Doggy Dan Review a Certified Dog Trainer’s Expert Opinion

There are literally hundreds of online dog training programs.  Some are better than others and some are downright dangerous.  

Today I’m going to share my Doggy Dan review with you.  It’s a very popular product and it’s selling very well online.

But does that mean it’s a good program?

I don’t personally recommend Doggy Dan’s program.  But I highly recommend alternatives. Use the navigation below to find out more.

This Doggy Dan review is over 2000 words in length.  It’s probably the longest Doggy Dan review out there.  

If you’re serious about doing right by your dog – Get your favorite drink, turn your phone on silent and read this review from top to bottom.

So, I’ve shared reviews of some other online dog training programs too. I’ve bought and evaluated these too.  

And to make it easy for you, I’ve given my recommendations in the box below.

If you want to head straight to the reviews of my product recommendations just click the links below.
My Review of Doggy Dan’s Online Dog Training Program – Definite no-no imo.
My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs – This is my top choice.
My Review of Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System – Not worth the money.
My Review of Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program – Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

My Doggy Dan Review journey started out like this…

I signed up as an affiliate for this program and was afforded 5 days of full access to the member’s area and all the training material.  This review is an unbiased look at what’s inside…

All the reviews about the Doggy Dan program are glowing and recommend buying the product.  

And of course, most claim to have used the program to train their unruly dogs.  I must be honest, I have my doubts about that…

The reviews mainly focus on aspects like ease of use, price, and customer support. All these things are important, but not more than the training style itself.  

That’s the thing that makes or breaks a training program – well, in my opinion anyway.

But for the sake of completeness, I’ll quickly give details on these…

Doggy Dan Review

Ease of Use

I found it easy to navigate the site and find information.  Everything is clearly labeled and naturally flows from one section to another.

 You could easily jump to any specific sections that interest you.

Price

You start with a 3 day trial for $1 and then you’ll be billed $37 per month after that.  If you cancel within your 3-day trial you are billed nothing.

Customer Support

I didn’t use customer support but the support I received when signing up was painless and quick.

So, now for the meat and potatoes of the program…

Doggy Dan’s Training Philosophy

Doggy Dan’s training philosophy is based on the idea of a pack – a wolf pack in particular.

It’s also called ‘alpha training’ or ‘dog whispering’.

This is the first thing about the program that I dislike and it immediately loses some credibility here.

But, Doggy Dan is fully endorsed by the S.P.CA.  Which counts for a lot you’d think…

But once you start digging deeper, and come across things like pack training and dominance concepts like gesture eating the picture starts eroding.

Doggy Dan is what you call a balanced trainer.  It’s a mixture of ‘correction-style training with aspects of positive, no-force methods.

For example…

Positive techniques are used, to begin with.  But if these are not ‘successful’ then more correction style techniques are used. 

The latter can be very damaging to your intelligent and sensitive dog.

Pack Training

When you enter the member’s area you are directed to a section on how to become the ‘pack leader’ in your dog’s life.

This is the basis of the program, and right here is where it falls apart for me.

The basic idea behind ‘pack training’ is to constantly remind your dog that you are a higher ranking member and he/she is a lower-ranking member of the pack.

This is achieved by mimicking the actions of wolves whenever you interact with your dog.  And in a puppy’s case, you’d ‘act’ like the mother wolf to train your pup.

Apparently, if you don’t do this your dog will take over as the pack leader, control your household and behave badly.

I don’t believe this is actually a thing.  I think it’s more a case of showing your dog you’re kind and a safe haven.  

And I think this should be done through science-based training.  Not trying to be an alpha.

There are many good articles on how science has proven that the foundations of ‘pack training’ are outdated and why. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about this; here’s a good article debunking the myth.

Although Doggy Dan does have many great force-free science-based methods in his course.  But more on that later.

The 5 ‘Golden’ Rules

Doggy Dan has 5 golden rules for becoming the ‘pack leader’.  Due to the terms and conditions,

I’m not allowed to reproduce any information not strictly approved so I’m not able to detail them here.

I will share two that are well-known concepts in ‘dominance training’.

Gesture Eating

In the program, Doggy Dan’s first step to becoming a ‘pack leader’ and reminding your dog of your higher rank is to gesture eat while your dog is watching.

You could eat your breakfast, supper, or even an Oreo as long as you eat before your dog does.

The belief behind this is that the alpha pair of a wolf pack will eat before the lower-ranking members.

The second part of this step is to remove your dog’s food within 1 second if he/she doesn’t start to eat immediately.

The idea is to remind your dog that you control the resources.

Firstly, no amount of gesture eating is going to convince your highly intelligent dog that YOU are a dog or an alpha.  

Your dog knows that you are different from him/her.

Dog’s aren’t stupid, that’s the reason they have evolved alongside us for thousands of years.  And why they are known as man’s best friend.

My dogs eat every evening at 7 pm – I like to keep a strict eating routine.  We eat anywhere between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm. 

I feed my dogs without any gesture eating and they’re super well behaved.  We’re a family unit, and we don’t try to dominate each other.

I do ask each of them to do a little ‘work’ before they eat. First, they sit and each one has a trick or behavior they do before I give the release command for them to eat.

That’s not me being an alpha, they enjoy doing tricks and behaviors.  And it’s much easier to feed 3 dogs in close proximity to each other if they are well behaved and attentive.

Secondly, your dog is well aware of the fact that their resources come from you.  

They don’t need to be constantly reminded.  They know you put down their food bowls every morning and evening.

Heck, mine start ‘calling’ me half an hour before their supper time!

And besides, should you remove the water bowl too?  I mean, water is a resource after all.

Ignoring Your Dog After Separation

The basic principle here is after being away from home you should totally ignore your dog when you return.  

No speaking, no eye contact, no touching or responding to happy wagging tails.

Apparently, each time you return home from being out your dog is going to check who the ‘pack leader’ is.

Really?

I don’t think so!

I always respond to my dog’s happy Welcome Home!  How could I not?  They are always happy to see me, even if I’ve been out for 5 minutes.

I’ve never had a problem with them wanting to be ‘pack leader’ just because we greet each other in a friendly way.

Sure, if one of them has a problem with jumping behavior I address that.  Simply ignore the jumping behavior and only give them attention once all 4 paws are firmly on the ground.  

If one of my dogs had a barking problem, yes I’d ignore that and only give attention when my dog is quiet.

But I’d go one step further and actually train my dog not to jump or bark – that’s getting to the root of the behavior.

But to totally ignore them like they’re not there?

Not going to happen!

Doggy Dan’s Professional Credentials

Doggy Dan is not a certified dog trainer. I’ve found no mention or proof anywhere that he has completed any formal training.

And in my opinion, just considering his “pack leader” mentality, there’s a clear misconception of dominance in dogs.

And this even after studies on the dominance theory have been debunked.

And ultimately, would you pay someone without qualifications good money to train your dog?

If you would, then you might as well just pay your neighbor to train your dog.

