Brain Training for Dogs Review 2026: Honest Breakdown
Brain Training for Dogs has been one of the top-rated online dog training courses since 2016. With over 300,000 customers and a certified trainer behind it, it's worth a serious look. Here's an honest review after going through the full program.
Who Created It?
Adrienne Farricelli is a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer (Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed), the highest standardized credential in the training industry. She has been published in USA Today and contributes to various veterinary and dog behavior publications. This is a real credentials-based program, not an anonymous ebook.
What's Inside the Course
The course is structured as a curriculum from beginner to advanced, organized around what Adrienne calls the "school model":
| Level | Content |
|---|---|
| Preschool | Focus, name recognition, hand targeting, basic engagement |
| Elementary | Sit, down, stay, come — all 5 foundation commands |
| High School | Leash manners, leave it, impulse control |
| College | Advanced commands, distance work, tricks |
| University | Complex behaviors, problem solving games |
| Einstein | Advanced cognitive games, highest-level problem solving |
Plus dedicated modules on: barking, jumping, chewing, separation anxiety, potty training, and aggression.
The "Brain Training" Approach
What differentiates this course from basic command training is the emphasis on cognitive enrichment. Adrienne's approach is that many behavior problems come from under-stimulated dogs. The games are designed to challenge the dog mentally, not just physically — which reduces problem behaviors at their root cause.
What Works Well
- Video demonstrations for every exercise — no guessing about technique
- Progressive difficulty — you can't skip ahead and create gaps
- The problem behavior modules are practical and specific
- Positive-only methods — no equipment that can harm or frighten the dog
- Active member community with trainer responses
What's Less Ideal
- Primarily digital — some people prefer a physical book
- The higher-level "Einstein" content is more entertaining than practical for most pet owners
- Severe aggression or complex behavioral issues need in-person professional support
Who It's Best For
- New dog owners wanting a structured start
- Owners of adult dogs with specific behavior problems
- Anyone who has tried basic training but wants to go deeper
- Owners of high-energy, high-intelligence breeds (Border Collies, German Shepherds, Huskies, Poodles)
Verdict
Brain Training for Dogs is a well-structured, legitimate dog training course built on sound behavioral science. For the price of a single in-person training session, you get a comprehensive curriculum covering basic through advanced training plus problem behaviors. The 60-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free to try.
Brain Training for Dogs
By Adrienne Farricelli, CPDT-KA · 300,000+ dogs trained · 60-day guarantee
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