Independent Review · Updated August 2026

Does "Brain Training" Actually Fix Bad Dog Behavior — Or Is It Just Marketing?

We checked the trainer's real credentials, went through the full curriculum, and cross-referenced independent reviews before recommending Brain Training for Dogs to anyone.

8 min read·Reader-supported, independent review
See What's Inside the Course →
7 ModulesSTRUCTURED CURRICULUM
$67ONE-TIME PAYMENT
60 DaysMONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
CPDT-KACERTIFIED TRAINER

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Our Quick Take

4.3/5

A structured, sequential curriculum from a trainer whose credentials actually check out — the main tradeoff is that support is email-only, with no live coaching on your dog's specific technique.

Curriculum Structure7 sequential modules, video demo for every game
Trainer CredibilityCPDT-KA certified, independently verifiable
Beginner FriendlinessNo experience needed, but self-paced discipline required
Ongoing SupportEmail support only — no live chat or 1:1 calls

Editorial rating based on the four criteria above, weighed equally — not an aggregate of customer reviews.

Who This Is For

If your dog barks at everything, pulls on the leash, won't settle down, or ignores you the second there's a distraction — this is built for exactly that. It's a self-paced course, not a substitute for in-person help with severe or dangerous behavior (more on that below).

It's aimed at everyday dog owners, not aspiring professional trainers. You don't need prior experience — the curriculum is laid out in order, from foundational games to more advanced ones, and each lesson tells you what you need before you start.

Worth knowing up front: if your dog shows signs of severe or dangerous aggression toward people or other animals, a self-paced course isn't a substitute for in-person professional help. This program is built for common everyday behavior issues, not for safety-critical cases.

Who's Actually Behind This

AF

Adrienne Farricelli, CPDT-KA

Professional dog trainer since 2006, currently based in Arizona. Certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) — a credential that requires documented training hours, a national exam, and a veterinarian reference, plus ongoing continuing education to maintain. Also holds a dog training certification from Italy after a 200+ hour apprenticeship.

Her work has appeared in USA Today, Every Dog Magazine, and the APDT Chronicle of the Dog. She contributed a chapter to a published book on puppy socialization alongside recognized names in canine behavior, ran her own board-and-train business, and has trained service dogs for military veterans.

CPDT-KA Certified Published in USA Today 15+ Years Training Dogs Force-Free Methods

We mention this because a lot of dog training courses online are put together by anonymous "trainers" with no verifiable background. This one isn't — the certification is checkable through the CCPDT registry.

What's Actually Inside

7-Module Game Curriculum

21 games across 7 levels, from foundational attention exercises to advanced tricks — each with video demonstrations.

Obedience & Behavior Archive

Core obedience training plus 100+ articles covering specific problems like barking, chewing, and digging.

Free Bonus Course

"Behavior Training for Dogs" — a shorter guide focused on the most common frustrations: whining, digging, and barking.

Private Member Forum

Access to a community forum and the ability to submit training questions through the support system.

The 7 modules are structured progressively — Preschool through "Einstein" level — so each one builds on the skills from the last rather than jumping around randomly.

How It Compares to the Alternatives

Before recommending a paid course, it's worth being honest about what free content and in-person trainers already offer. Here's how the three main options actually stack up:

  Brain Training for Dogs Free YouTube Videos Private In-Person Trainer
Typical cost $67 one-time Free $50–$150+ per session, ongoing
Structure Sequential 7-module curriculum Scattered, no set order Personalized plan, session by session
Feedback on your dog None — self-paced None Direct, hands-on feedback
Pace Learn anytime, your schedule Learn anytime, your schedule Fixed appointments
Best fit for Common everyday behavior issues General tips, inspiration Severe or safety-critical cases

Swipe left to see the full comparison →

Pros & Cons

What WorksWorth Knowing
Created and taught by a verifiably certified trainer, not an anonymous persona It's self-paced — there's no live coaching or in-person feedback on your dog's specific technique
Force-free, positive-reinforcement methods backed by current training science Some games call for household items you may need to gather first (substitutions are provided)
One-time $67 payment, no recurring membership fee for core access Not a substitute for professional help if your dog has severe or dangerous aggression
Structured, sequential curriculum rather than a random collection of tips Support is via email, not live chat or video calls

Good fit if you...

Are dealing with everyday behavior issues like barking, jumping, leash pulling, or a lack of focus, want a structured program instead of scattered free videos, and are comfortable working through it yourself at home.

See the Full Curriculum Yourself

The fastest way to know if it fits your dog's specific issues is to look at what's actually included.

View Brain Training for Dogs

How We Looked At This

Rather than list generic praise, here's what we actually checked before writing this page:

Common Questions

Is this a one-time payment or a subscription?

One-time payment of $67 for the core course and bonus material. We didn't find a recurring membership charge tied to the main offer.

What if my dog has serious aggression issues?

This course is designed for common, everyday behavior problems — not for dogs showing signs of dangerous aggression toward people or animals. For safety-critical cases, in-person help from a certified professional is the right call, not a self-paced course.

How is this different from free YouTube dog training videos?

YouTube has a huge amount of free content, but it's scattered and not sequenced. This course's main value is structure — a defined order of modules that build on each other, plus troubleshooting guidance specific to each exercise.

Do I need training experience to follow along?

No. The curriculum starts with foundational exercises and progresses step by step, with video demonstrations for each game.

What if it's not what I expected?

Purchases are processed through ClickBank, which offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on this product according to the vendor's order page — check the current terms before buying.

Is this the official Brain Training for Dogs site?

No — this page is an independent review. Clicking through takes you to the official order page to complete any purchase. See our affiliate disclosure for details.

See the Full Course for Yourself

Check the curriculum, the trainer's background, and what's included before you decide.

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