Doggy Dan’s Everyday Tools and Techniques

After you completed the 5 golden rules to becoming the pack leader the site naturally flows to a set of tools and techniques Doggy Dan uses in his training style.

I was pleased to see a bunch of great, no-force techniques and tools here.

These are science-based, no-force dog training techniques.

Like; stop-start-change direction, using short and long lines, and the freeze.

And then I came across isolation…

Here Doggy Dan rightly explains that dogs are social animals and placing them in isolation is a form of punishment.

Remember when you were a kid…

The time-out step your parents sent you to when you misbehaved – ‘to think about what you’ve done’?  Or the naughty corner at kindergarten where the disruptive kids were sent?

The isolation technique in Doggy Dan’s training program is exactly the same concept.

Basically, if you’ve tried to get your dog to stop a certain behavior that you don’t like but he/she keeps doing it, the answer is to place him/her in isolation with no stimuli.

The isolation should not be fun for the dog.

I see no benefit or the logical purpose for doing this…

Firstly, your dog is not able to ‘think about what they’ve done wrong’.

Secondly, it’s a short term solution that does not address the root of the unwanted behavior.  If you get to the root you can help your dog change that behavior.

Granted, Doggy Dan is very careful to explain that putting a dog in isolation should be done in a calm manner with no force or violence.  So no shouting or slamming doors.

What I’ve done with my 3 dogs when they’re being silly is ask them to move to their beds.  Where they take a breather.  

There’s no isolation, they can have a toy if they want.  It’s not a punishment because they like their den and their beds.

Okay, if you’re still reading this you probably want to know if there’s anything about the program that I do like…

And yes, there are…

Project Moses

The first thing I really like is Project Moses.

It’s a chronicle of Doggy Dan’s own dog, Moses.

Starting at an 8-week old puppy coming to his new home from the shelter all the way through to 8 months old.

Doggy Dan really went to a lot of trouble to document everything from Moses’ first car ride.

Through all the puppy woes like chewing, mouthing, potty training, and crate training.

You’ll see first hand how Doggy Dan teaches Moses basic obedience like sit, down, stand, and stay.  And leash walking, swimming, desensitizing, and socializing.

There’s a lot more in the Moses Project and if you’ve got a puppy or are getting a puppy in the near future the Moses Project will be a great benefit to you.

Puppy Training

There’s an entire section devoted to puppy training.  The information is aimed at someone who is brand new to puppy training. 

And can be a good place to start before working through the Project Moses section.

The Puppy Training section takes you all the way from an introduction to puppy training to basic command training.  

It also deals with things like your puppy first meeting the world and general ‘unruly’ puppy behaviors.

Dog Problems

Many dog owners struggle with adult dogs and their behavior problems.  This mostly stems from a lack of proper training during the puppy phase.

This is especially true for those of us who have adopted adult dogs from shelters.  Or dogs that came from an abusive background.

But all is not lost and these behaviors can be fixed.

This section deals with the most common and major issues like; separation anxiety, jumping up, pulling on the leash, hyperactivity, poor recall as well as fears and phobias.

And Doggy Dan gives plenty of science-based training techniques and advice here.

Dog Training

As you can imagine from the title, this section deals with dog training.

Things get quite detailed here…

Doggy Dan delves into the body language of dogs – which I find very important.

Understanding what your dog is saying to you through body (and face) language is an advantage that is often undervalued.

From all my research, Doggy Dan is the ONLY online trainer who actually deals with the body language of dogs.  This is valuable information.

Basic training concepts, rewards and command training are dealt with here too.

And there’s even a section on teaching your dog to swim and play fetch- which I liked a lot.

No training program would be complete without talking about safety within the human-canine family unit. Doggy Dan does a good job of detailing this.

Forum

The addition of a forum is a brilliant idea and adds a lot of value to this program.

From what I can tell the forum is very active with members posting questions about training scenarios they have trouble with.

Doggy Dan answers the questions himself, so members are getting advice ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’.

I’ve not found another online training course where the creator of the course gives time to answer questions the members have.  It’s a nice touch.

Videos, Videos, and More Videos

I like the fact that this entire membership site consists of videos.  I’m not sure how many hours all the videos amount to but I have no doubt it’s tonnes.

The videos are in bite-sized recordings so you won’t get bored and check out.  After each video, there’s a written section highlighting just the important points.

And most sections have a podcast recording with Doggy Dan himself.

There are also several PDF downloads of useful checklists and other information, which is nice for those who like hard copies of the information they’re learning about.

Conclusion to my Doggy Dan Review

After reading this Doggy Dan Review should you buy the training program?

I’m sure the program has worked for some people.  But I’m really torn between what I know about the negative effects of the alpha training style and the positive influence science-based positive-only training methods have.

Like I mentioned before, Doggy Dan uses “balanced” training, meaning, the softer approach first before moving to something more ‘alpha’ orientated.

Overall, it’s not a bad program. But I don’t agree with the alpha training philosophy. And so I can’t recommend it with a clear conscience.

I think it’s filled with some good information and I like the fact that Doggy Dan is active with his members.  And it does deal with a lot of situations other programs do not.

Unless you’re already an experienced trainer who can spot the dominance undertones in this program, you’re better off steering clear of Doggy Dan’s training program and focus on something that’s 100% positive and force-free.

So there you have my Doggy Dan review.

The next program is a diamond in the rough of dog training programs.  It’s one I own and I’ve included a bunch of the games and activities into my own dog’s training.  

It’s force-free and grounded on solid and up-to-date scientific research.

Brain Train for Dogs by Adrienne Faricelli

I did not get access to this program as an affiliate.  So I bought the program to see if it’s worthwhile and I decided to keep it.

I use methods I learn from other trainers in training my own dogs, tweaking them to suit our needs.

That’s the great thing about positive dog training – it’s fluid.

I am an affiliate for the Brain Training for Dogs program, so I’ve got the inside scoop on stats a regular member does not.

This will help me give you info that you won’t find anywhere else.

Like all my other reviews, I’ll run through the basics like the ease of use, price, and customer support.

These basics don’t determine a good training program, but I think they are useful to know.

Ease of Use

Update: Adrienne and her team have upgraded the Brain Training for Dogs program. 

Now you’ll have access to a member’s area.  Each game with its video and detailed description are placed in chronological order.

I like this because you have the videos at your fingertips so you can take your training wherever you go.  Just log into your account and you’re good to go.

I’m also impressed with the additional resources Adrienne has included in the member’s area.

You’ll have access to additional things like:

• Adrienne’s private forum.
• Case Studies. (More details on that later).
• Ask Adrienne, where you can ask Adrienne your specific questions.

This alone makes the Brain Training for Dogs worth every penny.  And at the one time fee of $47 it’s a steal.

Brain Training for Dogs is a little different from the other programs I’ve reviewed.  It’s old school because there’s no member’s area to log into.

You’ll receive a download link where you’ll find everything you need in a .zip file.  Just unzip the file and you’ve got everything at your fingertips.

Adrienne’s training program has always been solid, with fresh and exciting training concepts which we’ll get into later. 

But with all the additions to the program, the course is now in a league of its own.

