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Program review

The program we used to teach our dog to listen

Before PawMastery grew past 175,000 subscribers, this force-free, game-based course was our starting point. It was built by a CPDT-KA certified trainer and uses no shock collars and no dominance.

See Brain Training for DogsRead our full review

One-time payment, instant digital access and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
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Dog sitting attentively at its handler side during a reward-based training session
Force-free methodsCPDT-KA certified trainerOne-time payment60-day money-back guarantee
Dog holding a sit-stay alone on a forest path at a distance from its handler

Why we recommend it

We bought it and used it ourselves

We purchased Brain Training for Dogs and used it when we began training our own dog. A lot of the impulse control work in our training content today traces back to what we learned from this course.

The step-by-step structure made it easy to follow even as first-time trainers, and the impulse control focus is what carried over most directly into the methods we now share.PawMastery, on our own experience with the program

The trainer

Built by a certified professional

Adrienne Farricelli is a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer. That means she passed an exam run by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, rather than simply declaring herself an expert.

Her approach is force-free throughout: no prong collars, no shock collars, no dominance-based corrections. Everything is built on positive reinforcement and mental engagement.

brain training for dogs review

What is inside

How the program is built

Step-by-step gamesEach exercise is broken down, so you are never left guessing how to start.
Levels that build on each otherYour dog is not thrown into something too advanced too soon.
Impulse control exercisesThey target the root cause behind jumping, pulling and reacting to triggers.
A section for harder casesA dedicated part for dogs with more difficult behavior, which sets it apart from basic obedience programs.

Want to see it for yourself?

Same program, same trainer, same method we used to build our own dog’s foundation.

See Brain Training for Dogs

We earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Is it for you?

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Right for you if

  • Your dog knows basic commands but still acts impulsively.
  • You want a force-free method and no correction-based tools.
  • You prefer to work at home on your own schedule rather than hire an in-person trainer.
  • Your dog is a high-energy or working breed that needs more mental stimulation than exercise alone.

Look elsewhere if

  • Your dog shows severe aggression. A self-guided course is not enough, and you need an in-person certified behaviorist.
  • You are expecting a quick fix.
  • You want hands-on, in-person coaching.

One honest caveat

It will not fix things in a weekend

The sales page leans on language about eliminating behavior problems quickly. In our experience that is not realistic. Real behavior change, especially with impulse control and anxiety-driven behaviors, takes weeks of consistent daily practice, not a handful of sessions.

If you expect a quick fix, you will be disappointed. If you expect a structured system that works when you put in the practice, it delivers what it promises.

Questions

Before you decide

Is it really force-free?

Yes. The approach is built on positive reinforcement and mental games, with no prong collars, shock collars or dominance-based corrections.

Will it work for an aggressive dog?

Not on its own. It is a self-guided course, so dogs with severe aggression need an in-person certified behaviorist.

How long until I see results?

Expect weeks of consistent daily practice. We would not trust any program that promises results in a few sessions.

What if it does not suit us?

The program comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Check the seller’s page for the current terms before you buy.

Do you earn money if I buy?

Yes. We earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Our affiliate disclosure explains how we handle this.

Where should I start if I am not sure?

Try our free Dog Obedience Assessment to see where your dog’s training stands, then come back.

Ready to take a look?

One-time payment, instant digital access, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

See Brain Training for Dogs
Read our complete review first

We earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

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