included free) specifically addressing common frustrations like whining, digging, and excessive barking
- 21 interactive brain games and activities
- Over 300 articles covering nearly every conceivable behaviour problem
- 7 trick training videos teaching fun skills like rolling over, dancing, and shaking hands
- Access to exclusive members’ area with community forum
- Direct support from Adrienne and her expert team through “Ask Adrienne” feature
- In-depth case studies showing real-world applications
- Troubleshooting guides for when you encounter difficulties
- Lifetime access to all future updates
Pros: What Makes This Programme Stand Out
1. Remarkably Affordable Compared to Traditional Training
At £67 for lifetime access, Brain Training for Dogs costs less than a single one-hour session with most private dog trainers in the UK. You’re essentially getting a complete training library for the price of one consultation.
2. Well-Structured, Progressive Approach
The school-style format ensures you’re not overwhelmed. Each module builds logically on the previous one, with clear grading systems (A-F) to help you assess whether your dog is ready to progress. This structured approach removes the guesswork from training.
3. Science-Based Positive Reinforcement Methods
The programme is grounded in modern, science-backed training philosophy. Rather than using dominance or punishment (which can damage your dog’s confidence and your relationship), it uses reward-based methods that actually strengthen your bond whilst improving behaviour.
4. Lifetime Access with One-Time Payment
Unlike subscription-based programmes, you pay once and have permanent access to all materials, including any future updates Adrienne adds. This is particularly valuable if you get another dog in the future or need to refresh your training.
5. Works for Multiple Dogs of Any Age or Breed
Whether you have a Border Collie puppy or a senior rescue Labrador, the programme adapts to your dog’s current skill level. The progressive structure means you can start wherever your dog is currently at.
6. Active Community and Expert Support
The members’ forum provides a supportive community of fellow dog owners, whilst the “Ask Adrienne” feature gives you access to professional guidance when you’re stuck. This ongoing support is invaluable for troubleshooting specific issues.
Cons: The Programme’s Limitations
1. Requires Consistent Owner Effort
This isn’t a magic solution where you simply watch videos and your dog transforms overnight. You need to actively participate, practise regularly, and remain patient. If you’re looking for a quick fix or want someone else to do the work, this isn’t the right choice.
2. Video Quality Feels Somewhat Dated
Whilst the content is excellent, some users report that the video production quality isn’t as polished as modern YouTube tutorials. The videos get the job done, but don’t expect cinema-quality production values.
3. Basic Modules May Be Too Elementary for Experienced Trainers
If you’re already well-versed in positive reinforcement training and your dog has solid foundational skills, you may find the early modules overly simplistic. That said, most users still find value in the advanced levels and bonus materials.
4. Online-Only Format
Everything is digital—there are no printed manuals included. Whilst you can print the PDFs yourself, some people prefer physical books they can reference whilst training outdoors or away from screens.
5. Website Navigation Can Be Confusing
Several reviewers mention that the sales page uses an infinite scroll design with dense text, making it difficult to find specific information or the purchase button. Once you’re inside the members’ area, however, navigation improves significantly.
6. Not Suitable for Severe Behavioural Issues
If your dog has serious aggression, severe anxiety, reactivity, or resource guarding problems, this programme alone may not be sufficient. These issues typically require one-on-one work with a qualified behaviourist or veterinary behaviourist.
Who Should Buy Brain Training for Dogs?
This programme is ideal for:
- First-time dog owners struggling with common behaviour issues like jumping, pulling, or attention-seeking
- Budget-conscious owners who can’t afford ongoing private training sessions
- Self-paced learners who prefer working through materials at their own speed from home
- Positive reinforcement enthusiasts who want science-backed, force-free methods
- Owners seeking mental stimulation for intelligent, energetic, or easily bored dogs
- People with multiple dogs who want training resources they can reuse
It’s particularly brilliant for dogs whose “bad behaviour” stems from boredom rather than deep-rooted anxiety or aggression. If your dog is simply understimulated and needs a productive outlet for their mental energy, this programme excels.
The Verdict
Brain Training for Dogs offers exceptional value for money. At less than the cost of a single in-person training session, you receive a comprehensive library of training resources, lifetime access to an active community, and direct support from a certified professional trainer.
The programme’s greatest strength lies in its understanding that most behavioural problems stem from mental understimulation rather than “dominance” or “stubbornness.” By engaging your dog’s intelligence through fun, challenging games, you’re not just addressing symptoms—you’re tackling the root cause of many common issues.
Yes, the video quality could be better, and the website navigation leaves something to be desired. But these are minor inconveniences compared to the programme’s substance. The training methods are sound, the progression is logical, and the community support is genuinely helpful.
The 60-day money-back guarantee removes virtually all risk. If the programme doesn’t suit your situation, you can request a full refund—no questions asked.
For most dog owners dealing with typical behavioural challenges, Brain Training for Dogs represents an affordable, effective, and humane training solution that delivers real results when applied consistently.
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Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe offer value.