The Brain First™ Family of Programs
Brain First™ is more than a training method — it is a complete philosophy centered on one simple principle: Develop the brain, and behavior follows™.

Brain First Pro™
Brain First Pro™ is the parent organization. It establishes the philosophy, professional standards, educational curriculum, ethics, continuing education requirements, and certification pathways used throughout every Brain First™ program.
Every Brain First™ professional, regardless of specialty, follows the same core developmental principles while applying them within their own area of expertise.
Explore the Brain First™ Family
One philosophy. Distinct branches. Shared standards.
Brain First Canine™
Brain First Canine™ applies the Brain First philosophy to canine behavior development through brain development, genetics, nutrition, environmental design, family education, ethical practice, and lifelong learning.
Explore Brain First Canine™Brain First Feline™
Brain First Feline™ applies the same philosophy to feline behavior development while respecting species-specific communication, environmental needs, and lifelong development.
Explore Brain First Feline™Brain First Professionals™
Professional pathways for qualified behaviorists, breeders, nutrition professionals, puppy development specialists, family coaches, and other professionals who demonstrate Brain First principles through knowledge, research, ethical practice, and successful behavior development.
Explore Brain First Professionals™Brain First Canine™
Brain First Canine™ applies the Brain First™ philosophy to dogs, including:
- • Brain development
- • Behavior development
- • Environmental design
- • Puppy development
- • Family education
- • Nutrition support
- • Learning science
- • Lifelong behavioral wellness
Breed-specific programs operate under Brain First Canine™ while maintaining the same professional standards. Examples include:
- • Brain First Olde English Bulldogge™
- • Brain First Shih Tzu™
- • Brain First Labrador Retriever™
- • Additional breed programs as they are developed
Brain First Feline™
Brain First Feline™ applies the same developmental philosophy specifically to cats.
Breed-specific feline programs will follow the same structure while recognizing the unique developmental and behavioral needs of each breed.
Brain First™ Professionals
Brain First™ recognizes that successful canine development requires many different types of professionals working together. As additional programs are introduced, Brain First™ professionals may include:
- • Brain First Behaviorist™
- • Brain First Trainer™
- • Brain First Breeder™
- • Brain First Nutrition Professional™
- • Brain First Puppy Development Specialist™
- • Brain First Family Coach™
- • Additional professional pathways as they are developed
Each professional completes education specific to their field while sharing the same Brain First™ philosophy and ethical standards.
How Brain First™ Works with Crown & Collar Institute™
Brain First™ evaluates and qualifies professionals.
Crown & Collar Institute™ independently recognizes dogs, breeding programs, and breeders that meet established health, temperament, development, and welfare standards.
For many advanced Crown & Collar recognition levels, applicants must demonstrate documented Brain First™ developmental oversight. That oversight may be provided by:
- • A qualified Brain First Behaviorist™
- • A qualified Brain First Trainer™
- • A qualified Brain First Breeder™
- • Another approved Brain First™ Professional whose qualifications match the developmental needs of the recognition being sought
If the applicant personally holds the appropriate Brain First™ qualification, no additional partnership is required.
Together, Brain First™ and Crown & Collar Institute™ create a comprehensive system that recognizes both the professionals who guide canine development and the dogs and breeding programs that demonstrate exceptional standards.