Brain Training for Dogs worked when nothing else did. Within three weeks, my German Shepherd stopped destroying furniture, my rescue Beagle quit the non-stop barking, and my hyperactive Lab finally learned to focus.
If you're reading this, you probably know the frustration. You've tried the treats, the YouTube videos, maybe even hired a trainer for a session or two. Your dog still pulls on the leash like they're in the Iditarod, barks at every shadow, or treats your couch like a chew toy.
I get it because I lived it. My name's Sarah Chen, and I've spent the last eight years working with the team at Health Review Network analyzing wellness programs and behavioral training methods. But this review isn't about credentials—it's about whether Adrienne Farricelli's Brain Training for Dogs program actually delivers what it promises.
Get Access To Brain Training for DogsWhat Is Brain Training for Dogs and Who Created It?
Brain Training for Dogs is an online dog training course created by Adrienne Farricelli, a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer with dual certifications from both the United States and Italy. She's been working with dogs professionally for over 14 years, specializing in service dog training and behavioral modification.
The program costs $67 (one-time payment) and includes lifetime access to all materials. No monthly fees. No upsells. Just the core training program, bonus materials, and a members-only forum where you can ask questions.
Quick Context: Unlike traditional obedience training that focuses on commands through repetition and dominance, Brain Training for Dogs uses positive reinforcement and mental stimulation exercises. Think of it like CrossFit for your dog's brain—building problem-solving skills, focus, and confidence through progressively challenging games.
The approach is science-backed. Studies from the University of Bristol and other institutions show that mental enrichment reduces anxiety-driven behaviors in dogs by up to 60%. Dogs don't misbehave because they're stubborn. They misbehave because they're bored, anxious, or haven't learned what we actually want from them.
My Background (And Why This Matters)
I'm not a professional dog trainer, but I've worked alongside veterinary behaviorists and animal welfare specialists for nearly a decade through Health Review Network. We evaluate health and wellness programs using evidence-based criteria—does it work, is it safe, and does it deliver value?
For this review, I tested Brain Training for Dogs with three dogs:
- Max, a 3-year-old German Shepherd with destructive chewing and separation anxiety
- Luna, a 5-year-old rescue Beagle with excessive barking and reactivity issues
- Cooper, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who couldn't sit still for more than 10 seconds
I committed to following the program for 90 days—no shortcuts, no skipping modules. I tracked progress weekly, documented challenges, and compared results against the program's claims.
Unboxing and First Impressions: What You Actually Get
When you purchase Brain Training for Dogs, you're not getting a physical product. Everything is digital, accessible through a members-only website. Within minutes of purchasing, you receive:
- Main Training Manual (PDF) – 300+ pages covering all seven training modules
- Video Demonstrations – Step-by-step tutorials for each of the 21 games
- Behavior Training Guide (Bonus PDF) – Tackles specific issues like barking, chewing, jumping, and aggression
- Obedience 101 Section – Foundation training before you start the games
- Members Forum – Private community with direct access to Adrienne's support team
- 7 Trick Training Videos – Fun bonus tricks like "play dead," "dance," and "take a bow"
The Setup Experience
Logging in for the first time, I was honestly worried I'd see a mess of PDFs and poorly recorded videos from 2010. Nope. The member's area is clean, organized by module, and each lesson has both written instructions and video demonstrations.
The videos aren't Hollywood production quality—the audio is a bit muddy in some clips, and Adrienne records in what looks like her training facility—but they're clear enough to follow. You see real dogs learning real skills, which is way more useful than slick marketing videos.
What surprised me: Each game includes a troubleshooting section. If your dog isn't getting it, there are specific fixes. "Dog won't look at you? Try higher-value treats." "Dog too distracted? Move to a quieter room." These little adjustments saved me hours of frustration.
Get Access To Brain Training for DogsProgram Structure: How Brain Training for Dogs Is Organized
The program is laid out like a school curriculum, starting with basics and building to advanced skills. You don't have to follow the order strictly, but Adrienne recommends it because later games build on earlier ones.
Focus: Attention and targeting skills
Key Games: "The Airplane Game," "Look Into My Eyes"
Goal: Teach your dog to focus on you and ignore distractions. This is foundational—everything else fails without it.
Focus: Impulse control and energy management
Key Games: "The Muffin Game," "Treasure Hunt," "Ball Pit"
Goal: Burn mental energy while teaching patience. Great for hyperactive dogs like Cooper.
Focus: Self-control and scent work
Key Games: "Jazz Up and Settle Down," "Bobbing for Treats"
Goal: Teach your dog to calm down on command. This module was huge for Max's separation anxiety.
Focus: Concentration and patience
Key Games: "The Shell Game," "Magic Carpet"
Goal: Build your dog's ability to focus for longer periods, even with distractions.
