A science-based approach to helping dogs thrive through play

I’m Ashlie, founder of Canine Brain Games. With a background in psychology, behavior, and canine enrichment, I create practical, personalized ways for you to support your dog’s mind, confidence, and everyday wellbeing.

Explore Now how it works

dog enrichment education graduation cap icon for Canine Brain Games Barkive

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.

Built from heart, backed by behavior science

Hi, I’m Ashlie — founder of Canine Brain Games.

I created Canine Brain Games because I believe dogs deserve more than being told what not to do. They deserve safe, joyful ways to sniff, forage, chew, play, and learn.

With a background in psychology, applied behavior analysis, and canine enrichment, I help dog guardians support their dogs in a way that feels practical, personal, and grounded in real behavior science.

Why this matters

So many everyday struggles with dogs are really unmet needs in disguise.

When dogs don’t have healthy outlets for their natural instincts, that can show up as barking, chewing, restlessness, frustration, or difficulty settling. Enrichment helps meet those needs in a thoughtful, engaging way.

That’s why Canine Brain Games is built around science-based enrichment that works in real life — not trends, not overwhelm, and not one-size-fits-all advice.

How I got here

For over 20 years, I’ve worked with children and dogs in different ways, always drawn to behavior, connection, and learning.

My professional background is in clinical mental health, where I spent years supporting children through behavioral and emotional challenges. That work taught me something I carry into everything I do now: behavior is communication.

I saw how environment, play, stimulation, and emotional safety shaped outcomes for children. Over time, I realized the same core principles apply to dogs.

I also fostered and rehabilitated behaviorally complex rescue dogs, and those experiences changed the way I understood canine behavior. Instead of focusing only on control and obedience, I began to see how much progress happens when dogs are given appropriate outlets for what they were naturally made to do.

My senior rescue dog, Freya, was a huge part of that journey. She helped shape not only my approach, but the heart behind this brand.

Where psychology meets canine enrichment

Canine Brain Games exists at the intersection of behavior science and everyday dog life.

Here’s what that means for you and your dog:

We focus on root causes, not just surface behaviors

We use play as a tool for learning, confidence, and connection

We respect that every dog is different

We make enrichment feel doable, not intimidating

Your dog isn’t meant to fit into a rigid mold. They have instincts, preferences, energy patterns, and emotional needs. When you support those needs, life often gets easier for both of you.

What makes Canine Brain Games different

Unlike a typical dog box, this is more than a collection of products.

It’s a more thoughtful enrichment system designed to help you understand your dog and support them in a way that feels clear and sustainable.

With Canine Brain Games, you’ll find:

Personalized enrichment options based on your dog’s play style

Expert-backed activities rooted in behavior science

Practical tools and ideas you can actually use at home

Ongoing learning and support through Barkive resources

Everything is designed to help you create more meaningful moments with your dog — and make enrichment feel simple, joyful, and effective.

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