Greetings, I’m Sarah Welsh, a certified dog trainer residing on a Texas farm alongside a horse, 2 cats, and 3 Australian Shepherds. Today, I’ll be providing an honest evaluation of the online dog training course, Brain Training For Dogs, addressing the question of whether it’s feasible to independently train your dog through online modules and videos, coming from the standpoint of a seasoned dog trainer.

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Admittedly, with over 25 years of experience as a dog trainer and animal professional, I tend to approach online training courses with skepticism. Having worked closely with numerous dogs, it’s challenging to envision an inexperienced dog owner succeeding without assistance when introducing new concepts.

Throughout my career, I’ve actively guided my students, resulting in them becoming therapy teams, show dogs, and AKC Canine Good Citizens. My hands-on approach to learning and problem-solving makes me somewhat uncertain about online programs. However, this Brain Training For Dogs review aims to instill confidence in online dog training programs.

So, what exactly is “Brain Training for Dogs“? According to its creator, dog trainer Adrienne Farricelli, it’s about “developing your dog’s intelligence.” Essentially, it involves training your dog through force-free activities crafted to stimulate their mind. Brain Training for Dogs employs a set of 21 enjoyable games to achieve this objective. The five course modules progress from easier to advanced, mirroring traditional education levels: Preschool, Elementary, High School, College, University, Graduation, and Einstein.

To grasp the program’s essence, you can watch the introductory video.

Now, let’s delve into my detailed Brain Training For Dogs Review!

Science-Based Canine Training

To initiate my assessment of Brain Training For Dogs, it is crucial to examine the foundational principles that underpin the program.

Various dog training ideologies exist, with some advocating “pack theory,” while others endorse a science-based approach, which is the focus of the Brain Training for Dogs course. Recent findings indicate that pack theory training is not the most effective method, as dogs differ significantly from wolves, and the original research supporting pack theory was conducted on captive wolves with relationships distinct from those in the wild.

The evolution of training methods parallels the transformation of wolves into dogs. Although positive training is now prevalent, trainers in the 90s and earlier relied on punitive techniques, employing tools like choke chains and pinch collars. As a former zookeeper with experience training diverse species, I endorse science-based training for its universal, positive, and comprehensible nature. A simple internet search for “clicker training chickens” exemplifies its versatility.

So, what exactly is “science-based training“? In essence, it involves shaping desired behaviors through a consistent, conditioned marker. Drawing inspiration from Pavlov’s dogs, where Ivan Pavlov observed dogs salivating in response to a metronome, science-based dog training emerged through classical conditioning, promoting positive and universal methods. As a progressive trainer, I emphasize the importance of keeping dogs mentally stimulated to prevent undesirable behaviors, as evidenced by the engaging games in this course.

Adrienne Farricelli, The Dog Trainer

Moving on to the founder of Brain Training For Dogs, Adrienne Farricelli holds impressive qualifications, having studied dog training in Italy and earned the CPDT-KA (Certified Pet Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) credential in the USA. This credential requires meeting stringent criteria, including a minimum number of hours spent training dogs, passing a rigorous national exam, and providing a veterinarian reference. Continuous education is mandatory to retain this credential, ensuring trainers stay updated on the latest developments in dog training.

Adrienne’s contributions include articles in well-known publications like USA Today.

Honest Review of Brain Training For Dogs

Now armed with an understanding of the course’s methodology and its creator, let’s delve into the Brain Training For Dogs review itself. The website offers a free game and informative articles from the outset, creating an accessible and user-friendly experience. The “Airplane Game” is a notable example, providing a glimpse into the course through an engaging module.

Navigating the website is straightforward, and while the course information page is extensive, it contains valuable insights amid the sales pitch. Upon purchase, a behavior training guide is included, featuring a video illustrating positive, force-free methods to discourage jumping.

It’s worth noting that many dog owners seek training assistance for less-than-ideal behavior, making the behavior guide a valuable resource. However, emphasis on obedience training is crucial.

Format of the Dog Training Course

The course’s format receives praise in this review for its structured progression, where games and skills build upon each other. Modules follow a logical sequence, with the College module posing greater challenges for those who haven’t completed earlier sections.

