Is Brain Training For Dogs program backed by science? How can I stimulate my dog’s brain using this program? Does dogs really love this training method? Can I get my money back if the program doesn’t work for my dog?
Adrienne Faricelli’s brain training for dogs is a weak training program. In this program you train your dog with positive reinforcement.
This is in direct contrast to dominance training, in which dogs behave to avoid punishment.
If you don’t already know this, domination training leads to
Low self esteem.
Lack of trust.
And slows down learning.
Positive reinforcement training prepares your dog for success every time!
Here’s how …
Your dog will be a problem solver.
You have a dog that actively participates in the training.
Learning is accelerated by positive reinforcement.
In my test report on brain training for dogs you can see exactly what is under the hood. I also give you an insight into how it works and my experience with my own dogs.
Brain Training For Dogs program

AND WHY IS IT ONE OF THE BEST DOG TRAINING PROGRAMS OUT THERE?

What’s in there?
At the time of writing, the one-time fee for the program is $ 47. And there are no additional monthly fees.
In you you will find;
Brain training for dogs e-book 328 pages.
Behavioral Training for Dogs E-Book 89 pages.
21 short videos show you how to successfully complete the exercises with your best friend.
Update: Adrienne and her team have revised the program. Now you have access to an exclusive member area.
Now it’s even easier to track because each step has its own description of your tasks and the associated video.
You will still get the latest training information in the e-books and short videos that were offered as before. Now, however, they are offered in a user-friendly member area. The reason I like this change so much is that tracking videos and written information is so much easier than before. It’s all in one place.
But there is more …
brain training for dogs

THE PROGRAM IS STILL SOLID, BUT NOW YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THINGS LIKE:

Case studies.
Ask Adrienne (where you can ask questions).
Detailed case studies.
You can log into the member area from anywhere. As long as you have your dog and an internet connection, you can get started.
I am particularly happy about the community forum and the case studies. The forum is new, but I strongly recommend registering and participating in discussions.
The case study now available is about Sadie, a dog intended for a service or therapy dog. So Adrienne works on things like speed and whine.
bonuses
You will also receive a number of trick training videos. This way, you can not only demonstrate your dog’s abilities, but also strengthen confidence in your doggie.
Bow
Cover his eyes
Shake hands
DanceHowl
Pretend you’re dead
To turn around
price
Despite all the upgrades and bonuses, the training program is still sold at a one-time price of $ 47. I think it’s a bargain considering how powerful this type of training is and how much information Adrienne provides.
However, the Adrienne team has mentioned that they may charge monthly fees. So I definitely recommend getting it beforehand.
The training philosophy of Adrienne Faricelli
Adrienne Faricelli – Brain Training for Dogs Review
Adrienne’s training philosophy is scientifically sound and power-free.
Adrienne Faricelli’s dog training philosophy is scientifically sound, non-violent and friendly.
It also shows you how you can use positive reinforcements in the form of rewards to train your dog. This is a great win-win situation for you and your pooch.
brain training for dogs

IS BRAIN TRAINING FOR DOG’S PROGRAM BACKED BY SCIENCE?

Why?
Because it strengthens the bond between humans and dogs. And prepares your dog for success at every turn.
And the best part is that brain training can be used for dogs of all ages! From puppies to adults and also older dogs.
Adrienne’s method challenges you and your dog physically and mentally.
The training exercises are progressive games and puzzles that your dog must find out. As with humans, there is a learning curve. But keep in mind, this is not a race, it’s about developing your dog’s mental agility and skill.
And no, treats are not a bribe! It is the payment for learning and the right thing!
Each of the 21 exercises includes troubleshooting guides to help your dog learn each exercise.
Professional cards from Adrienne Faricelli
Adrienne Farricelli has been working with dogs for over 10 years and is a certified dog trainer and behavioral consultant.
Adrienne also works actively with dogs that are to be used as service or therapy dogs. So she is an extremely trustworthy dog ​​trainer.
She has a double certification in dog training. In 2010 it was certified by the Italian Association for Dog Trainers and Dog Consultants.
It is also a certified CPDT-KA in the United States. The CCPDT requires continuing education credits to maintain its certification.
Her work was published online in;
  • USA Today
  • Daily Puppy
  • Nest Pets
  • Paw Nation
  • And E-how

HOW CAN I STIMULATE MY DOG’S BRAIN USING THIS PROGRAM?

