Welcome to Canine Brain Games

Your quick-start guide for your first box—plus how to use Barkive and your subscription with confidence.

Start here: a quick hello + how this all works

I’m Ashlie, founder of Canine Brain Games. In these short videos, I’ll show you how to use your first box, where to start inside Barkive, and how your subscription stays personalized to your dog.

What’s in your first box (and why it may look different than recent unboxings)
How to use the Barkive

How your bi-monthly subscription + customization works

What is in your first box

Image is example of past box options

Engagement or Interactive Toy

Play Style Toy

Hands-on Activity (Signature Box)

Welcome Passport

The Welcome Passport

The Welcome Passport is a fun, interactive way to get to know our digital library—the Barkive.

As you work through it, check off each activity on your passport. Then share a photo of your pup playing along, and you’ll earn a prize in your next box.

Need help along the way? You’ll find links and recommendations below to make completing your Welcome Passport simple (and actually fun).

Welcome Passport Activities

Log into the Barkive ✔️

Check this off your card! You are in the Barkive now!

Watch One Barkive Video

Pick one video to watch from the links below.

Each link will take you to a page within the Barkive. Locate the video from there. Remember, the goal is to watch, not teach.

Using Common Household Items
Teach Hand Touch Cue
The Mouse Trap Game – scroll to Training and Skill Building category to find this game

Puzzle Session (day 1)

Break out that puzzle toy and spend 2-15 minutes with your dog.

Problem solving and confidence building! Once done. Check this box off

Bookmark One Activity

Pick an activity you want to come back to later and book mark it.

Not sure how to bookmark a page. Follow these easy steps

Click the star located in your browser search bar
Name the bookmark as you like and click Done (or save)

bookmark to come back to later

Download One Guide

Head over to the Download & Pintable’s section to download one handout.

Recommended: Brain Games Cheat sheet

Click me!

Teach Eyes on Me

Eyes on Me is found in our Training Foundations section.

Find eyes on me

Play Style Toy Session #1

Pick up that play style toy and have a little fun with your pup.

Forager: Fill with treats and cheer them on as they get their rewards

Cuddler: Play a quiet, and lite, game of tug

Chaser: Play a game of fetch

Chewer: Give your pup a comfortable space to enjoy some chew time

Play Style Toy Session #2

Pick up that play style toy and have a little fun with your pup. This time with a twist.

Forager: Fill with treats and hide the toy (start easy, let them see when you place it)

Cuddler: Add in some music while your dog enjoys their cuddle toy. Learn about using music here

Chaser: Play a game of fetch while adding in basic cues like “sit” or “down” in between tosses

Chewer: Take the chew toy and spread peanut butter on it, freeze it, and let your pup enjoy.

Hands-on Activity: Set it up

Set up a hands-on activity

Signature Box Subscribers: Dig into your Sniff & Seek kit. Watch the video lessons on introducing your dog to a new scent. Get prepared for step 2.

Foundations Box Subscribers: Head over to the Hands-on Activity section of the Barkive and pick 1 activity to do with your dog.

Hands-on Activity: Do it

Whatever you picked, spend up to 15 minutes practicing this new skill with your dog.

Important tips: Make sure your dog always has the choice to leave an activity. Watch for signs of stress (lip licking, whale eyes, tucked tail, panting, crouched body, and attempting to leave the activity).

Puzzle Session (day 2)