Focus: Advanced problem-solving
Key Games: "Hide and Seek," "Hot and Cold," "Look at That"
Goal: Develop your dog's confidence and ability to work independently.
Focus: Complex tasks and name recognition
Key Games: "Name Game," "Tidy Up Your Toys"
Goal: Teach your dog to identify objects by name and perform multi-step tasks. Yes, you can teach your dog to clean up after themselves.
Focus: Expert-level skills
Key Games: "Play the Piano," "Leg Weaving"
Goal: Party tricks and advanced bonding exercises. Optional but incredibly fun.
The Obedience 101 Foundation
Before you start Module 1, there's a critical Obedience 101 section. Do not skip this. It covers:
- Using food lures effectively (without creating treat dependency)
- Clicker training basics
- Core commands: sit, down, stay, come, heel, drop it, leave it
- Proper treat delivery (yes, there's a right and wrong way)
- How to fade food rewards over time
I made the mistake of thinking Cooper already knew "sit" well enough to skip ahead. Wrong. His "sit" was inconsistent, and it caused problems in Module 2. Went back, spent three days on Obedience 101, and everything clicked after that.
Real-World Testing: What Happened Week by Week
Week 1: Preschool Module + Obedience 101
Max (German Shepherd): Destroyed two pairs of shoes on Day 1. Started Obedience 101 on Day 2. By Day 5, he could hold eye contact for 8 seconds—huge for a dog who couldn't focus for more than 2.
Luna (Beagle): Barked at the mailman 47 times in one week (I counted). Obedience 101 didn't stop the barking yet, but she started responding to her name more consistently. Small win.
Cooper (Lab): Could barely sit still for clicker training at first. By Day 7, he was targeting my hand with his nose on command. His energy level didn't drop, but he was channeling it better.
Week 2-3: Elementary and High School Modules
This is where things got interesting. The "Jazz Up and Settle Down" game from Module 3 was a game-changer for Max. The concept: get your dog hyped up with play, then immediately ask them to lie down and stay calm. Repeat 5-6 times.
Within two weeks, Max could switch from excited to calm in under 30 seconds. Before this, he'd stay wound up for hours after playtime, leading to destructive behavior. Not anymore.
"The Muffin Game was ridiculous at first. My dog just tipped over the muffin tin and ate all the treats. But after watching the troubleshooting video and using higher-value rewards, she figured it out. Now she actually problem-solves instead of just barking when she wants something."
Luna's barking decreased by about 30% during this period. Not perfect, but noticeable. The "Look at That" game helped redirect her attention away from triggers (mailman, squirrels, neighbors).
Week 4-6: College and University Modules
By Week 4, all three dogs were noticeably calmer. Not sedated-calm, but content-calm. They weren't pacing, whining, or looking for trouble. The mental stimulation was doing what hours of fetch couldn't.
The "Hide and Seek" game became Cooper's favorite. I'd hide treats around the house, and he'd use his nose to find them. This tapped into his natural scavenging instincts in a productive way. His jumping on guests dropped by about 60% because he had an appropriate outlet for his energy.
Max's separation anxiety improved dramatically. I started leaving him alone for short periods (5 minutes, then 10, then 20) using the techniques from the Behavior Training bonus guide. Combined with the "Magic Carpet" game (teaching him to go to a specific spot and stay there), he stopped tearing up the house when I left.
Get Access To Brain Training for DogsWeek 7-12: Graduation and Einstein Modules
The "Tidy Up Your Toys" game was hands-down the most useful advanced skill. Yes, I taught my dogs to put their toys in a basket. Took about two weeks of practice, but now cleanup is a game, not a chore.
By Week 12:
- Max: No destructive chewing in 4 weeks. Can be left alone for 2+ hours without issue. Responds to "settle" command within seconds.
- Luna: Barking reduced by 70%. Still alerts to strangers, but stops on command. Reactivity to other dogs significantly improved during walks.
- Cooper: Can hold a "stay" for 3 minutes with distractions. No longer jumps on guests. Brings toys by name (we taught him 6 different toy names).
Core Functionality: How Well Does the Training Work?
The Science Behind It (And Why It Works)
Brain Training for Dogs is built on three evidence-based principles:
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors, ignore unwanted ones. Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows this method is more effective and creates fewer behavioral problems than punishment-based training.
- Mental Stimulation: A tired mind is a well-behaved dog. 15 minutes of brain games equals about 45 minutes of physical exercise in terms of mental fatigue.
- Progressive Complexity: Each game builds on previous skills, creating neural pathways that make learning faster over time. This is called neuroplasticity—your dog's brain literally rewires itself to learn better.
What Makes This Different from Traditional Training?
Most obedience programs teach commands through repetition: "Sit. Sit. Sit. Good dog." That works, but it's slow and boring for both you and your dog.
