PawHonest
Brain Training for Dogs Review: A Force-Free Way to a Calmer, Smarter Dog
Verdict: A genuinely useful, science-friendly training course that fixes behavior through short brain games instead of punishment. Not a magic switch, but low-risk and worth it if you will actually do the 15-minute daily reps.
Get Brain Training for Dogs One-time $67 · instant digital access
21 games · 7 levels
What Is Brain Training for Dogs?
Brain Training for Dogs is an online, self-paced dog training course built around 21 reward-based "brain games" across 7 progressive levels. Instead of punishing bad behavior, it develops your dog's focus and problem-solving so unwanted habits fade on their own. It costs $67 once and includes lifetime access.
The core idea is simple and it is what won me over: most "bad" dog behavior (pulling, barking, ignoring you, chewing) is really a bored or under-stimulated brain looking for a job. Rather than suppressing symptoms with a shock collar or a firm "no," the program gives your dog mentally challenging games that tire the mind, build impulse control, and teach your dog to look to you for direction.
It is created by Adrienne Farricelli, a professional trainer certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), whose work has appeared in outlets like USA Today and Every Dog magazine. The whole thing lives in an online members area you unlock right after purchase.
What's Actually Inside the Program
The heart of the course is a "dog school" made of 7 levels. You start where your dog is and move up as skills click. Here is the real breakdown of what you get.
Preschool
Foundation games that teach your dog to target, focus and engage with you. This is where attention and eye contact are built.
Elementary
Games that boost intelligence and patience, laying groundwork for calmer, more thoughtful responses in the house.
High School
Adds mild distractions and introduces useful skills like "look at me" and controlled movement so focus holds up in the real world.
College
Motor-skill and patience games such as the popular "shell game" and "look" exercises that sharpen self-control.
University
Advanced problem-solving games that stretch your dog's independent thinking and stamina for focus.
Graduation
Higher-difficulty challenges that consolidate everything into reliable, real-life obedience.
Einstein
The hardest tricks and brain teasers (like tidying up toys or playing piano) for owners who want to show off real "hidden intelligence."
Obedience & Behavior Archive
A dedicated obedience section plus a large archive troubleshooting specific problems: barking, digging, jumping, chewing, leash pulling, aggression and more.
Private Members Forum
A community area where you can ask questions and share progress with other owners, plus free lifetime updates as content is added.
- 21 brain games
- Step-by-step video tutorials
- Written instructions
- Free bonus ebook
- Lifetime access & updates
- No subscription
How It Works
You pick the level that fits your dog, watch a short demo video, then play that game for 10 to 15 minutes using treats and praise. As your dog masters each game, you level up. The mental workout tires your dog and rewires everyday behavior at the same time.
Each game follows the same friendly loop: a video shows the trainer doing it, a written guide breaks down the steps, and a troubleshooting note tells you what to do if your dog struggles. There are no special tools, no prong collars, nothing to buy separately. Treats, your dog and a few minutes are enough.
The reason it changes behavior is indirect but effective. A dog that has learned to focus, wait, and problem-solve simply has more self-control to spend when the doorbell rings or another dog walks by. You are not fighting the behavior. You are building the brain that makes the behavior unnecessary.
Honest Pros and Cons
No product is perfect. Here is the balanced picture after using the games and reading through every level.
👍 What I liked
- 100% force-free, reward-based method that is safe for puppies and seniors
- One-time $67 price with no subscription, far cheaper than in-person classes
- Clear video plus written steps make each game easy to follow for beginners
- Genuinely reduces boredom-driven behavior (barking, chewing, restlessness)
- Created by an actual CCPDT-certified trainer, not an anonymous marketer
- Behavior archive covers specific real problems, not just generic tricks
- Real 60-day money-back guarantee lowers the risk to almost nothing
😕 What could be better
- It is homework. Results depend entirely on your consistency, not the product
- No live one-on-one coaching, so severe aggression cases still need a pro trainer
- Digital-only. If you dislike learning from a screen, this format may frustrate you
- The members area design looks a little dated compared to newer apps
- Marketing leans hard on the "hidden intelligence" angle, which oversells the wow factor
- Very high-energy or reactive dogs may need more time than the "2 to 4 weeks" often quoted
Who Should Use It (and Who Shouldn't)
✅ A great fit if you...
