Brain Training for Dogs Review: I Tried It for 8 Weeks — Here’s the Real Truth

Home » Blog » Brain Training for Dogs Review: I Tried It for 8 Weeks — Here’s the Real Truth

Brain Training for Dogs is an online course by CPDT-KA certified trainer Adrienne Farricelli. It contains 21 brain games across 7 skill levels, demo videos, and a private members’ area — all for a one-time cost of $67. It uses positive reinforcement and mental stimulation to fix problem behaviors like barking, chewing, and disobedience. After 8 weeks of real use, we rate it 4.5/5. Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Review Rating Design

4.5

★★★★½
OVERALL
Training effectiveness
4.6
Ease of following
4.5
Value for money
4.8
Trainer credibility
4.7
Video quality
3.7

Let me be upfront. I didn’t go into this as a cheerleader. I went in as someone who had already tried two other online dog courses, wasted money on three training books, and was genuinely starting to wonder if my Lab, Biscuit, was just… untrainable.

Spoiler: he wasn’t. But it took finding the right approach to understand that — and that approach turned out to be this program.

What is Brain Training for Dogs?

Brain Training for Dogs is a digital training program by Adrienne Farricelli, a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer based in Arizona. She’s been training dogs for over 15 years, worked with service dogs for military veterans, and has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog Magazine.

The core idea is different from most courses. Standard training focuses on commands — sit, stay, heel. Useful, but they treat symptoms. Adrienne’s approach targets the root cause of most behavior problems: lack of mental stimulation. Dogs were bred to work. Modern pet dogs sit indoors all day with nothing meaningful to do. That boredom becomes barking, chewing, anxiety, and aggression. The 21 brain games give your dog’s mind actual work to do.

“Today’s dogs suffer from a lack of mental stimulation and quality time spent with their people. The resulting boredom and anxiety can lead to no end of physical and behavioral problems.”—

Dr. J. Coates, Veterinarian

Modules Section

The 7 modules — from preschool to Einstein


Module 1
Preschool
Focus, eye contact, basic responsiveness. Starting point for any dog.
Module 2
Elementary
Targeting and simple problem-solving. Dogs start actively thinking.
Module 3
High school
Memory and multi-step games. Reduces anxiety-driven behaviors.
Module 4
College
Advanced reasoning. Improved impulse control and command focus.
Module 5
University
Complex puzzles. Builds confidence in nervous or reactive dogs.
Module 6
Graduation
Sustained concentration. Great for intelligent breeds who plateau.
Module 7
Einstein
The hardest level. Real problem-solving that pushes cognitive limits.

My 8-week experience — what actually happened

Biscuit is a four-year-old yellow Labrador. Loving, enthusiastic, and — before this program — an absolute handful. Jumping on guests, pulling the leash, barking at anything past the front window, and once, memorably, eating an entire stick of butter off the counter.

Week one: I started with Preschool. The “Look Into My Eyes” game took three ten-minute sessions before Biscuit did it reliably. What struck me wasn’t the result — it was his attitude. He wanted to do it again. He’d never looked at training that way before.

Week three: Moving through Elementary, I noticed things I hadn’t expected. Biscuit was calmer in the evenings. He stopped barking at the mail carrier — not because we worked on that specifically, but because a mentally tired dog is a calm dog.

Week five: The leash pulling had dropped by about 80%. My neighbor asked what training class I’d enrolled him in. I told her: 15 minutes a day, in my backyard, from my iPad.

Week eight: Solidly in the University module. He’s not perfect — he still loses his mind when he sees a squirrel — but he’s a fundamentally different dog to live with. Our walks are actually enjoyable now. That hasn’t been true in four years.

What I liked

Built on real science, not gimmicks

Positive reinforcement isn’t a trend — it’s the most well-researched approach in modern animal behavior science. Adrienne explains why each technique works, which helps you apply it correctly rather than just following steps blindly.

Household items only — no equipment costs

Most games use things you already have: muffin tins, plastic bottles, towels, treats. No specialized gear, no extra spending.

15 minutes a day — genuinely

I was able to fit it in before work or after dinner without it feeling like a chore. Short, focused sessions are the entire design philosophy here — and it works.