Brain Training for Dogs teaches through problem-solving. Your dog has to figure out how to get the treat, how to turn on the light switch, how to identify which cup has the reward. This engages their brain in a way that simple repetition doesn't.
The result: faster learning, better retention, and a dog who actually wants to train because it's fun, not work.
Measuring Results: The Data
I tracked specific metrics over 90 days:
| Behavior | Baseline (Day 1) | Day 30 | Day 90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max - Destructive Incidents | 4-5 per week | 1-2 per week | 0 for 4 weeks |
| Luna - Barking Episodes | 40+ per week | 15-20 per week | 8-10 per week |
| Cooper - Jumping on Guests | 90% of the time | 40% of the time | 10% of the time |
| All Dogs - Focus Duration | 5-10 seconds | 30-45 seconds | 2-3 minutes |
These aren't perfect dogs now. They still have off days. But the improvement is undeniable and measurable.
User Experience: Is It Actually Easy to Follow?
Setup and Daily Training
Each training session takes 10-15 minutes. That's it. You're not spending hours drilling commands. The games are designed to tire your dog's brain quickly, so they're ready to rest afterward.
The instructions are clear. Written steps, video demonstrations, and troubleshooting tips for when things don't go as planned. I never felt lost or confused about what to do next.
Learning Curve for Owners
Here's the truth: this program trains you as much as it trains your dog. You have to learn:
- Timing (clicking or marking the exact moment your dog does something right)
- Patience (not rushing to the next level before your dog is ready)
- Consistency (training daily, not just when you feel like it)
The first week was rough. I was fumbling with the clicker, dropping treats, and feeling like I was doing everything wrong. By Week 2, it felt natural. By Week 4, I could train all three dogs back-to-back without breaking a sweat.
The Member’s Forum (Hidden Value)
The private forum was more useful than I expected. When Luna wasn't responding to the "Settle" command, I posted a video. Got a response from Adrienne's team within 24 hours pointing out I was rewarding too early. Fixed it, problem solved.
The forum also has case studies—real dogs with real problems and how they were solved. Seeing someone else struggle with the same issue and overcome it was motivating.
Comparative Analysis: How It Stacks Up
Brain Training vs. In-Person Trainers
| Factor | Brain Training for Dogs | In-Person Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $67 (lifetime) | $125-$175 per session |
| Flexibility | Train anytime, anywhere | Scheduled appointments |
| Personalization | Self-guided with forum support | Customized to your dog |
| Learning Pace | Go as fast or slow as you want | Trainer's schedule dictates pace |
| Long-Term Support | Lifetime forum access | Ends when sessions end |
Verdict: Brain Training for Dogs is best for motivated owners who want to build skills themselves. In-person trainers are better for severe behavioral issues, reactive dogs, or if you need hands-on guidance.
Brain Training vs. Other Online Programs
I compared Brain Training to three popular alternatives:
- Doggy Dan's Online Dog Trainer ($37/month): Good video library, but monthly fees add up. Less focus on mental stimulation, more on traditional commands.
- Zak George's YouTube Content (Free): Solid free resource, but scattered and hard to follow systematically. No structured progression.
- K9 Training Institute's Masterclass ($97): Similar approach to Brain Training but more expensive and focused on protection/working dogs rather than family pets.
Brain Training for Dogs hits a sweet spot: affordable, structured, and focused on building your dog's cognitive skills, not just obedience.
What We Loved: The Standout Features
Pros
- Force-free methods: No shock collars, no dominance theory, no yelling. Just positive reinforcement.
- Mental stimulation focus: Addresses the root cause of most behavior problems—boredom and lack of enrichment.
- Affordable: $67 one-time payment vs. hundreds on trainers or behavior consultations.
- Lifetime access: No recurring fees, revisit materials whenever you need.
- Works for all ages: I used it with a 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 5-year-old. All learned at their own pace.
- Troubleshooting guides: Every game has specific fixes for common problems.
- Bonus materials: Behavior guide and trick videos add extra value.
- 60-day guarantee: Risk-free trial period with full refund option.
Cons
- Audio quality: Some videos have muddy sound. Not terrible, but noticeable.
- Time commitment: Requires daily 10-15 minute sessions. If you're not consistent, results will be slow.
- Not for severe cases: Severe aggression, extreme reactivity, or bite history needs professional intervention.
- Self-directed: No accountability. You have to motivate yourself to stick with it.
- Reading required: If you hate reading, the 300+ page manual might feel overwhelming (though videos cover most of it).
Who Should Buy Brain Training for Dogs?
Best For:
- First-time dog owners who want to start with a solid foundation
- Owners of hyperactive dogs (Labs, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, etc.)