Adrienne is also a valued writer for;
Every dog ​​magazine
And the dog’s APDT Chronicle.
So you can be sure that she knows her way around!
brain training for dogs
Click here to learn more about Adrienne Faricelli’s brain training for dogs

POLISHING UP YOUR TRAINING


I have to tell you right away that dog training is all about training dog owners.
I am impressed with Adrienne’s clear writing and the instructions that will teach you the skills you need. And makes using your program a breeze.
You and your dog are unique. And none of you are robots. The training is therefore not always smooth.
So you’re glad to know that Adrienne has a handy troubleshooting section.
This is a great feature that you and your dog can use to find out if there are bumps on the road.
Adrienne also shows you how to master clicker training. And believe me, learning clicker training is a skill not to be underestimated!
You will also learn how best to keep treats so you don’t bite your fingers.
Tip: Curling is the only time that you keep delicacies at your fingertips!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO FOLLOW BRAIN TRAINING FOR DOGS


Adrienne has gone to great lengths to provide you with all the tools you need to complete your workout as if you were working with a trainer alone.
It deals with things that are often overlooked and that can lead to your dog only listening when it suits them. Below are just a few of the key secrets she shares in her training program.
Fading food lures so your dog doesn’t become addicted to goodies.
Simplify hand signals and solve the puzzle of teaching them.
Add verbal cues at the right time to avoid confusion if you add them too early.
Hand signals vs. verbal information on when and how to use them successfully.
Fading continuous rewards so that your dog reliably offers every behavior, even without rewards.
Remember that training your dog is a joint venture. It’s a give and take that is a great bond experience for you and your doggie.
It also strengthens your dog’s trust in you.
It is fun.
You spend the best time with your dog.
And your dog will learn faster with this training method.
What you need to do brain training for dogs
Some tools are required for brain training for dogs. But most of them are free and can be found in your home. So you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started.
The first thing you’ll learn is that in a reward-based training system, not all foods are the same!
Nibbling is one thing, but delicious, cooked chicken is another.
There is also a difference between small, quick and bigger treats. Both types are important and Adrienne shows you what to use and when.
Other elements include a clicker. Adrienne suggests that you can use a verbal marker instead of a clicker. I personally use both. But I trained Clicker first and later orally.
But do yourself a favor and get a clicker. For about a dollar, this is an invaluable tool, and I highly recommend that you buy one. I have about 20 of them around my house.
Other items include muffin tins, carpets and plastic bottles. A treat bag is also handy, a pointer and a stopwatch, but I only use my smartphone for this.
brain training for dogs
Click here to learn more about Adrienne Faricelli’s brain training for dogs

BRAIN TRAINING FOR DOG’S STRUCTURE

Introduction – Here you can see which consumables you need and which goal you are pursuing.
Exercise – Learn step by step how to teach your dog how to behave.
Troubleshooting – If you notice a bump on the road, Adrienne shows you what you are doing wrong and how to fix it.
Increase the challenge – Here you learn to reinforce the behavior and make it a transferable skill.
The Exam – Now you can test your dog’s abilities and assess how well your doggie is doing!
Obedience 101
Brain training for dogs begins with an introductory section on obedience.
Don’t skip this part!
This is the most important part of the training program as it teaches your dog basic commands for obedience.
Without this foundation, you and your dog will fail with anything else.
Some of the most important things you’ll both learn are:
With a bait
Sit
lay down
Take it / leave it
Drop it
Stay
Callback (AKA Come)
heeling
These commands are an integral part of later thinking games.
They are also healthy behaviors that will make you and your dog happier.
Imagine…
You can find your dog on the edge of a poisonous mushroom that they found in the forest. Inexperienced dogs will likely devour this mushroom before its owner can reach it to take it away.
However, if your dog knows the “drop it” command, you can be 100% sure that he will drop this mushroom like a hot potato!
Imagine that …
Your dog moves toward a busy street to chase a squirrel at a frenzied speed. If your dog is not 100% trained in a recall, you have 10 different types of hand problems.
But if your pooch knows when you remember everything else but you disappear, you have 100% control over the environment. No matter where your dog is or what distractions there are.
I am sure you will agree that this is a very powerful skill for you and your dog.
Click here to learn more about Adrienne Faricelli’s brain training for dogs
Preschool after Einstein
Brain training for dogs is structured in a school-like structure. The exercises and puzzles become more and more demanding as the program progresses. Levels include:
Preschool – very easy
Elementary – Easy
High school – intermediate level
College – difficult
University – very difficult
Degree – expert
Einstein – genius
At the end of each task, you rate your dog from A to F. The grade is based on how quickly your dog can master the challenge.
Each test has its own evaluation curve. And each level has its own criteria for what grades your dog can use to advance to the next level.
Once you and your dog have mastered a lesson, there are suggestions on how to improve the game.
This reinforces what your dog is learning and makes your dog more fluid when tasked. That means they will use their skills in different ways and in different situations.
For example, if you taught your dog how to lie down, you can teach them to lie down while you are eating, while there are strangers in the house, or while you are preparing their food.
Adrienne suggests that you can choose the exercises at random. However, I recommend that you follow the program in order.
This is because each exercise builds skills that are helpful for successfully completing the next level.
Good advice is that you can always revisit an earlier lesson if your dog slips or needs a little reinforcement.