Everything is clearly marked and placed in folders.  And following along with the eBooks and videos together is easy as pie. 

So there’s no guesswork on where to go and what to do next.

And since you can log in from anywhere you can take your training (and you pooch) on the road wherever you go.

You can download the 2 jam-packed eBooks for later reading on your smart device. Plus a bunch of extra resources put together by Adrienne herself.

Price

There are no recurring payments.  So, you will pay a one-off price of $47 for full access anytime, anywhere.

I regularly chat with Adrienne’s team and I can tell you that there are talks about changing the payment structure into a monthly fee. 

Personally, I think it’s worth charging monthly, but for now, it’s $47.

So if you’re interested, get your hands on it now.

Customer Support

I’ve had several chats with the customer service team. And I’m happy to say I’ve had good experiences.  Their turnaround time on questions is usually on the same day.

Of course, time zones do play a role in response time.  But I’ve never waited for more than 12 hours.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

With any training program, you’re putting the well-being of your dog into someone else’s hands.  So, the last thing you want is to mess your dog up or waste your money.

So, as a responsible canine guardian, it’s important to start by getting to know more about Adrienne Faricelli.

Brain Training for Dogs Review

Adrienne Faricelli’s Training Philosophy

Like all the dog training programs I promote, Adrienne Farricelli’s training philosophy revolves around force-free methods.

Adrienne uses science-based training methods that focus on positive reinforcement.

For your dog, this means training in the kindest way without fear or pain.

For you, this means no feelings of guilt for hurting your dog.

And the best part is a growing, deep bond between you and your dog.

Remember that unique, fresh approach to dog training I mentioned?

Well, Adrienne’s Brain Training for Dogs taps into the incredible intelligence of your dog.  

Adrienne believes that developing your dog’s mental agility spills over into your dog’s obedience and behavior.

Think about these 3 scenarios for a minute…

Remember when you were a kid…

When you learned a new and exciting skill, all you wanted was to do it over and over until you mastered it.

The positive spin-off was…

You wanted more.  More fun, more skill, and more challenge.

If you’re a parent, you already know that encouraging your child into mentally stimulating activities has a positive effect on their behavior.

And if you’re an adult interested in developing your brain, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

So, why shouldn’t the same principles apply to brain training your dog?

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Adrienne Faricelli’s Professional Credentials

When you’re following a training program for your dog, you want the advice of someone you can trust.

In my opinion, Adrienne Faricelli is one of the few online dog trainers I do trust.

Adrienne has worked alongside dogs for over a decade and She’s a qualified CPDT – KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed).

This means she’s registered with the Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

She is also a member of the Italian Association for Dog Trainers and Canine Consultants.  

To obtain this, Adrienne completed over 200 hours of apprenticeship under a master dog trainer.

Not only that, but Adrienne is a trusted dog trainer who actively works with and trains dogs that are going to be therapy or service dogs.

In other words, she holds stellar credentials and some of the highest qualifications in dog training.

Adrienne is also a seasoned writer who has written for publications like; USA Today, Daily Puppy, Nest Pets, and Paw Nation.

She’s also contributed to several print publications such as Every Dog magazine and the APDT Chronicle of the Dog.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

What’s Under the Hood of Brain Training for Dogs?

Force-Free, Kind Training

Earlier I mentioned force-free training.  These training methods are based on solid science with kindness in mind.

And that’s what Brain Training for Dogs is all about.  

If you’re new to this kind of training or dog training in general, this training program will teach you everything you need to know.

But in a nutshell, force-free training is rewarding the behavior you want.  Because of this positive feedback, your dog will perform the behavior again and again.

Here’s a short video showing you some of the cool brain training exercises you’ll teach your dog.

You don’t need to be a ‘pack leader’ to successfully train your dog.  As a matter of fact, it’s been proven that dogs who are dominated;

• Have lower self-esteem.
• Are afraid of trying new things.
• Are cautious of trusting their owners and other people.
• Are slower at learning.

Using dominance training means your dog performs a behavior because he or she is trying to avoid punishment.

Think about this for a moment…

Why would you want to teach your dog to do things so that he or she can avoid being punished?

If you put yourself in that position for just a second you’ll realize how negative it is.

Positive reinforcement sets your dog up for success every time.  And if you want to reap the rewards of brain training your dog, force-free training is the way to go.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Brain Training for Dogs: eBook

The first eBook in the Brain Training for Dogs program is all about developing your dog’s brain and tapping into their intelligence.

This is very powerful!

The book is a whopping 321 pages and it’s filled with games, puzzles, and activities that increase your dog’s mental agility.

It would be unfair of me to share all the games. But to give you a little taster of these brain-boosting activities, I’ll share the most well-known ones in the dog training world.

Targeting – The goal of this game is to get your dog to touch an object with his or her nose.

Targeting is a pretty easy task to teach, and I think it’s one of the most useful.

Although targeting provides only light mental stimulation, It sets your dog up for more complex tasks later in brain training.

You’ll need:

• Treats.
• Clicker or verbal marker.
• Target stick (you can also use a pen or even post-it notes instead).

Here we go…

Step 1: Teaching the Touch

1. Hold one hand open, a few inches from your dog’s nose.
2. Wait until your pooch touches your hand with his or her nose.
3. The moment this happens, mark the touch with your clicker or verbal marker.
4. Then reward with a treat from your other hand.
5. Rinse and repeat step 1 for a few more rounds or until your dog is reliably touching your hand.

Step 2: Adding the Cue

1. Say the cue.  For example “target”.
2. Immediately present your open hand (like in the previous exercise).
3. The moment your dog touches your hand with his nose, click the clicker or use your verbal marker and reward.

Once your dog has this mastered, you’ll move on to targeting different objects.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Hide and Seek – The aim here is the same as the game we all played as kids.

It’s super easy to teach, and one of my favorite games to play with my own dogs.

It’s also a useful tool for you and your dog.  It’ll give your dog the skills to find you if you ever get separated.

Your canine friend’s special sense is smell.  Your dog’s sense of smell is a thousand times better than yours.

You only have 50 million olfactory receptors, your pooch has a whopping 220 million.  For hide and seek, your dog will be using that brainpower.

You’ll need:

• A bag of yummy treats
• Oodles of excitement for the fun you’re about to have.

1. First, ask your dog to sit and stay.
2. Get into your hiding place but make sure your dog doesn’t see where you’re heading for.
3. Use your recall command as a release for your dog to start looking for you.  For example; “Rex, Come!”
4. As soon as your dog finds you, give lots of praise and food rewards.
5. Rinse and repeat, hiding in different places each time.

You’ll need to be creative because your dog will return to the places where he or she found you before.

These are just 2 of the 21 exciting games you and your dog will explore in the Brain Training for Dogs program.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Obedience 101

Brain Training for Dogs is not just a book of tricks.  Adrienne makes teaching your best friend the basics of obedience the cornerstone of the program.  

Because the truth is, if your pooch doesn’t know the basics, you’ll never be successful at teaching anything else.