Troubleshooting sections are gold

Every game includes guidance for when things go sideways — what to do if your dog loses interest, gets frustrated, or doesn’t understand the cue. This level of anticipatory support is rare and genuinely useful in real-world training.

 Trainer tip

The private members’ forum is more active than you’d expect. I posted a question about leash reactivity and had responses within the day — including one from Adrienne’s support team.

What could be better

Video quality is functional, not cinematic

The training videos are clear enough to follow, but they’re not professionally produced. Audio in some videos is a bit flat. Doesn’t affect the learning, but temper expectations on production value.

Primarily PDF-based

The core material is in PDF guides with supporting videos. If you’re a purely visual learner who needs video as the primary format, this is worth knowing before you buy.

Be realistic

This isn’t a magic wand. Results require consistency. Three sessions and then two weeks off won’t give you results. The program works — but only when you work it daily.

Pricing — what you get for $67

What’s includedValue
Core program — 21 games, 7 modules, video demosIncluded
Behavior Training bonus course$67 value — free
Trick training, Obedience 101, Polishing Up videosIncluded
Adrienne’s archives and case studiesIncluded
Private members’ forumIncluded
Ask Adrienne support accessIncluded
Free lifetime updatesIncluded
60-day money-back guaranteeIncluded
Total cost$67 one-time

Who is this best for?

Owner typeFit?Why
First-time dog ownersGreat fitBeginner-friendly, step-by-step, no experience needed
High-energy breedsGreat fitMental stimulation helps manage boredom-driven behaviors
Rescue dog ownersGreat fitGentle methods build trust with anxious or traumatized dogs
Puppy ownersGreat fitExcellent for building good habits from the start
Expecting instant resultsBe realisticResults take 2–4 weeks; consistency is non-negotiable
Severe aggression casesVet firstIn-person certified behaviorist is safer for dangerous aggression

Final verdict — honest pros and cons

What we love

  • Certified trainer with 15+ years experience
  • Science-backed positive reinforcement
  • 21 games in a clear progression system
  • Works for any breed, age, or size
  • Only needs household items
  • Just 15–20 min per day
  • Troubleshooting guides per game
  • Active community forum
  • $67 one-time — exceptional value
  • 60-day full money-back guarantee

What could be better

  • Video production is functional, not premium
  • Primarily PDF-based content
  • Requires daily consistency to work
  • Not a substitute for in-person help with severe aggression

Ready to transform your dog’s behavior?

Join thousands of dog owners who’ve used Brain Training for Dogs to fix problem behaviors — without punishment, without expensive trainers, and without hours of daily training.

One-time payment of $67 · No monthly fees · Secure ClickBank checkout

🛡 60-day money-back guarantee

🔒 Secure checkout

↻ Free lifetime updates

Frequently asked questions

Is Brain Training for Dogs a scam?

No. It’s a legitimate program by CPDT-KA certified trainer Adrienne Farricelli, sold through ClickBank with a fully honored 60-day money-back guarantee and used by thousands of dog owners worldwide.

How long before I see results?

Most owners report noticeable improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily training (15–20 min/day). Some see small changes within the first few days.

Does it work for older dogs?

Yes. The games are adjustable for energy level and physical ability. Mental stimulation is one of the best ways to support cognitive health in aging dogs.

Is there a monthly fee?

No. It’s a one-time payment of $67. No subscriptions, no hidden charges, and free updates for life.

Do I need special equipment?

No. Almost all games use everyday items — muffin tins, plastic bottles, towels, treats — plus a quiet space and 15 minutes.

What if it doesn’t work for my dog?

You’re covered by a full 60-day money-back guarantee through ClickBank. If you’re unsatisfied for any reason, request a complete refund — no questions asked.

Health disclaimer

This review is for general informational purposes only. Individual results vary based on dog’s age, breed, temperament, and consistency of training. If your dog shows signs of serious aggression or anxiety disorders, consult a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary behaviorist before starting any at-home program.

Affiliate disclosure

HealthyDogsMeals.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. Some links in this post are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are always based on genuine assessment and honest opinion.

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *