Meet Ashlie: Canine Enrichment Specialist with Applied Behavior Analysis Background
Ashlie, MS Psychology Focused on Applied Behavior Analysis
At Canine Brain Games, our mission is to enhance the lives of dogs and their owners through science-based canine enrichment. I am a certified canine enrichment specialist. I have a background in applied behavior analysis. I make it easy to offer stimulating and enriching playtime experiences.
Where Clinical Psychology Meets Canine Enrichment
Behavior Specialist | DN-CET Certified Canine Enrichment Technician | Licensed Pet Dog Ambassador Trainer | Charlotte, NC
Hi, I am Ashlie, a canine enrichment specialist and certified DN-CET. Canine Brain Games stems from a lifelong passion for understanding animal and human behavior through applied behavior analysis. I specialize in applied behavior analysis. I have spent the last 10 years working in the clinical mental health field with children. In this role, I help them navigate behavioral and emotional challenges.
Throughout my career, I observed firsthand how environment shapes behavior—in both children and dogs. A child’s surroundings, stimulation levels, and opportunities for play impact their emotional regulation. These factors also affect their behavior. The same principles apply to our canine companions. My master’s dissertation focused on the connection between dogs and children on the autism spectrum. I explored how the human-animal bond can support emotional development. It can also support behavioral growth.
The Power of Environment: Applying Human Psychology to Canine Enrichment
Working in clinical mental health taught me that behavior is not a choice—it’s communication. When children act out, it’s often because their needs aren’t being met. They need sensory input, mental stimulation, physical activity, or emotional connection. The same is true for dogs.
In my work with children, I saw how learning through play became the foundation for skill development. It also supported emotional regulation and confidence building. Play isn’t frivolous—it’s how brains develop, process information, and practice new behaviors in a safe context. This understanding became the cornerstone of my approach to canine enrichment.
Dogs, like children, thrive when their environment supports their natural instincts and provides appropriate outlets for their energy and curiosity. When we suppress natural behaviors—sniffing, foraging, chewing, digging—without offering alternatives, we generate frustration and anxiety. These issues become what we label as “problem behaviors.” But when we enrich their environment with instinct-driven activities, we engage their minds. This approach addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
My Journey: From Structure to Enrichment
Over the past 20 years, I have worked with children and dogs in various capacities. I have taught children. I have also fostered and rehabilitated over 30 behaviorally complex dogs. I have always been capable of connecting with both populations. I understand both because the underlying principles of behavior are universal.
For over 20 years, I have taken on “quirky” dogs. I initially focused on obedience training and used aversive techniques. This was especially true when working with my rescued American Staffordshire Terrier, Freya. She struggled with animal aggression and impulsivity.
I initially believed that dogs labeled “reactive” or “aggressive” needed constant direction. Structure, structure, and more structure! Nevertheless, my perspective shifted when I began fostering and rehabilitating rescue dogs. I discovered that canine enrichment was the key to addressing their instinctual needs. I quickly learned that addressing those needs in a fun and safe way actually reduced maladaptive behaviors. These included excessive barking and destructive chewing. It also alleviated separation anxiety and reactivity. This approach helped. It was just like how providing appropriate sensory and play experiences helped the children I worked with in therapy.
The real breakthrough came when I applied my clinical psychology training to my work with dogs. I assessed a child’s environment just as I did for dogs. I created individualized behavior plans that incorporated play-based learning for both. The results were always clear when placing these dogs into their new homes.
Translating Brain Science: How Human Psychology Informs Canine Enrichment
My understanding of the human brain and behavior analysis directly translates to how I approach dog behavior and enrichment:
Environmental Modification: In clinical settings, we change environments to support positive behaviors. With dogs, this means creating spaces and activities that satisfy their instinctual needs. Foraging games are for natural scavengers. Puzzle toys are for problem-solvers. Sensory activities are for curious sniffers.
Learning Through Play: Children learn best through play-based activities that feel fun, not forced. Dogs are the same. Mental enrichment games teach impulse control, problem-solving, and confidence while strengthening the bond between dog and guardian.
Addressing Root Causes: Rather than simply suppressing unwanted behaviors, I focus on understanding why the behavior is happening. Are the dog’s basic needs being met? Do they feel safe to be themselves? Just as I would with a child in therapy, I create enrichment plans that tackle these underlying needs.
Individual Differences Matter: Every child responds differently to interventions based on their unique neurology, temperament, and experiences. Dogs are no different. Canine Brain Games recognizes that one size does not fit all. That’s why you can modify your enrichment boxes based on play styles. These styles include Chewer, Chaser, Cuddler, or Forager.
This realization transformed how I view dogs living in our world. We expect them to meet our needs. At the same time, we tell them not to sniff, dig, chew, or shred. All these are natural behaviors that make them special. Mental enrichment for dogs allows them to express these instincts safely. It reduces stress and unwanted behaviors. Therapeutic play helps children regulate emotions. It also helps children develop skills.
Canine Enrichment Certification & Professional Qualifications
I am a canine enrichment specialist. I am also a Licensed Pet Dog Ambassador Trainer through the Pet Professional Guild. I hold a Canine Enrichment Certification (DN-CET) from DogNostics. I have a certification in Dog Emotion & Cognition. This ensures every activity is grounded in scientific research. It is also based on behavioral science principles.
My unique background combines clinical mental health experience with canine behavior skill. This combination allows me to approach dog enrichment from a rare perspective. I understand not just what dogs need, but why they need it. This understanding is based on principles of brain development, learning theory, and environmental psychology.
I take on behavior consultations on a case-by-case basis. My focus remains on differentiating Canine Brain Games from other dog subscription box services. I infuse each box with educational insights. I include scientifically backed enrichment games rooted in both human and animal behavior analysis.
What We Offer: Science-Based Dog Enrichment Solutions
The Enrichment Subscription Box is at the heart of my vision. It offers instinct-driven activities designed with careful attention. These activities are built on the same behavioral science principles I applied in clinical settings with children. Each bi-monthly box includes:
- Puzzle toys for mental stimulation and cognitive development
- Treat-dispensing toys that encourage natural foraging behaviors
- Hands-on activities like trick training and interactive games that promote learning through play
- Access to the Enrichment Barkive: a digital library with 100+ enrichment resources, DIY games, and behavioral guidance
Boxes are designed based on your dog’s play style: Chewer, Chaser, Cuddler, or Forager—because individual differences matter in behavior change.
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