DOES DOGS REALLY LOVE THIS TRAINING METHOD?

In this part of my review, I will break down the first two lessons of the program at preschool level. You will see how amazingly weak training is and what you and your dog can do.
brain training for dogs

LESSON 1 – TARGETING

objective:
Your dog must touch a target object with its nose on cue.
What you need:
A target like a pointer with a large blunt end or a sticky note.
A clicker and goodies.
Goal:
The bigger goal is that this exercise teaches your dog to ask you for advice. It also increases your dog’s self-esteem. Which is awesome in itself!
The method:
Let your dog touch your hand with your nose.
When he does this for the first time, you hide your hand, click and reward him. It is extremely important that he hears the click as soon as his nose touches your palm.
You repeat this exercise several times without adding a hint.
Once he’s got the hang of it, name the behavior by adding a cue.
Use a word like “goal”, present your hand, click, reward, repeat.
Once your dog has mastered this, you can present another goal like a sticky note. In this way, you transfer the skill, as I mentioned earlier.
In the troubleshooting section, this program is really excellent. Suggestions for a dog that has trouble learning this ability include ideas like: Breaking it down into smaller tasks. Or increase the value of the goodies.
Increasing the challenge is where it’s fun!
Now teach your dog to touch sticky notes with his paw. The Post-It can be placed on the floor, walls, furniture, light switches. You can actually teach your dog how to turn the lights on and off.
Total cool!
Here is a short video that Zè and I made about targeting …
Click here to learn more about Adrienne Faricelli’s brain training for dogs
Put your dog to the test during the test.
You start the timer and let your dog touch your hand or the target stick or a sticky note three times in quick succession.
It can be with his nose or paw, his preference. Check the time after the third touch and you have it! The top grade for this challenge is 3 C.
Adrienne believes your pooch will need to perform three executions in less than 17 seconds to reach the grade.
The video shows you how to take the exam. Most of all, it shows you how to use the clicker and treatment to reward your dog.
If you have never done clicker training, I look very closely at how Adrienne uses and treats the clicker. It may seem simple, but it is an ability to learn to deal with a clicker, goodies, and an item.
It takes some practice to master the skill, but you and your dog are lost without it.

LESSON 2 – LOOK ME IN THE EYE

In my opinion, this is one of those behaviors where there is an emergency recall. If your dog can focus on you, you will be able to avoid some dangerous situations. Think of dog fights and traffic accidents …
I wrote about how useful this behavior is when it comes to a disgusting animal.
This is how it works …
objective:
Your dog must look you in the eye on cue.
What you need:
A clicker and goodies.
Goal:
Open the communication channels between you and your dog and promote trust and solidarity.
Eye contact is an important basic skill. If your dog looks into your eyes, it will be easier for you to concentrate and follow the instructions.
If your dog has mastered this skill, you can divert your dog’s attention from other dogs or situations in which he becomes nervous.
The method:
Here you will find a sound that your dog reacts to. Adrienne suggests a smacking sound as if she were kissing air to draw your dog’s attention.
Start by holding a treat next to your eyes and making the kiss sound. Once the dog looks into your eyes, click, reward, repeat.
Tip: do this exercise in a quiet room.
In the troubleshooting section, Adrienne shows how you can combine kissing with a reward.
Make a kissing sound and immediately throw a reward. Do this several times.
Once you’ve rated the kiss as desirable, start rewarding glances as well. Oh, so romantic!
Reward longer and longer glances as you progress. Adrienne divides many of the skills into a group of smaller skills as the program progresses.
This approach is very effective, especially for shy dogs, dogs that learn more slowly or have previously been abused.
To increase the challenge, Adrienne suggests training your dog to keep your gaze longer. You do this by delaying the clicking and handling.
You can also work in a place with more distractions and keep your gaze as you walk. The latter is called “attention heeling”.
She emphasizes that it is important to have pleasure at eye level as soon as possible. This is known as “fading the bait”. If you don’t do this at the right time, you will have a dog that does nothing unless there are goodies.
This is not what you want!
The exam consists of 3 “look me in the eye” in quick succession. You can use the bait at eye level or not if your dog does this without him.
Once your dog looks into your eyes, click and reward. As always, the exercise is timed.
The exam video shows you exactly how to do the exercise and how your dog should react.
brain training for dogs