An organized introduction page for each module links to individual lessons, facilitating seamless navigation. Each lesson’s top section outlines required items, and the page includes forward and back buttons for easy progression. Clear visuals, including diagrams and text bubbles, enhance comprehension. Important tips stand out in a different color, and post-lesson tips and hover-over glossary terms contribute to a comprehensive learning experience. The course concludes with a printable glossary.

Quality of Lessons in Brain Training For Dogs

To conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Brain Training For Dogs, I thoroughly examined the actual content provided in the course.

The course commences with an introductory module designed to facilitate successful training. Following the introduction, there are Obedience lessons, which I found enjoyable and easy to follow. Adrienne offers various training methods, including the use of props, which proves helpful for solo training sessions. A standout lesson in the Obedience section is “Take It/Leave It,” addressing a crucial aspect often overlooked – your dog’s health and well-being.

Trainer’s Tip: Obedience lessons should not be skipped, even if your dog is familiar with the basics. A periodic review and refinement are always beneficial, and some of these skills are prerequisites for success in later games.

The subsequent module after Obedience is labeled “Preschool.” Despite its name, this stage assumes a foundation of obedience. Preschool lessons cover target training and two attention games, pivotal for future success. Adopting a building block training approach, it’s advisable to progress sequentially and ensure your dog demonstrates a solid understanding before moving forward.

Moving on to “Elementary,” your dog engages in enjoyable games like the “muffin tin” and “ball pit.” Adrienne recommends “high-value” treats for times when motivation is challenging. Notably, the “ball pit” game may require substitutions, and investing in a 12-pack of tennis balls is suggested.

An Extra Thought: The ball pit game may not be as enjoyable if the necessary items are not readily available. While substitutions are provided, the experience may differ.

Progressing to “High School,” your dog learns to calm down on cue, and games serve as the foundation for scent work. Scent work is not only enjoyable but also mentally and physically engaging, providing purpose for your dog.

After “High School” comes the “College” module, featuring more scent work and games promoting patience and building confidence.

An Additional Consideration: While some games in this module may seem less crucial, “Open Sesame” stands out as it imparts a vital and potentially life-saving skill. The program’s inclusion of training for critical behavioral skills distinguishes it from others.

Advancing from “College” to “University,” your dog encounters more advanced concepts. The information is presented in an easily understandable format, with the “Hide and Seek” game proving valuable for search and rescue or service dog training.

Following these modules, “Graduation” and “Einstein” (Genius) introduce games that enhance scent discrimination, prepare your dog for agility training, and teach interesting tricks.

An Extra Consideration: While these advanced lessons may not be necessary for a well-behaved dog, they prove beneficial for those pursuing agility training, retrieving, search and rescue, service dog training, or other advanced programs.

Additional Information About Brain Training For Dogs!

There are a couple of noteworthy aspects worth mentioning in this Brain Training For Dogs review. Firstly, the membership includes a wealth of information categorized into Puppy Training, Behavior Problems, and Case Studies.

This information is not presented in the same lesson format as the Brain Games course but consists of informative and detailed articles without overwhelming complexity.

An Additional Insight: Compared to technical and information-heavy dog training books, Adrienne’s articles are straightforward and easy to comprehend.

Each topic is a comprehensive class, covering aspects like potty training, socializing, puppy learning and development stages, and addressing unwanted behaviors in the Puppy Training section.

The section regarding toilet training is comprehensive yet easily understandable. Adrienne presents seven potty training strategies and troubleshooting tips.

Under the Behavior topic, a menu offers five choices: whining, barking, jumping, digging, and chewing. Some of these options include subtopics, making it more convenient to address specific problems. For instance, under whining, there are four subtopics catering to various types of whining.

Adrienne incorporates examples of dog body language, crucial for every dog owner to comprehend. She reinforces these examples in lessons where the behaviors are most likely to manifest.

An Additional Note: While the behavioral information is extensive, it lacks a structured course format compared to other sections.

Real-life Results from Brain Training For Dogs!