In the Obedience 101 section, you’ll be taken through the basics and each step comes with a troubleshooting section to help you out when if you get stuck.  Your dog will learn how to;

• Sit
• Lie down
• Take it
• Leave it
• Drop it
• Stay
• Recall
• Heeling
• Attention heeling

Pre-School to Genius

Many dog owners struggle to know when their dog is ready to move on to more challenging training.  And this can be a problem.

If your dog is not ready to move to the next level, your dog will continuously fail. This slows down training and demotivates you and your pooch.

So it’s refreshing to see that Adrienne has put together a grading system, based on the time it takes for your dog to complete an activity.

This makes it easy for you to know exactly when your dog is ready to move to the next level of training.

I think this is a great benefit for both you and your dog.  It keeps success in the limelight and keeps you both rearing to go.

Advanced Brain Training Activities

Like I mentioned before, altogether there are 21 brain training activities.  Starting with the easiest and progressing to more advanced activities.

Here are just a few of the more advanced activities you and your dog will master…

• The Treasure Hunt – Your pooch will learn how to find hidden treats.
• The Bottle Game – You’ll teach your dog to empty a bottle full of treats.
• The Ball Pit Game – Your dog will learn how to solve a puzzle and uncover hidden treats.
• Open Sesame – Teach your dog to sit when you place your hand on the doorknob.

Adrienne’s Brain Training for Dogs program won’t leave you high and dry when you’re facing a problem.  Each activity has a troubleshooting section to help you along the way.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Behavior Training for Dogs: eBook

The second book in the Brain Training for Dogs program focuses specifically on the most common behavior issues dog owners face.

Behavior problems can rear their ugly heads at any time during your dog’s life.

So having a plan of action at your fingertips is a big plus in my books.

The book is a factual guide to help you understand why your dog is acting out.  And what course of action you can take to help them change their behavior.

Adrienne shares her tips and tricks to deal with behaviors like;

• Whining.
• Digging.
• Barking.
• Chewing.
• Jumping.

But she doesn’t just scratch the surface…

Adrienne dives deep into each behavior issue and shows you how to tackle it from every angle in a kind, force-free way.  

And she also has an extensive troubleshooting section for each behavior.  I think this is very valuable, for both new and seasoned trainers.

Take barking as an example…

Unless your dog is barking to alert you about a serious problem, barking can be annoying.  The last thing you want is trouble with the neighbors or broken sleep.

Of course, barking is a form of communication and it’s natural for a dog to bark.  But you don’t want it to get out of hand.

Imagine this for a moment…

So you’re chilling out with a good book and your dog won’t stop barking.  You take a look around but there’s nothing your dog should be barking about.

Maybe you’ve had this kind of experience before.  Or maybe you’re struggling with this problem right now.

So what’s going on?

Your dog could be barking for a host of different reasons like;

• The presence of little critters.
• Distant sounds.
• And obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Dementia – if it’s an older dog.
• A history of reinforced behavior.
• Watchdog syndrome.
• Excitement barking.
• Territorial barking.
• Frustration barking.
• Reactive barking.
• Resource guarding barking.

Yes, there really are that many reasons why your dog could be barking!

So it’s great that The Behavior Training for Dogs eBook goes into detail on each of these barking behaviors and smart ways you can help your dog change their behavior.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Case Studies

I love that Adrienne has added a case study.  The study revolves around a dog named Sadie who’s earmarked for a therapy or service dog.

Adrienne works with Sadie to stop whining, pacing, and constantly wanting to go to/through the door.

Adrienne also touches on possessiveness and dog-on-dog aggression.

Since Adrienne works proactively in the service and therapy dog community I’m looking forward to more helpful case studies like the one with Sadie.

Videos Galore!

Picturing dog training methods in one’s head can be tricky, especially if you’re new to dog training.  

Seeing things in action does make it easier to learn a new skill.  So I was pleased to find a video made for each of the 21 brain training activities.

The videos are short and sweet, getting down to the nitty-gritty.  And I found it easy to follow along with the book and the videos together.

If you’re just getting into developing your dog’s intelligence with games and activities this is a great benefit for you too.

The Glossary

A book’s glossary is by far the most boring part of a book for me.  I never read them!

But I’m super impressed with the glossary in both the Brain Training and Behavior Training books.

Dog training is filled with terms and concepts that are vital to understanding how dogs think and learn.

Adrienne has gone out of her way to explain every one of these concepts in an easy to understand way.

You’ll learn about;

• Barrier frustration.
• Desensitizing and counter conditioning.
• Extinction bursts.
• Thresholds.
• Triggers.
• Back Chaining.
• Luring.
• Capturing.
• Generalizing.
• Proofing.
• Reinforcement.

And a whole bunch of other interesting concepts.

Adrienne’s Everyday Tools

Adrienne shares the tools that she uses everyday for canine brain development and behavior training.

And of course, these tools have force-free and fun at the heart of it all.

The best part is you don’t need to spend a ton on these tools. Adrienne shares some great alternatives you can find around your home.

So, now that I’ve shared with you all the things I like about this program.  But nothing in life is perfect.  There are a few things that I would like to see improved…

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

A Community Forum

You do have direct access via email for any support you need.  I’d like to see a place where like-minded folk to meet.

Connecting with other owners who are actively involved in training their dogs would be fantastic.

With the new updates to the program, I’m so happy to see that Adrienne and her team have created a community forum! 

It’s fantastic to be able to connect and chat with other dog owners.

The forum is pretty new, but I predict that it’ll grow into a place with a wealth of knowledge for both dog owners and Adrienne’s team.

Video Sound Quality

I enjoy learning with videos and the Brain Training for Dogs program is great if you do too.  

Like I mentioned before, there are 21 great videos that are well thought out and easy to follow.

But I’d like to see better sound quality here.  It’s not that you can’t hear properly but it’s clear that Adrienne is not using a microphone.

It would be great if the videos are made using a microphone or even voice over.

That aside, the videos are solid and will help you work through the program with ease.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Conclusion

After reading my review of Brain Training for Dogs should you buy the program?

My answer is a resounding yes.  I think it’s a super program if you’re new to dog training.  And even if you’re a seasoned trainer looking for new ways to develop your dog’s intelligence.

Brain Training for Dogs is a fantastic program to take you and your pup from simple obedience all the way through to tidying up toys or playing the piano.

I support Adrienne’s training style 100%.  Adrienne has left no stone unturned.

And I love the focus on developing your dog’s mental agility.

My dogs are canine gamers and we’ve enjoyed learning and playing a bunch of the cool activities in this program.

• The program is based on solid science and psychology.
• The training is kind and force-free.  This keeps you free from guilt and your dog free from fear.
• Adrienne makes learning vital concepts in dog training easy.
• The unique approach to brain-boosting games and behavior will encourage both you and your dog to do more.
• Developing your dog’s mental abilities will build their confidence and keep them well-balanced and happy.
• The complete guide to troubleshooting problems is a big benefit.

Dogs are working animals.  And if yours are anything like mine, having a job to do is right up there with food and snuggling on the sofa.