MORE ADVANCED BRAIN TRAIN GAMES

The training exercises for advanced learners are becoming more interesting. Not to mention fun!
As always, the goal of any exercise is for your dog to learn new, desirable behaviors.
Throughout the training program, the exercises always have a broader purpose, which has a positive effect on the quality of life of your dog!
Some of these advanced exercises are:
Leg Weaving – Your dog needs to weave through your legs. Due to the physical proximity, this is a great attachment exercise. This exercise is also great for teaching smaller dogs not to be afraid of legs and feet!
Name Differentiation – The goal of this exercise is to teach your dog the names of different toys. And bring yourself a certain toy by name. This is ideal for expanding your dog’s cognitive skills. Dogs can learn up to 200 words.
The tidy game – I love this exercise. You teach your dog to pick up his toy and put it in a certain place! If only he could fold laundry!
Playing the piano – this exercise is a natural completion of brain training for dogs. In this exercise, you will teach your dog to “aim” several notes in succession on a piano or an electronic keyboard. It’s quite a party trick!

BEHAVIOR TRAINING FOR DOGS: EXAMPLES

Behavior Training for Dogs is the second book that comes as a free bonus. This is the next area that I will explore in my review of Adrienne’s Brain Training for Dogs.
In the second book, Adrienne teaches you how to remedy some common behavioral issues.
  • Whining
  • Barking
  • Digging
  • Chewing
  • Jumping
So let’s look at 2 of the most common problems pooch parents face…
Attention seeking whining and barking at nothing.

ATTENTION SEEKING WHINING

Adrienne explains that whining is an instinctive behavior with which puppies address their mother.
They are born blind, deaf and unable to regulate their own temperatures.
They also need a way to tell their mother that they are hungry or have a cold. As soon as the puppies are weaned, their mothers become deaf to their wailing and behavior disappears.
When a puppy goes to his new home at around 8 weeks of age, this can be very stressful. So whining is one way to get your attention.
For the puppies is this an established method, the functions. In the past, whining has been enforced positively. Because mom replied with warm cuddles and food.
There are several reasons why dogs whine. It is therefore important to find out the root cause before you start training your dog’s behavior.
Dogs can whine because;
They are worried.
To get attention.
Or because they’re excited.
The problem is when the border lies between the chamber for a real need – like eating or water. And the crying for attention becomes blurred.
And rate was? It is usually the owner’s fault to unwittingly reinforce the behavior positively!
Long ago I learned from many of my dog ​​training idols that …
And dogs don’t like us.
We can distinguish between positive and negative attention.
Dog can’t.
If we insult our dogs, we see this as negative attention.
This is how your dog sees it …
Whine + scold = attention.
Who is training who here?
Adrienne teaches you that behaviors that are amplified become stronger.
And behaviors that are ignored disappear.
This is a repetition of Thorndike’s law of effectiveness.
To have a satisfactory effect in a particular situation, to occur in this situation To have a satisfactory effect in a certain situation, to occur in this situation, to occur in this situation.
If your dog whines for attention, just ignore it at all costs.
As soon as the whining stops, you are rewarded with games, treats or a toy.
brain training for dogs
For example, you can vacuum the house and crate your dog.
  1. Your dog whines.
  2. Ignore him.
  3. Finish vacuuming.
  4. Once you are done, if your dog is still whining, ignore them. Don’t look at or talk to them. And don’t let them out of their crate.
  5. The second the whining stops, let them hear you coming toward the crate.
  6. If they start whining again, stop dead in your tracks. Once they are quiet again, continue toward the crate, release and reward them.
Here’s another example…
If you are in a room with your dog and they start whining, turn your back.
When they stop whining, turn back toward them.
If not, turn around and start to leave the room. Any attention, even looking at your dog when they’re whining, is positive reinforcement.
Yes, it sounds like the long way around. But it’s also the best way!
If you behave consistently to change this annoying behavior…
You will be rewarded with a whine-free dog!
Remember back at the beginning of this Brain Training for Dogs review I mentioned how dog training is also about people training?
Now you’ve seen the proof!

BARKING AT NOTHING

It is normal for our dogs to bark. If the barking gets out of control, it can be very uncomfortable for us.
I mean, I got a comment on this blog from a guy at 3am. His dog kept him awake at night. And he got complaints from the neighbors.
Not a fun situation to be! Right?
Although we like to believe that our dogs do not bark, it is most likely NOT.
Dogs have hearing and olfactory senses that completely outperform our own. So if they don’t seem to be barking, they are most likely barking as something we don’t know.
Examples include:
Barking at pests – this usually happens at night. For this reason, if you suspect that your dog is barking, call an exterminator.
Tip: You can also use a fan, television or radio to distract him to drown out the other animal noises.
Remote Noise – Dogs can hear other dogs or sirens that are too far away for us to hear.
Adrienne suggests keeping your dog away from the windows or using something that makes a sound, such as a fan or radio, to distract him from the sound.
Reinforcement – Like whining for attention, dogs can bark for your attention.
If your dog looks at you when it barks and you respond, you reinforce this behavior.
The same technique of completely ignoring them and leaving the room is used to fix this situation.
Adrienne also suggests that your dog may get bored. So when you play a game like that found in dog brain training, you get mental stimulation. It’s a great way to distract your dog and improve barking behavior.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Some dogs do not bark because of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Their barking is lengthy, exaggerated and disjointed. These are usually stressed bitches suffering from anxiety. And some breeds are more prone to OCD than others. Many hybrids fall into this category.
It is best to speak to your veterinarian.
Personally, Lexi, my GSD Collie cross, is an OCD barker. I have no real information about her background as she is a salvation. But I know that it came from terrible circumstances that could have led to this obsessive behavior.
After trying everything, my vet recently treated her with Clomicalm. Which is a calming medication specifically for dogs.
I’ve seen a significant change in their behavior. And her little heart is no longer racing at a million miles an hour, so her well-being and quality of life have improved. Which is all i want

MORE BEHAVIOR TOPICS IN BEHAVIOR TRAINING FOR DOGS

The three other chapters in Behavior Training for Dogs are:
Digging – Dogs dig for many reasons. Some dogs, like Terriers, are bred to dig. While others dig to have a cool place to lie down. Or to escape, or to whelp puppies.
Chewing – Dogs chew on things they’re not supposed to for several reasons. Puppies teethe, boredom, attention-seeking, anxiety, or loneliness. Many of the items that your dog finds attractive to chew have your odor all over them. Adrienne gives some great tips and advice on how to deal with chewing.
Jumping – Dogs jump as a part of their greeting ritual. When they are puppies they jump up to get closer to us when they greet us. We positively reinforce the behavior because we’re equally happy to see them. Our puppies grow up, and when they reach 80 pounds, jumping is already a huge problem.

WHAT NEEDS IMPROVING

Okay, so now I’ve shared everything I like about Brain Training for Dogs.
But, we all know nothing is perfect. So here are a few things I’d like to see improved on…
Okay, so you already know I love the videos in this program. What I would like to see is better sound quality. It’s not that you can’t hear what Adrienne’s saying, but the sound is a little muddy.
I’d also love to see an exclusive member’s area where all the videos, e-books and updated information can be found in one place.
And an online community would be a super addition.
Update: Adrienne and her team have now included a forum inside the member’s area. I love this addition and I’m so pleased to see Adrienne listening to what her students need! It just goes to show how dedicated she is to bettering the lives of dogs and their humans through the power of games.
It would be helpful to discuss the contents of this program with other newcomers to dog training. for example, I might be struggling with something you have found the solution to. So it would be great to bounce ideas off other pooch parents. And maybe even share videos.
Adrienne does give members direct access to her email and says that she tries to answer every email personally, which is above and beyond the call of duty.
Conclusion
Brain Training for Dogs Review – Adrienne Faricelli
Yes! Brain Training for Dogs is by far the best dog training program out there.

CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK IF THE PROGRAM DOESN’T WORK FOR MY DOG?

I can wholeheartedly say yes! Yes, Use the insider information you get in this course for the next 60 days. Use the step-by-step system to transform the intelligence and behavior of your dog. But, if it doesn’t work, shoot an email to braintraining4dogs@gmail.com. You will get your money back within 7 working days.
At a cost of $ 47 USD, I can’t tell you what a bargain it is.
I mean, on average you’ll be shelling out anywhere from $ 125 to $ 175 per hour for a dog trainer!
But besides the price, I support Adrienne’s Brain Training for Dogs for more important reasons…
The training methods are force-free, science-based and kind.
The unique connection between behavior and brain-boosting games will inspire you and your dog to do more.
Adrienne Faricelli is a highly qualified expert in the field of canine behavior. And her expertise shines through.
She knows when to change your dog’s behavior (and yours) or when to change the environment.
The information in an easy to understand and implement even for someone brand new to dog training.
The program is structured to become progressively more fun and challenging.
The training style promotes mental stimulation, bonding and trust.
brain training for dogs
Click here to learn more about Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

INTERVIEW WITH ADRIENNE FARICELLI

If you follow any training program means you’re putting the well-being of your dog in the hands of someone else.
And the truth is, you don’t want some Mickey Mouse showing you the ropes. Right?
So I reached out to Adrienne and asked for an interview so that you can get to know her better. In this interview you’ll read about:
  • How Adrienne started out and her credentials.
  • How her creative training style will help you overcome any behavior issues.
  • Why she refused to re-home one of her pups, even after dog training experts advised her to.
  • Why brain training exercises stimulate the working gene in your pooch.
  • Advice on what to do when training isn’t going according to plan.
  • And some great ways you can build trust and bond with your hound.
So I’m pretty familiar with you, your training style and your professional accolades.
Intro: You hold dual certification in dog training both with the Italian Association for Dog Trainers and Canine Consultants and you’re a certified CPDT-KA. So you’re no Mickey Mouse!!
You’re also well published online on sites like:
• USA Today
• Daily Puppy
• Nest Pets
And in print too in publications like:
• Every Dog magazine
• And the APDT Chronicle of the Dog.
Q: Could you briefly explain to the listeners what your certifications mean?
Sure, I’ll be glad to go over them! Well, it all started when I was visiting my family in Italy. I stumbled upon a program to become a certified dog trainer through the Italian Association for Dog Trainers and Canine Consultants.
In order to get certified by this program I was required to attend several courses covering different disciplines. Such as canine conformation, ethology, evolution, kinetics and more.
And then after passing a written test, I was mentored by a master dog trainer specializing in basic and advanced obedience for over 200 hours.
After having fun training dogs for Canine Musical Freestlye that summer, I then returned back to the States and obtained Certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
This program entailed a minimum of 300 hours experience in dog training and passing a rigorous exam to demonstrate knowledge of humane, science-based dog training practices.
The CPDT-KA intials after my name simply means that I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who’s Knowledge has been Assessed by the CCPDT.
Q: Who inspired you to become an advocate for dogs and what events inspired you to become a professional dog trainer?
To be totally honest, my dogs inspired me! When I got my dogs, I had no clue how challenging it was to raise two sibling puppies together. I guess I overestimated myself.
I consulted with a few trainers and they told me I made a big mistake and that it was best to re-home one puppy as they would have grown too attached with each other and not pay any attention to me.
I was determined to not let this suggestion discourage me, I already loved my pups and wanted to try anything in my power to overcome the problems, so I rolled up my sleeves and started reading and watching videos as much as I could and applying what I learned on a daily basis.
I knew I must have been doing something right when people started asking me where I got my dogs trained and I told them I did it all myself.
Soon, my husband’s colleagues started asking me to the train their dogs and voice spread quickly and I immediately felt this was something I really enjoyed doing.
So many dog training programs follow the same structure; basic obedience, behavior modification and then a handful of the usual tricks like high five, roll over etc. But your approach with Brain Training for Dogs is unique in this regard. You place mental stimulation at the heart of your training program.
Q: Why is that? And what does this approach mean for dogs and owners?
Well, the brain is something that never stops changing, it is constantly evolving and we need to provide it with constant challenges. Every time our dogs learn something new, new neural connections are formed. It is very fascinating!
So my conclusion is that if we provide enough mental enrichment and keep those doggy brains thinking, dogs will by default become more receptive to being trained and more open to learning new skills.
Their brains become more and more plastic, meaning they have a much easier time storing new information.
I think Brain Training for Dogs is an exceptionally creative approach to dog training. And I’ve found with my dogs that it’s been a huge boost to their self-confidence and cemented a lot of great behaviors and manners in them.