As a dog trainer, my preferred section is the Case Studies. Adrienne introduces two dogs in this section, showcasing their negative behaviors through videos along with explanations for potential causes. The videos also detail the techniques Adrienne used to train these dogs, providing valuable insights. Observing the dogs’ progress and witnessing Adrienne apply her methods to unfamiliar dogs is both educational and enjoyable.

Additionally, there are real-life examples from dog enthusiasts who have purchased the program, featured on the sales page, available HERE. Leah Spaulding, a writer for OfficiallyPets, has also started using the program to train her dog Bean. Their journey with weekly updates and Leah’s review of Brain Training For Dogs can be found HERE:

Overall, the reviews of Brain Training For Dogs appear to be highly positive.

You can also watch Adrienne Farricelli applying her skills to a whining rescue dog in the video below.

How Much Does Brain Training For Dogs Cost?

Considering the extensive sales pitch, I anticipated a substantial cost for the course. Evaluating the cost of any training program involves considering factors such as ease of follow-through, time commitment, the experience of the trainer, methods employed, and available support.

Given that the program is structured like the school system, I thought it would be fitting to grade the course based on these criteria. Let’s explore each consideration in more detail to conclude my Brain Training For Dogs review!

– Is it easy to follow?

A self-training program should provide clear directions that are easy to follow, especially since there isn’t a trainer present to address questions. Clarity is crucial, and the course information is presented in a clear manner, earning it an “easy to follow” score of A.

– What is the time commitment?

An effective training program should break lessons down into 10-15 minute sessions, accommodating busy lives. With lessons structured as quickly paced games, this course receives a time commitment grade of A.

– Is it taught by an experienced trainer whose methods I agree with?

Alignment with the trainer’s methods is a significant factor in any dog training program. Adrienne’s methods are science-based and positive, lacking any harsh techniques. With her extensive experience and certification, this course receives an “experienced trainer” grade of A.

– Is there personalized support?

Personalized support is crucial for accommodating the unique learning styles of both dogs and their owners. While the course mentions email support for members, lacking direct experience with the support system, it receives a personalized support grade of B.

An Additional Note: Offering in-person or live video messaging options for an A grade in this category would be ideal. However, the abundance of additional material may provide answers without needing direct contact.

– Bottom Line: Is Brain Training for Dogs Worth It?

A search for books on brain training for dogs resulted in only a handful of options, priced at $19.95 MSRP. Behavior modification books were slightly more expensive, around $25 MSRP, and dog training DVDs ranged from $18 to $20 and above.

To obtain a comprehensive training guide, a behavior guide, and videos, one would typically spend around $60. However, this cost does not include the convenience of having all the information in one easy-to-use format along with additional resources.

In contrast, Brain Training for Dogs is priced at only $47, inclusive of the supplementary materials.

In my assessment, the course is well worth the price. If you become a member and find it doesn’t meet your expectations, there is a money-back guarantee, demonstrating the trainer’s commitment to standing behind her work.

Trainer’s Tip: While Brain Training for Dogs provides valuable information for most dogs, seeking professional help is essential if your dog displays signs of extreme or dangerous aggression toward people or other animals. Professional assistance is irreplaceable when safety is a concern.

Final Thoughts for My Brain Training for Dogs Review

Approaching the conclusion of this comprehensive review of Brain Training for Dogs, my ultimate recommendation is to highly endorse this course for anyone seeking a fun, meaningful, and straightforward approach to dog training. The designed games facilitate the progression of your dog’s skills in an easy-to-follow format without unnecessary jargon.

While some game items may not be readily available, they are easily sourced new or used, and Adrienne offers suitable substitutions. Although I advocate for one-on-one training with a professional, this program serves as an excellent substitute when attending a class becomes challenging due to commitments or limited options.

What I Love About It:

Adrienne addresses common training issues upfront, and by following the modules in order, you can expect a well-behaved and mentally stimulated dog.

Support is offered via email, and the archives likely contain answers to various issues.

Overall, it offers a wealth of knowledge at a very reasonable price.

Thank you for reading my Brain Training for Dogs Review! If you haven’t already, you can check it out by clicking here!