The games and activities in this program will give them the ‘work’ they crave and need.

If you’re new to dog training or want to help your dog develop his or her brain, The Brain Training for Dogs program is a must.

Your dog is never too young or too old to start learning.

Click Here to Learn More About Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs.

Now I’m going to share with you a program that I have checked out from head to paw – so to speak.

I own this program too, and I think it could be useful as part of a training system.  It’s got some fantastic tips and techniques.

But…

I don’t think it is a one-stop solution for anyone brand new to dog training.  If that’s you, I strongly recommend reading my review on Brain Training for dogs by Adrienne Faricelli.

Perfect Pooch by Dana Gallagher

Once again, like my reviews on other dog training programs, I’ll run through the basics like the ease of use, price, and customer support.

Ease of Use

Once you’re inside the Perfect Pooch Training System you’ll find a very basic dashboard with an easy to navigate the menu.

The member’s area is minimalist with very little clutter.  I like this because it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

One thing that threw me off is that the welcome video is last in the list of videos – weird!  

But there’s a nice video where Dana introduces herself, shares her training philosophy and her credentials.

Price

There’s no free trial with the K9 Dog Training Club.  And you have 2 pricing options which are both one-off, with no monthly fees.

The first option is the Basic package for $27.  Here you only have access to the Perfect Pooch Training System.

The second option is the Deluxe package for $37.  Here you get access to the Perfect Pooch Training System and a bunch of bonuses like;

• Science-based methods to change any behavior.
• Dog food and nutrition.
• Safe body handling.
• Separation anxiety.
• VIP Insiders club access.

I own the deluxe package.  But I’m not convinced of the value of the $37 for the deluxe option or the standard option for $27.

There’s one thing that annoyed me slightly…

I don’t like being upsold anything when I buy any online program.  Maybe you don’t like it either, or it doesn’t bother you in the least.  Either way, I’m giving you a heads up.

You will be upsold twice before you gain access to the member’s area.  

You have no obligation to buy the extras and declining will not water down the quality of The Perfect Pooch Training System.

I decided to go with the Tricks Made Easy extra for $17.  Not only for the tricks but for the obedience benefits and the mental challenge.  

I think this is probably the only thing worth the price in this program.

If you want to turn your dog into a T.V star, you might consider the Hollywood Hounds for an extra $27.  But I didn’t include this in my subscription.

And if you want to watch the Perfect Pooch Training System videos on the go, or teach your dog a new trick at the park…

Dana has made it really easy to take your videos on the go.  There’s an option to download each video.

Customer Support

I contacted customer care because I wanted to know why the bonus videos were not accessible.  Considering the time zone difference, I received an answer in 12 hours.

The bonus videos are made available at 7-day intervals.  This is a nice touch, so you don’t become overwhelmed by all the information.

This is great if you’re new to dog training.

Click Here to Learn More About Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System.

So now that’s out of the way, I think it’s vital to get to know Dana Gallagher, her training philosophy, and her credentials…

The welfare of your dog is at stake so the last thing you want is some halfwit teaching you about dog training.

Perfect Pooch Training System Review

I’ll say straight off the bat here that I like the Perfect Pooch Training System but it has a lot of ‘holes’ and missing information.

But the training methods are still force-free and kind.  And I did learn a few neat tricks from Dana.  

Although for the money, I’d suggest going for The Brain Training for Dogs program by Adrienne Faricelli.

Dana Gallagher’s Training Philosophy

Dana Gallagher’s is a clicker trainer and her philosophy is positive reinforcement (+R) based on scientific learning theory.

This means you can teach your dog whatever your heart desires without punishment, fear, or pain.

There’s no bullying, threatening, or physical force.  I wholeheartedly support science-based, positive training for dogs and that’s what I promote on this site.

You might have heard some people say food rewards are bribes for your dog.  Yes, if you use them in the wrong way, they can become bribes.

But, Dana shows you how to use food rewards as payment for learning new and more complex behaviors. And that’s all the food is there for anyway – to teach.

When you watch her dogs, you’ll see they’re in their happy place.  They are eager to have fun and ecstatic to be ‘working’.  That’s what positive reinforcement training accomplishes.

I also like that Dana shares the science behind some of her methods.  She really breaks the science bit down into a bite-size chuck so you know exactly how, why, and when to use them.

Things like;

• Shaping
• Capturing
• Luring

These concepts are very exciting (I’ll share more later).  You and your dog can accomplish just about anything with them.

Click Here to Learn More About Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System.

Dana Gallagher’s Credentials

Dana started out as a traditional trainer.  But she quickly realized there is a better more efficient way to train dogs.

For over 12 years Dana has been a qualified CPDT – KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed).

She’s reached one of the highest levels of qualification in the dog training world.  Dana is also a top contender in the world of canine;

• Agility.
• Obedience.
• Musical Freestyle.
• Flyball.

Check out this quick video to see a snippet of what Dana’s dogs can do…

What’s Under the Hood of the Perfect Pooch Training System?

Force-Free, Science-Based Training

The Perfect Pooch Training System is gentle and kind and the methods are based on science.  You’ll need a clicker to get the most out of the program.

You can use your voice but if you’re new to this kind of training, or dog training in general – you want to use a clicker for optimum results.

You’ll learn how to harness your dog’s natural drive to work and desire to please.

This is very powerful in dog training.

Dog’s want results, if they fail too often they check out.

So Dana shows you how to quickly train your dog by setting them up for success to get results.

Supporting your dog with successes and gains forges a deep bond between dog and owner.  Which you’ll see once you get started.

Forget about being ‘the alpha’, you don’t need to dominate your dog.  Or use pain and fear to teach your dog anything.

These methods will;

• Ruin your relationship with your dog.
• Damage your dog’s self-confidence.
• Slow down training
• And potentially cause behavior problems.

Here’s an example…

There’s a term in dog training called ‘learned helplessness’.  It happens when you constantly dominate your dog through physical force, social pressure, and corrections.

Think about that for a moment…

‘Learned Helplessness’.  It sounds terrible.  Why would you want to force your dog into helplessness?

Click Here to Find Out More About Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System.

Clicker Training Techniques

I like how Dana starts it all off with a video with clicker training techniques.  She goes into detail about why using a clicker is so effective.

You’ll learn how to use a clicker and how to mark and reward the behavior you want.  Which helps build behaviors quickly.

Remember those exciting concepts I mentioned earlier?  Shaping, capturing, and luring?

Well, this is where Dana gets into the nuts and bolts of how these techniques work and how you can use them to teach your dog anything.

These are well-known concepts in positive dog training but Dana breaks them down into bite-sized pieces.  So you can start using them right away.

I’ll give you a quick personal example of how effective these techniques are…

I used capturing to teach Lexi how to spin.

She was already spinning in circles at the door that leads to the back yard.  So I just captured this behavior while it was happening by using a clicker and rewards.  

This way worked great for Lexi.  She’s a rescue and doesn’t like fast-moving hands above her head.

The other method of luring her to spin wouldn’t have worked for her.

