Whether you’re training a puppy or full-grown dog, you have a ton of options.
From in-person classes to online courses and the variety of techniques taught, which one is right for your doggo?
In this post, we’ll help you learn whether online brain training for dogs is the right choice. We’ll describe what it is, how it can help and where you can find courses.
What is Brain Training for Dogs?
Simply put, brain training means increasing your dog’s intelligence. In doing that, she or he will learn how to better respond and perform tricks at a higher level. The theory makes sense: the smarter your dog is, the easier it will be to teach her.
So, you sit your dog down with a textbook and notepad and tell her to get studying.
Just kidding.
Developing your pup’s intelligence is done through a variety of activities that engage their mind. These require no force and no abrasive techniques. It’s a series of 21 fun games to reach different levels of training. There’s 5 parts:
- Preschool
- Elementary
- High School
- College
- University
- Graduation
- Einstein
If your dog already knows the basics, then going over the first 1 or few levels should be quick. The course starts with basic obedience lessons. The next sections focus on games to teach your dog calmness, patience and confidence. They also include some scent work, which your dog will have a lot of fun with (and if you’re like me, you’ll find it really interesting).
In the University level, she’ll advance her skills (games such as hide and seek are taught). The graduation and Einstein modules will further push your dog’s brain. These will both help to improve her scent skills and ability to go onto agility training, should you choose. You’ll also learn how to teach her the super cool tricks at this stage.
Levels are taught through a series of easy-to-understand videos.
Each session is about 10-15 minutes long, so you can easily fit it into your schedule. Unlike in-person classes, you don’t have to commit an hour plus the commute there and back. You can slip in a session whenever you’re home.
Since it’s a new idea, we know you’re wondering what it actually looks like, so here’s an example:
The Science Behind Dog Brain Training
As you may know, there’s a variety of ways you can train your dog. Different trainers have different ideas about what’s best or most effective. Take Pack Theory for example. Some trainers believe that dogs are pack animals and should be trained with this idea in the forefront. Other trainers push back against this, saying dogs are not wolves in the wild, so training them as such isn’t appropriate.
On the other hand, trainers also used science-backed methods. These are proven techniques and provide long-term solutions (not just short-term solutions to very specific problems). These methods reinforce good behavior rather than using force or fearful strategies. Reinforcing the good behavior uses what’s known as conditioning.
This is taught in Psych 101 classes, but if you’re not familiar, classic conditioning means the dog associates a known thing to an unrelated thing. Let’s take the psychologist Pavlov’s old experiment for example.
- Dog drools when he sees food
- Dog doesn’t drool when random bell rings
- Dog sees food while random bell rings and drools. This is done repetitively.
- Dog drools when the random bell rings—even when no food is present
Dr. J Coates sums up the value quickly:
“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. Brain Training for Dogs is the solution! In a clear and concise manner, Adrienne Farricelli walks owners through a series of puzzles and exercises that will challenge and entertain dogs of all abilities.”
The course is taught by Adrienne Farrcicelli, a professional CPDT-KA certified dog trainer. She’s been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine to name just a few. Over the years, she’s helped thousands of frustrated dog owners and helped train service dogs for military veterans.
What Dog Problems Can Brain Training Help?
Brain training for dogs helps your pup become a “good boy” in general. This is because it teaches him the basics to the advanced skills, and with that, bad behavior will be banished. Because of this strategy, it can solve just about any issue, including:
- Not listening
- Aggression
- Chewing on valuables
- Non-stop digging
- Jumping up
- Pulling on the leash
- Barking non-stop
- Over-excited
- Anxiety
How Can I Brain Train My Dog?
There’s an easy online course that walks you through the levels discussed above. It also includes a variety of articles and resources that can help you tackle specific issues, such as puppy training for behavior problems.
There’s also case studies so you can see exactly how dog trainer Adrienne corrected their behaviors. Support is also provided if there’s something your dog just isn’t quite getting.
Online reviewers comment that the course is easy to follow and easy-to-understand.
Pros of Brain Training
- Games are fun for the dog so it doesn’t feel like school
- Increases bonding
- Uses science-backed methods, meaning it’s effective
- Uses no force or mean techniques
- Is generally approved of by other dog trainers
- Includes support
- Costs significantly less than in-person training or other dog training courses
- Quick and easy to fit into your day
- Comes with many extras other than just the video courses
- Troubleshooting techniques provided
- Covers everything from basic obedience to jaw-droppingly cool tricks
- Money back gaurentee
Cons of Brain Training for Dogs
- Some games require household props, but substitutions are suggested if you don’t have them on hand
- May require some planning ahead if you don’t have any props
- Dangerous aggressive dogs should stick with in-person trainers for safety reasons
Summary
Brain Training is a great technique and course to pursue whether your fur baby needs to learn everything from the ground up or if he just wants to impress his fellow dog park pals. At only $47, it’s cheaper than most programs and certainly more effective since it uses science-backed methods as opposed to outdated or even cruel strategies. Since it’s taught in a series of games, it’s fun for your dog and you can easily see her progression.
There’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee!
Ready to Take the Cheapest + Most Effective Dog Training…
…Ever?