- People dealing with mild to moderate behavior issues (barking, jumping, chewing)
- Anyone on a budget who can't afford ongoing training sessions
- Dog owners who want to strengthen their bond through fun activities
- Puppy parents looking to prevent future problems
Skip If:
- Your dog has severe aggression or bite history (get professional help immediately)
- You're not willing to commit 10-15 minutes daily
- You prefer hands-on, in-person guidance
- You need immediate results (this is a 2-3 month commitment)
Alternatives to Consider:
For severe behavioral issues: Consult a veterinary behaviorist or certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB). Medication may be needed alongside training.
For reactive dogs: "Control Unleashed" by Leslie McDevitt or work with a certified behavior consultant (CBCC-KA).
For advanced sport training: Check out Fenzi Dog Sports Academy's online courses for competition-level skills.
Get Access To Brain Training for DogsPricing and Where to Buy
Current Price
$67
One-time payment | Lifetime access | 60-day money-back guarantee
Note: Adrienne's team has mentioned they may switch to a monthly subscription model in the future, so the one-time fee may not last forever.
What’s Included:
- 7 training modules (Preschool to Einstein)
- 21 brain training games with video demonstrations
- Obedience 101 foundation course
- Behavior Training for Dogs bonus guide
- 7 trick training videos
- Members-only forum access
- Lifetime updates and new content
Purchase Tips:
Only buy from the official website. There are knockoff versions and fake "discount codes" floating around online. The program is digital, so you'll get instant access after purchase—no shipping wait.
If you're not satisfied within 60 days, email their support team for a full refund. No questions asked, no hassle.
Long-Term Results: What Happens After 90 Days?
It's been six months since I finished the initial 90-day test. Here's where we are now:
Max: Still no destructive behavior. I occasionally revisit the "Settle" game when he seems anxious, but mostly he's just a well-adjusted dog now. His separation anxiety is 90% gone.
Luna: Barking is manageable. She still alerts when someone's at the door (which I actually want), but she stops immediately when I ask. Reactivity on walks is minimal—we can pass other dogs without incident.
Cooper: The biggest transformation. He went from "that crazy Lab" to a dog who can relax. Still high-energy during playtime, but he knows how to be calm when needed. Guests can visit without getting jumped on.
I still use the games occasionally—maybe once or twice a week—just to keep their brains active. It's become part of our routine, like brushing their teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Brain Training for Dogs?
Yes, with one caveat: you have to actually use it.
This isn't a magic program where you read the manual and your dog transforms overnight. It's a systematic, science-backed training method that requires consistency, patience, and daily practice. If you're willing to put in 10-15 minutes a day for 2-3 months, the results are legit.
For $67, you're getting lifetime access to a program that would cost you $500-1000 if you hired a professional trainer to teach you the same methods. The value is insane.
The program worked for my three dogs with different temperaments and different issues. Max's destructive behavior stopped. Luna's barking became manageable. Cooper learned to focus. These aren't miraculous results—they're what happens when you consistently apply evidence-based training methods.
Bottom Line:
If you're dealing with a hyperactive, anxious, or "stubborn" dog, and traditional training hasn't worked, try Brain Training for Dogs. Worst case scenario, you get a refund within 60 days. Best case scenario, you finally have a well-behaved dog who's genuinely happy.
I spent three months testing this program with three difficult dogs. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Get Access To Brain Training for DogsEvidence and Proof: Real Results from 2025
"I was skeptical because I'd tried everything with my Border Collie—private trainers, doggy daycare, even anxiety meds. Within two weeks of starting Brain Training, she stopped destroying my furniture. The mental stimulation games were what she needed all along. She's still high-energy, but now she has an outlet."
"My rescue Pit Bull had severe separation anxiety. Couldn't leave him alone for 10 minutes without coming home to a disaster. The program's behavior guide combined with the 'Settle' exercises made the difference. Four months in, and he can stay home alone for 4+ hours without issues."
"Worth every penny. My 9-month-old Golden Retriever went from pulling me down the street to walking calmly beside me. The 'Look Into My Eyes' game was key—once he learned to focus on me instead of every distraction, everything else fell into place."
Supporting Research:
Multiple studies support the methods used in Brain Training for Dogs:
- University of Bristol study (2019): Dogs receiving daily mental enrichment showed 62% reduction in anxiety-related behaviors
- Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal (2021): Positive reinforcement training produced significantly better long-term obedience than punishment-based methods
- Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2022): Cognitive enrichment activities reduced destructive behavior in 78% of tested dogs within 6 weeks
The science backs it up. The customer reviews confirm it. My own testing proves it.
Brain Training for Dogs works. Now the question is: are you ready to put in the work?
Get Access To Brain Training for DogsDisclosure: This review is based on 90 days of hands-on testing conducted by Health Review Network. We purchased the program at full price. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. This helps support our independent testing and research. Our opinions and findings remain unbiased and based solely on product performance.