That’s how effective positive training is – there’s always a way to teach something. 

Dana also goes into detail about why luring might not the best way to train certain dogs.  

This gives you the information you need to decide which technique will suit your dog.

Check out this quick preview of Dana talking about clicker training…

Changing Behaviors

The next few videos go into detail about how to change those annoying dog behaviors we all struggle with.  Things like;

• Nuisance.
• Barking.
• Chewing.
• Leash pulling.
• And knowing where their toilet is.  To name a few.

But unfortunately, these videos just touch on the theory behind the practical world training.  So if you’re new to dog training this could leave you confused.

So, if you’re looking for a potty training guide, I recommend getting your hands on a copy of my Flawless Potty Training Guide.

One thing I find especially useful is the technique Dana uses to stop dogs from ‘door-crashing’.  

Teaching your dog to sit and wait until you’re ready for them to pass through a doorway can potentially save their life.

Think about your dog bolting across a busy road because he or she has not learned to sit and wait first.  

Dana will show you a quick and effective way to stop this from happening.

Teaching your dog not to jump up at their food bowl is a gem when it comes to training.  It saves constant kibble spills and muddy prints on your new jacket.

And also not to ‘counter-surf’.  Imagine if your dog jumped up on the kitchen counter and ate something that’s potentially dangerous.

There’s a quick and easy way to train your dog that counter-surfing is off-limits.

And it doesn’t involve sneaking up on your dog and dropping a can filled with coins.

Do that and good luck when there’s a thunderstorm, fireworks, loud vehicles or even a banging door.  Your dog will be a nervous wreck for life.

Click Here to Find Out More About Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System.

Teaching Behaviors

I have a cue for my dogs when I want them to go and chill on their beds. I usually use this cue when I’m cooking, entertaining guests, or doing a quick clean up.

It’s very useful unless you want an obstacle course around you. Dodging dogs with hot pots in your hands is dangerous and frustrating.

Dana has an excellent video on teaching dogs how to settle down and have mat manners.  

You can use this technique to train your dog to go to any place you like when you need space to move.

The great thing is it’s not a punishment.  It’s just a chill out session on their beds.  And there’s nothing stopping you from allowing them a fun chew toy to keep them busy.

Teaching dogs a solid recall is one of the most difficult behaviors because they often see it as ‘spoiling their fun’.

Usually, with recall training, you need 2 people, but you can always have someone around.  But Dana has a neat way to train a solid recall with only one person.

Nose Touch

Teaching your dog the nose touch is a really great tool.  Nose touches can be used to train other behaviors like staying off furniture and other more advanced behaviors.

I love this little tool.  And Dana will show you just how useful it can be.

Rules of Engagement

Okay, so Dana doesn’t call this rules of engagement but that’s what training your dog on biting and furniture rules is.

Biting

Biting is a problem for a lot of people.  Dana explains an interesting approach to biting.  It’s a graduated training process.

So you start at your dog’s hardest bite and teach him or her in gradual steps to bite softer until your dog bites at a pressure you’re comfortable with and knows that human limbs are off-limits.

But sadly, her video is only about the theory behind the method.  So there’s no demonstration, which will leave you with more questions than answers if you’re new to dog training.

Furniture

My dogs are allowed on the furniture, but only on invitation.  Dana shows you a smart way to teach your dog this rule of engagement.  

The dog she works with picked it up in a 4-minute video.

Click Here to Find Out More About Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System.

Tricks Made Easy

The Tricks Made Easy section is one of the extras you will be offered once you sign up for the Perfect Pooch Training System.

Like I mentioned earlier I think it’s a worthwhile investment for the obedience trick training provides and also for the mental challenge for you and your dog.

This is the part where Dana really goes deep into those exciting training techniques like shaping and capturing.  And it’s awesome!

Your dog will learn tricks like;

• Fetch my slippers or any other item.
• Speak or Bark on cue.
• Play dead.
• High five.
• Shake a paw.
• Spin around.
• Wave hello and goodbye.

Videos

I like learning with videos so the Perfect Pooch Training System is great if you do too.  

There aren’t as many videos as other training programs and that is a big drawback for me.

Okay, so I’ve shared everything I do like about The Perfect Pooch Training System.  I can’t fault the training style or methods.

But…

There are one or 3 things I’d like to see improved on.

It’s Not a One-Stop Solution Training Program

By this, I mean Dana’s program is not an easy one-stop training course for new dog owners.  It’s great for giving a more scientific understanding of positive training.

But it lacks a lot of content.  It doesn’t cover all the bases or questions for someone new.

I’d like to see this improved upon before I’d suggest it as a good course for beginners.

VIP Insider Club

This is one of the perks that comes with the deluxe package.  It’s a place where you can go to ask Dana questions.  

I was disappointed to see almost no interaction in the forum.  And the questions that were asked are mostly unanswered.

For this reason, I recommend not buying the deluxe package if you want online support.

So in all honesty, you could go for the basic package and then get the Tricks Made Easy extra and you’ll be good to go.

More Videos

I’d like to see more videos added in the future.  Because Dana has a wonderful way of sharing the science behind her techniques without being boring.

I also think there’s room for more demonstration videos.  It’ll be especially useful for dog owners who are brand new to training.

Conclusion to My Perfect Pooch Training System Review

After reading my review of The Perfect Pooch Training System, should you buy the product?

I’m really in 2 minds about this.  And in all honesty, I don’t think it’s worth the price.

On the one hand, I like how Dana works with her dogs. She’s very good at showing you why a technique works the way it does.

And how you can modify a technique to suit your own dog.

But on the other hand, I think the meatiness of the content is weak and the presentation is poor.  You’re going to struggle with this if you’re new to dog training.

If you’re new to dog training, I recommend you rather go with Brain Training for Dogs by Adrienne Faricelli instead.

The Perfect Pooch Training System is not a one-stop-solution for newcomers, not by a long shot.

That being said, I’ve learned a lot from Dana Gallagher’s training program.  And what I love most is that she is so creative in her training style.

• The Perfect Pooch Training System has solid science behind it.

• Dana shares the exciting concepts behind the methods in a fun way.

• It gives you the tools you need to make training fun and creative.

• There’s absolutely NO punishment, force, or fear involved.

• Dogs love learning this way.  It builds their confidence and keeps them happy.

Dogs are never too old to start learning.  And it’s especially easy to train a puppy, adolescent, or even an older dog using a clicker and positive reinforcement.

Click Here to Learn More About Dana Gallagher’s Perfect Pooch Training System.

Dog Training Online Program by Dove Cresswell

Unfortunately, Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program is no longer available.  But all is not lost!

Check out another program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

The Dog Training Online Program by Dove Cresswell did not afford me the opportunity to see the inside of the program as an affiliate.

So I bought the program and still own it.  I’ve implemented many of the techniques Dove uses into training my own German Shepherds.

Because I’m also an affiliate, I have access to stats a regular member does not.  This will help me give you inside info that you won’t find anywhere else.

I’ll briefly run through the basic details such as ease of use, price and customer support.  It doesn’t make or break a dog training program but I think this is important information to have.