Q: How did you come up with the idea?
Well, the idea sort of evolved gradually. It mostly started with dogs coming over for board and training. Most of these dogs who suffered from behavior problems had something in common, they were lacking mental stimulation!
Before even starting training or behavior modification, it greatly helped to exercise their body and mind with brain games so they were more receptive to learning.
As a plus, these dogs were also building trust towards me so we had the perfect foundation to start working on the problems they were facing.
Q: Can you share a sneak peek into any plans that are in store for your Brain Training for Dogs in the future?
Well, we have big plans coming up soon. On top of our popular e-books, we are creating an online library with a huge wealth of information for dog and puppy owners.
The articles and videos in this library are going to tackle most problems dog owners face, with many tips and solutions.
After completion, this “virtual library” will be available as a free bonus to all new customers, and the best part is that just like the “brain,” this library will keep on growing and evolving, with continuous additions and perks for dog owners!
I hear a lot from dog owners on my blog who are experiencing perceived challenging behaviors with their dogs. In reality, many of these behaviors are normal. And with some training can easily be reconditioned. Things like; jumping, random barking, biting, leash pulling etc come up regularly.
Q: How can the focus on mental stimulation in Brain Training for Dogs help dogs and owners overcome these behaviors?
It is often forgotten that before being companions, dogs were workers at heart. Dogs were pointing, flushing, retrieving, guarding livestock, and so forth for a good part of the day and nowadays most dogs are left unemployed with little to do.
On top of that, dogs have a past history of being hunters and scavengers, so they are naturally wired to engage in behaviors such as digging, chewing and ripping things apart.
When boredom sets in and when dogs are prevented from engaging in natural behaviors, dogs are forced to find their own sources of entertainment, but yikes! these forms of entertainment aren’t very appealing to dog owners.
With brain training we can provide dogs with outlets for their pent-up natural needs and provide them with “legit forms of entertainment” that won’t upset dog owners.
On top of that, being that owners are often involved in these brain games, dogs start perceiving their owners as part of the fun. It’s a win-win!
Dog’s aren’t robots, they have their own personalities and minds to think. This can be easy to forget when training is not going according to plan. So, sticking with creativity here…
Q: What would you advise pooch parents to do to get creative when dog training isn’t going the way they want?
I would say to think outside of the box. As you said, dogs are not robots so it may happen that you may stumble on some unusual problems that are not covered in any training book or training manual.
This is why a cookie-cutter approach doesn’t work in the field of dog training.
If something isn’t working, then it’s time to troubleshoot the issue. Often it’s just a matter of presenting the exercise in smaller, more attainable steps. Sometimes recording your trials and watching them carefully can help pinpoint the source of the problem.
Other times, you just gotta get creative, try to take a stroll on the unbeaten path and see what happens, chances are you may stumble on the solution and be pleasantly surprised!
Your program, Brain Training for Dogs is currently the only online dog training program that is purely positive reinforcement. There are bunch of ‘balanced trainers’ who use a mix of positive and punishment in their training style. And of course many who subscribe to the dominance theory and punishment based training.
Q: What do you think is the reason that the dog training world just won’t let go of the dominance/punishment training style? When the reality is the results of this outdated training style are limited and poor at best.
I think it’s a matter of some people being stuck in the old ways of doing things which prevents them from evolving. The term “old school” reminds us that in the old days, children were hit on the hand with a wooden ruler.
Fortunately, nowadays things have changed.
In the dog training field, things are starting to change as well, but more work needs done. Fortunately, more and more studies are coming out and they support the use of positive reinforcement.
More and more educated trainers are aware that interactions between dogs and their humans are not driven by social rank, but by a history of reinforcement.
The dog therefore jumps not to attain higher rank, but to be closer to the owner, the dog pulls, not to be in charge of the walk, but to go sniff a bush, the dog steals the sandwich from the table not to challenge the owner but just because it tastes good.
This is why it’s important to find dog trainers who are continuing their education and understand the implications of using outdated techniques.
Q: What are the 4 most important things dog parents should NEVER do with or to their dogs?
If I had to pick four I would say one is to avoid being inconsistent. Nothing confuses dogs more than being allowed to perform certain behaviors in a precise circumstance and then expect them not to perform them in another.
Secondly, a pet peeve I have lately, is dog parents who leave collars on their dogs during play sessions with other dogs. It’s very unfortunate, but there have been so many cases of death in dogs due to collar strangulation that could have been easily prevented.
Third, I would advise to never train when frustration starts building up as this can cause dogs to shut down, when training requires dogs to be open.