- Have a bored, restless or "too smart" dog that invents its own trouble
- Want a kind, no-punishment approach you can do at home
- Can commit to short daily sessions, even just 10 to 15 minutes
- Are a first-time owner who wants clear, guided steps
- Want to fix specific issues like pulling, barking, jumping or chewing
- Prefer a low-cost, one-time option over paying per class
❌ Probably not for you if you...
- Are dealing with serious, bite-level aggression (see a certified behaviorist first)
- Want a hands-off "fix my dog for me" solution with zero effort
- Cannot or will not practice consistently over several weeks
- Strongly prefer in-person, physical classes over digital lessons
- Expect overnight results after a single session
Pricing: What It Costs and What It Replaces
There is one honest package. No upsell tiers, no monthly fee. Here is how the single price compares to the usual cost of fixing behavior.
Brain Training for Dogs — Full Program
- All 7 levels and 21 brain games
- Step-by-step video + written tutorials
- Dedicated obedience training section
- Full behavior-problem archive
- Private members forum access
- Free bonus ebook + lifetime updates
- 60-day money-back guarantee
How that $67 compares
| Single private trainer session | $75–$150 |
| Group obedience class (6 weeks) | $150–$300 |
| Board-and-train program | $500–$2,500 |
| Brain Training for Dogs (lifetime) | $67 once |
Prices for in-person options are typical US market ranges for comparison. The program is a self-paced digital course, not a substitute for a behaviorist in severe cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brain Training for Dogs actually work?
Yes, for most dogs it works when the owner stays consistent. The program uses reward-based brain games to build focus and impulse control, which naturally reduces problem behaviors. It is not instant magic. Most owners report clear improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of short daily sessions.
How much does it cost?
It is a one-time payment of $67 with no subscription and no recurring fee. That single price includes lifetime access to all 7 levels, the obedience section, the behavior archive, the private forum and a free bonus ebook.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. The program is sold through ClickBank and is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason, you can request a full refund within 60 days by contacting ClickBank support, even if you bought through an affiliate link like the ones on this page.
Who created the program?
Adrienne Farricelli, a professional dog trainer certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Her training work has been featured in outlets such as USA Today and Every Dog magazine.
What age or breed is it for?
The games work for puppies, adult dogs and seniors of any breed because they are based on mental stimulation and positive reinforcement, not physical force. You start at the level that matches your dog and progress at your own pace.
How much time does it take each day?
Plan for about 10 to 15 minutes a day. The games are short on purpose so your dog stays engaged. Consistency matters far more than session length, so short daily reps beat one long weekly session.
Is it a scam?
No. It is a legitimate digital course from a certified trainer, sold on the established ClickBank marketplace with a real 60-day refund policy. The honest caveat is that it is self-paced homework, so your results depend on you doing the games with your dog.
Do I get access instantly?
Yes. It is fully digital. After checkout you receive login details for the online members area, so you can start the first games the same day on your phone, tablet or computer. Nothing ships in the mail.
Reviewed by Megan Hartley
Megan has spent more than 10 years fostering rescue dogs and volunteering at her local shelter, where she has helped rehabilitate dozens of anxious and under-socialized dogs using positive-reinforcement methods. She has completed continuing-education coursework in canine behavior and body language, and she tests every training resource with her own two rescues before recommending it. She is not a veterinarian; for medical or serious aggression issues she always refers readers to a licensed professional.
Read more of Megan's free, force-free guides on the PawHonest dog-training blog.
Published & last updated: July 19, 2026 | Review method: hands-on use of the program plus verification of the current official offer and guarantee.
Free dog-training guides from Megan
Want to start free? These step-by-step guides on our blog cover the fundamentals that Brain Training for Dogs builds on:
- How to Train Your Dog at Home (Without a Trainer) — the complete beginner's method.
- Mental Stimulation for Dogs: 12 Games That Actually Tire Them Out — the brain-game approach this program is built around.
- Why Does My Dog Ignore Me? 7 Real Reasons (and Fixes) — win back your dog's attention.
Our Bottom Line
Brain Training for Dogs won't fix your dog while you sit on the couch, but if you'll put in 15 honest minutes a day, it's one of the kindest, most affordable ways to build a calmer, more obedient dog. At $67 once with a 60-day refund, the downside is small and the upside is a better-behaved best friend.
Get Brain Training for Dogs — $67 Instant access · 60-day guarantee