Ease of Use

Like most online dog training programs this one is easy to navigate through.  Many dog owners new to dog training ask the question; ‘where do I start?’  They want to know what they should train first.

This program’s information flows logically step-by-step.  So there’s no guesswork on your part.  All you do is follow one step at a time.  Leaving you to concentrate on training your dog and not wading through information trying to figure out what’s what.

Price

There’s no free trial for a dollar.  And there are also no recurring payments.  You will pay a one-off price and have private, lifetime access to the program.  Making it easy to refer back if you need to refresh your dog’s training.

By the way, refreshers throughout your dog’s life is a reality.

The regular price is $49.95 but if you use this PROMO CODE: Dove50Sale, you’ll get it at 1/2 the price – $24.98.

Customer Support

For the Dog Training Online Program, I did need customer support.  But not due to any fault of theirs.  I accidentally deleted the email with the link to gain access and on top of that I forgot my password.

The customer support was great and within a few hours, I had what I needed to gain access.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale

Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

I think it’s important to start with getting to know more about Dove Cresswell…

If you’re paying good money and the well-being of your dog is in the balance you don’t want some Micky Mouse teaching you how to train your dogs.

Dog Training Online Review

Dove Cresswell’s Training Philosophy

Dove Cresswell’s training philosophy is based on force-free, science-based methods.  Which is something I support wholeheartedly and promote on this site.

What this means for you and your dog is that you won’t have to force your dog physically during training. So no pushing their hips down to teach them to sit.  No scolding, no threatening eye contact or getting up in their grill and no corrections of any kind.

The unique part of her philosophy is that she teaches you to use food rewards AND play and toys as rewards.  All dogs love playing, it stimulates their prey drive and the Dog Training Online program harnesses this drive.

Think about it…

When you were a kid, how willing would you have been to learn, if your parents taught you the correct ways to act if you were rewarded with your favorite games or other fun things you loved?  Maybe you were taught this way.  If so, you know exactly what I mean.

So doesn’t it make sense to turn training into games?

Dove Cresswell’s Professional Credentials

Dove Cresswell is a qualified CPDT – KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed).

In our terms, she’s obtained the highest level of dog training credentials out there.

Not only that…

From 1999 to 2012 Dove Cresswell has collected over 43 film and TV series credits.

Yup, she’s trained and worked with dogs on some big-budget sets.  The list is too long to mention.  So here are a few well-known sets…

• Once Upon a Time (TV Series)
• Marley and Me – The Puppy Years
• Marmaduke
• Cats and Dogs – The Revenge of Kitty Galore
• Slam Dunk
• The Santa Clause 2
• Dark Angel (TV Series)
• Avatar

If you want to see Dove Cresswell’s full Film and TV series credentials check out this link.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

What’s Under The Hood of the Online Dog Training Program?

Force-Free, Science-Based Training

Like I mentioned before The Dog Training Online Program is kind.  Force-free training is based on solid science.  And I’ve written a couple of articles on this.

If you’re new to this kind of training or dog training in general and you’re interested to know more about the psychology behind it, check out this article of mine.

The Online Dog Training Program is all about rewarding and setting your dog up for success.  And, building a deep bond with your dog through training.

You don’t need to be an alpha, dominate your dog or use corrections to successfully train your dog.  In fact using these methods will;

• Ruin your relationship with your dog.
• Lower their self-confidence
• Make training difficult.
• Slow down training.
• And worst of all cause serious behavior problems later on.  This is because your dog will hit a wall and not be able to progress.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

Obedience Essentials

The logical starting point for any dog training course is with obedience.  And that’s exactly where Dove starts her course.

Solid obedience is the foundation of all dog training and allows you to build on from there.

Like other online programs, it would be wrong of me to go into great detail on how Dove approaches obedience essentials.

The basics of force-free obedience training are well known so I’ll mention a few of these here…

Training Session Tips

I can’t stress enough how important it is to start out your dog training on the right foot.  And this first section is all about training you to train your dog.

There are few gem tips here and Dove goes into detail about why they are so important.

Keep Your Training Sessions Short and Sweet

Here Dove advises having only 3 x 5-minute sessions of formal training per day. This will keep your dog engaged in learning.  If you go too long, your dog will become bored and check out of the lesson.

Formal training is a structured session where you decide what you want to teach your dog.

Remember, your dog is like a sponge and picks up on everything you do and allow.

Behaviors and habits form even when you’re not in a formal training session.  So, you train your dog even when you think you’re not.

Dove teaches to end a formal training session with a game of play.  Like I mentioned before this stimulates your dog’s prey drive which is more important than most people realize.

She also shows you how to implement this end-of-training-play and cement it into your training.

Your dog will quickly learn that any formal training session ends with a game and their favorite toy.  This will keep them ‘working’ for you and keep their focus.

I advise you to only give your dog access to this specific toy at the end of each session and then keep it separate from other toys.  Again this keeps motivation high and speeds up training.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

Sit, Down, Stay, Down-Stay

These are just a few of the many basics you’ll need to teach your dog.

And there’s a ton of information on my site and others on how to train these basic behaviors.

But the truth is the basics can become boring for both you and your dog.

What stands out for me and what makes the Online Dog Training Program different is you’ll learn how to;

• Praise your dog in a fun way.
• Use play as a super jackpot reward.
• How to teach hand signals AND voice commands.

Other essential basics are also dealt with in great detail.  Things like;

• Longline recall
• Come when called
• Loose leash walking
• Boundary training

I highlight these 4 specifically because they are often the most difficult to teach and could save your dog’s life in the future.

Why…

Because your dog can see these as ‘spoiling their fun’ and choose to ignore you.  Yes, dogs are capable of choosing to ignore a command.  Especially one that they perceive as interfering with their fun.

So imagine your dog is chasing a squirrel and heading in the direction of a busy road. Having a solid ‘come when called’ will save you and your dog from 10 different sorts of pain.

See how important it is?

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

Dove’s Everyday Tools and Techniques

As expected with Dove’s training here I found a bunch of force-free, science-based training techniques with play and toys at the heart of it all.

There’s also a wonderful game for teaching another essential and life-saving behavior – heeling.  The game is called the heel sneak away game.  And it’s one I have used to retrain my ‘rusty’ dogs to heel.  I can honestly say it worked like a charm.

Dove also shares her favorite no-force collars, harnesses, and leashes to support you in using kind methods to train your dog.

She also goes into detail about the kind of dog toys you should consider using.

Toys that will keep your dog excited, motivated to ‘work’ for you and encourage engagement.

Since I’m obsessed with dog toys and have made a whole lot of poor toy choices in the past, I found this very useful information.