And of course, never engage in aversion-based methods such as giving alpha rolls, scruff shakes and all the alike. These will only inflict fear and intimidation and can trigger defensive aggression.
Q: What are the 4 best ways owners can build trust and bond with their dogs?
Lack of trust is an issue I see a lot and it most often involves dogs who have been recently adopted from the shelter.
Many dogs need time to adjust in their new surroundings and therefore I would recommend taking care in not overwhelming these dog with too many sights, sounds and smells at once. These dogs need time to assimilate and integrate themselves in the new home.
Playing with dogs is a great way to bond. The 21 games I’ve included in my Brain Training for Dogs course offer owners a great chance to play and bond with their dogs while teaching their dogs new skills at the same time.
Training can also be a great confidence booster for insecure dogs. Targeting, nosework and agility obstacles are all great ways for dogs to bond and build trust in their owners. I’ve been sure to include all 3 of these in the Brain Training for Dogs course.
Last but not least, I would encourage dog owners to take steps to make their dogs feel safe. Dogs need to learn that their owner will be there to protect them and avoid putting them into overwhelming situations. Many dogs feel relief when they feel that they have their owners to rely on as advocates for their safety and wellbeing.
I recently had an email from a dog owner who wants to make the switch from punishment based training (he’s used shock collars, alpha rolls and flooding to name a few techniques) to positive reinforcement.
Understandably, this guy feels a deep sense of regret. And concern that from his dog’s perspective the trust is gone and that there is no chance of fixing what’s been broken.
Q: Is it possible to make the switch in the dog’s mind from one of being afraid to explore behaviors (and possibly afraid of the owner too) and performing out of fear to one of openness like you mentioned earlier?
Absolutely! And the change is one of the most rewarding experiences dog owners get to witness with their dogs. Of course, the process takes time, but as days unfold, tentative dogs starting coming out of their shell and the changes are quite remarkable.
In particular, clicker training and free-shaping – which are both covered in the Brain Training for Dogs course – create a great foundation for tentative dogs in need of learning to offer new behaviors and transform them into enthusiastic learners.
And the best part of all, the increased trust and bonding that results as a”side effect” from these methods is the greatest perk for dog owners.
Q: As an expert, what do you think dog parents find the most challenging? And what fixes do you suggest?
Well, one big obstacle is the fact that many dog parents have a hard time accepting that changes take time, they do not happen overnight.
Pet parents are often looking for quick fixes and often have unrealistic expectations. I had a client ask me once, “I would like my dog to stay in my non-fenced yard in the morning and be there in the exact spot when I come back from work, what can I do?”
I told him I had the perfect solution: to stop by the closest garden center and pick a statue of a dog.” I then left him a business card of several fencing companies and fortunately, last time I drove by, I noticed he was getting a fence installed.
The fix for this is therefore to understand that dogs are animals, it requires time to change behavior, but with patience, determination and consistency, you can accomplish a whole lot.
Dog training is also about training humans and sometimes we humans need the most training! And in your career you’ve worked with countless pooches and their owners.
Q: What do you find most challenging when training humans?
Hmm, that’s a good question! I think something I encounter over and over is reminding pet parents to get into the mind of the dog and refraining from putting labels on their dogs. I hear too often things like ” oh my dog is so stubborn” oh, my dog is so vicious..”
These labels only hurt people’s relationships with their dogs because they imply the belief that dogs cannot change because the labels reflect a dog’s essence.
It is far more productive looking beyond these labels and trying to understand exactly what triggers dogs to behave in certain ways and what can be done about it.
Q: As more studies about dogs are done, we realize we still have a lot to learn about our canine friends. As a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist, where would you like to see more scientific research done? And where do you see dog training 10 years from now?
There has been an increased interest in studying dogs lately, which is great! I would love to see more studies on dog cognition, discovering more about the dog’s brain and how it works. Like recently there was a study that researched how dogs process what we say, and the results showed that they perceive words in a similar fashion as human brains do.
As more of these studies on dog cognition and neuroscience come out,demonstrating how dogs analyze and interpret the information we present to them, and how dogs perceive the world around them, dog training will continue to evolve as well to reflect these results. This is why training dogs is one of those disciplines that is never static, you never stop learning and you will always have to keep up with the new data. It’s very, very fascinating.
Signing off.
Adrienne, thank you so much for taking the time to give us to get to know you better. And of course to allow me the opportunity to pick your expert brain! It’s been a great pleasure to have you here!
You’re very welcome and thank you for having me!
brain training for dogs