There are a bunch of other things I really like about the program…

Just Puppies

As the name suggests, here Dove deals with everything to do with puppies…

Things like;

• Food aggression:  Here Dove teaches you how to use her game method to make feeding time relaxing.  The game method is powerful in reinforcing the desired behavior in your puppy.
• Crate training:  Crates can be scary for a puppy and even an adult dog.  Dove shows you how to make the whole process positive and fun.  And there’s a ton of details on what to look for before you buy a crate and how to choose the right crate.
• Curbing chewing:  Here you’ll learn how to use positive distractions to curb chewing.  And how to use the method of ‘making a trade’ with your puppy.
• Socializing: This is one of the key essentials to a well-behaved and balanced dog.  You’ll learn how to teach your pup ‘fair play’ with other dogs and humans.
• How to pick the best food and treats: Feeding a puppy the right food from the get go will determine his or her health for the rest of their life.  Dove is a supporter of the healthiest food and treats and recommends grain free kibble or even a raw diet (which I support too).  You’ll learn what to look for in a food and how not to be duped by hype and ingredient labels.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

Behavior Problems

No high-quality dog training program would be complete without showing you how to deal with behavior problems that might crop up.

Dove deals with a bunch of them in this section…

Here are just a few of the behavior issues dealt with in detail;

• Jumping
• Biting
• Digging
• Aggression Problems
• Fear Issues
• Separation Anxiety

The two issues I had, were nuisance barking and poop eating.

• Nuisance Barking:  German Shepherd’s are vocal dogs.  And Charley was starting to annoy the neighbors.  I wanted to stop the situation before it got out of hand.  And using Dove’s ‘speak’ training helps me do that.  I actually wrote about it in an article last year.
• Poop Eating:  Zèzè was a poop eater when he was a pup.  And believe me, there’s NOTHING worse than a dog with poop-smelling breath.  I tried almost everything but nothing worked.  In the end it was because he had EPI and his body is not able to make use of the nutrients in food.  As soon as he changed to a raw diet it ended immediately.  So in my case I didn’t use Dove’s methods but I can see how effective they are if there’s no medical reason for poop eating.

One issue I’m still working on is jealousy…

Lexi is a resource guarder.  She guards my husband, myself, toys and space as her own.  It’s been tough because she does this in every conceivable situation.  So we’re working on one scenario at a time.

Doves techniques have been very helpful in controlling the jealousy and I’m using it as part of the training.  I believe in taking the dog’s personality into account in any behavior modification training so I’ve adapted it a little to fit in with her and our specific situation.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

Advanced Training and Tricks

I love this part of the program!

It’s my favorite because it challenges my dogs – their intellect and abilities are tested to the max.  And as a trainer, I’m challenged too.

This section of the program is a great foundation to build on and set up more and more challenging tricks and lessons for your dog.

Wow!  I used the word challenged a lot there! LOL

Also, my dogs and I are show-offs so we love being animated and showing everyone all the cool tricks we know!

If you’re new to force-free training or dog training, in general, you’ll find a lot of value in the clicker training lessons. It’s also called marker training and it’s where this kind science-based training starts.

Dove goes into great detail here. First teaching you how to clicker train, so that you can successfully use clicker training to teach your dog anything you want them to learn.  It’s the most effective way to communicate with your dog during training.

Because Dove has trained many, many dogs for movies and TV series’ she knows her stuff.  There’s no better person to learn about clicker training from than from Dove herself.

Also, what makes Dove’s method unique is her signature game playing method which she shows you exactly how to use.

Other tricks Dove teaches you to teach your dog are;

• High Five
• Give Paw
• Spin
• Bow
• Wave

And a bunch more.

There are also some very valuable lessons…

• Advanced Heel
• Fetch
• Testing Your Dogs Recall
• Jogging with Your Dog

I’m sure you can tell how useful these are!

Hours of Videos and Bonus Audio Recordings

The entire course is made with bite-sized videos.  This makes it easy for you to digest and follow along.

And it’s easy to find what you’re looking for when you return later because everything is clearly marked.

There are over 50 videos or so and they total about 5 or 6 hours.

You also get access to a useful audio recording by Dove.  I like this feature because it beefs up the information to help you along your way to successfully training your dog to be a superstar.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale

Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

Okay, so now you know everything I do like about the Online Dog Training Program by Dove Cresswell.

And you’re wondering if there’s anything I don’t like.

Well, nothing in life is perfect.  And I can’t say there’s anything I don’t like.

But…

There are a few things I think could be improved…

Connecting with Other Owners

I’d like to see something like an active forum where people can post questions.

It’s a great help to connect with other dog owners who are actively training their dogs.

Bouncing ideas off each other broadens perspectives and really helps to think about things in a way you might not have otherwise.

You do have the option to upload pictures and videos of you working with your dog which does make up for the lack of a formal discussion platform.

Inner Circle Support on Training

In keeping with the forum idea, it would be a fantastic addition to have Dove or someone knowledgeable in her team answer questions that everyone in the program has access to.

Again, I think this will add value to the program and broaden perspectives.

For example, you might look at a problem I’m having and help me see the wood for the trees.  It’s so much easier to see the whole picture when you’re standing on the outside.

You do have access to emailing questions to Dove about issues you’re having.  But again, it would be great if these were shared with members of the program.

Personally I’ve never made use of emailing her, but from what I’ve seen she’s very dedicated to helping dog owners successfully train their dogs.  And I believe people that email her do get a response – either from her or someone in her team.

Now for the issue that might be a problem…

Dove has announced that her Online Dog Training Program will not be available for much longer.  I’m so sad about this because I feel it’s one of the top dog training programs out there.

But…

She has given permission for members to record all her videos so that they have still have lifetime access to them.

You can easily do this using free software.  So you still get your money’s worth.  Of course, recording and downloading her videos was prohibited in the past.

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale
Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs

I do respect her for not just doing a disappearing act though.  It attests to the fact that she is committed to helping owners train their dogs successfully and in the kindest way.

Because I’m promoting this product and because I’m passionate about force-free training for dogs, I’m offering to provide you with any support you need at no cost to you.

Okay, I’m not Dove Cresswell but I’ve been using force-free methods to train my dogs for over a decade.  I’ll support you with any problems you have and work with you to hash out plans to help you.

If you read any of my training articles you’ll see that I have also experienced issues in training my dogs, as an example I mentioned the jealousy issue with Lexi.

But I work out a plan and tackle the problem using the kind force-free methods for the best results.  And keep at it until I find something that works.

Conclusion to My Online Dog Training Program Review

After reading my Online Dog Training Program review should you buy the product?

I can confidently say, yes!

I wholeheartedly agree with Dove’s training methods and love the unique play style she teaches.

• The program is based on solid scientific research and proven psychology.

• There is no force, social pressure or corrections of any kind.

• Only force-free training methods are used.  This builds the dog-owner relationship, supports your dog’s self-confidence and speeds up training.

• The unique play style training will keep your dog motivated to learn, your dog will stay engaged and training will always be a fun experience.

You can literally use this program from puppy stages through to adolescence and into adulthood.  I think this is great value for money.

And there’s nothing stopping you from implementing the training principles to teach an adult dog with no prior training to be a superstar!

Click Here to Learn More About Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

Use this Promo Code for 50% off: Dove50Sale

Check out another great program I use and highly recommend.

My Review of Adrienne Faricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs