Elevate Your Dog’s Life with Tailored Enrichment Plans
Busy schedule? We’ve got you covered! Affordable, personalized mental and physical stimulation designed for your dog’s unique needs.
Bridging The Gap between Human Psychology and Canine Behaviors
Do you find your dog's behaviors frustrating, annoying, or even unsafe?
I am here to help!
At Canine Brain Games, we understand that modern life can make it hard to consistently meet your dog’s mental and physical needs. That’s why we’ve developed science-backed, easy-to-implement enrichment solutions that are affordable, effective, and tailored just for your dog.
Our founder, Ashlie, is a certified Enrichment Technician and Pet Dog Ambassador Trainer, bringing over 20 years of behavioral expertise to ensure your dog thrives.
Inspired by her journey with her rescue dog Freya, Ashlie created Canine Brain Games to help every dog live their best life, no matter how busy their guardian’s schedule is.
Discover the Power of Canine Enrichment
Through years of experience in canine behavior, we've uncovered the incredible impact of targeted mental stimulation using positive reinforcement and approaches in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Our mission is to help you and your dog experience:
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Reduced Stress and Fewer Frustrations: Our enrichment activities provide healthy outlets for your dog's natural instincts, addressing the root causes of anxiety and unwanted behaviors.
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Enhanced Bonding and Joyful Moments: Engage in fun, interactive games that strengthen your connection and create lasting memories.
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A Fulfilled and Balanced Dog: By tapping into instinctual behaviors and meeting unmet needs, we support your dog's emotional well-being and overall happiness.
Get A Free 15-Minute Consultation
Want to learn more about how my consultations and enrichment planning services work? Sign up for your FREE 15-minute consultation.
Expert Guidance for Your Newly Adopted Shelter Dog
As someone who has dedicated years to working with shelter dogs, I've seen firsthand the challenges these wonderful animals face. I've welcomed countless dogs into my home who were struggling in the shelter environment, some even considered "unadoptable." This experience has given me unique insights into helping dogs transition successfully from shelter life to their forever homes.
Understanding the Dog Shelter-to-Home Journey
The reality is, animal shelters can be overwhelming places for dogs. The constant noise, unfamiliar scents, and lack of individual attention can take a toll on even the most resilient canines.
When you bring a rescue dog home, you're offering them a new lease on life - but it's important to remember that this transition, while exciting for you, can be confusing and even stressful for your new companion.
My Approach to Smooth Transitions
This is where my expertise comes in. I've developed strategies that ease this crucial transition period, setting both you and your new dog up for success. My approach focuses on:
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Creating a calm, welcoming environment that helps your dog feel safe
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Establishing positive routines that build trust and confidence
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Addressing any shelter-specific behaviors with compassion and understanding
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Strengthening the bond between you and your new family member
Your Partner in This Journey
I invite you to work with me to make this transition as smooth and successful as possible. Together, we'll navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories as your rescue dog blossoms in their new home. My goal is not just to solve immediate issues, but to help you build a strong, lasting relationship with your adopted companion.
Every Dog Deserves a Chance to Thrive
Remember, every dog that leaves a shelter for a loving home is a success story in the making. With the right support and understanding, your new friend can overcome their past experiences and become the amazing companion you've been dreaming of.
Are you ready to give your rescue dog the best possible start in their new life? Let's work together to make that happen.
Send a copy of your adoption records to hello@caninebraingames.dog and I will send you a discount code!
An occupied mind is a happy mind. A 2014 pilot study conducted by Hunt, Whiteside, and Prankel (2022) showed a 57% reduction in undesirable behaviors with the addition of enrichment.
Our Innovative Approach to Canine Behavior
At Canine Brain Games, we move beyond traditional obedience-focused methods. Our behavior consultations and enrichment planning services embrace activities that allow your dog to express their true nature:
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Puzzle Feeders and Treat-Dispensing Toys: Engage your dog's problem-solving skills while satisfying their natural foraging instincts.
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Sensory Exploration Tools: Introduce snuffle mats and other textured surfaces to simulate exciting scent-based activities.
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Guided Sensory Walks: Learn techniques to make daily walks a fulfilling sensory adventure for your dog.
Personalized Behavior Consulting
I am here to help you navigate specific challenges:
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Customized enrichment plans tailored to your dog's unique needs and personality
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Strategies to address common behavioral issues through positive, enrichment-based methods
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Ongoing support to ensure lasting results and a harmonious household
Experience the Canine Brain Games Difference
By partnering with Canine Brain Games, you're not just getting dog behavior help – you're starting on a journey to rediscover the joy of letting your dog be a dog. Our science-backed approach to canine behavior combines mental stimulation, enrichment, and play through positive reinforcement to create a happier, more balanced relationship between you and your four-legged friend.
Ready to transform your dog's life through the power of enrichment? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to learn more about our behavior consulting services and start your Canine Brain Games adventure!
Looking For Help In These Areas:
As someone who has dedicated years to working with shelter dogs, I've seen firsthand the challenges these wonderful animals face. I've welcomed countless dogs into my home who were struggling in the shelter environment, some even considered "unadoptable." This experience has given me unique insights into helping dogs transition successfully from shelter life to their forever homes.
Helping your dog with impulse control helps reduce unwanted behaviors. Enrichment provides outlets for their physical and psychological needs.
Just like us, dogs need more than just the basics to thrive. They crave mental challenges, physical activity, and opportunities to express their natural instincts – much like we seek fulfilling hobbies, exercise, and social connections to feel our best.
Mouthing and chewing are natural behaviors for dogs, especially puppies, as they explore their environment and relieve teething discomfort. However, excessive or inappropriate mouthing and chewing can be problematic. Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect this behavior, however, sometimes we have to teach our dogs what is safe and not safe to chew on.
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, whether to hunt, create a cool spot to lie down, or hide objects. While it can be frustrating when it results in a torn-up yard, enrichment helps by providing enrichment toys or spaces designed to let your dog fulfill that drive.
Difficulty in settling down or relaxing, often resulting in excessive restlessness, barking, or pacing. This behavior can stem from depression, anxiety, lack of exercise, or insufficient mental stimulation.
Techniques based on enrichment, consistent routines, and calming activities can help your dog learn to relax.
Pulling on walks is a common issue, often leading to an uncomfortable experience for both the dog and the owner. This behavior can stem from excitement, a desire to explore, or an overall lack of engagement with the environment.
At Canine Brain Games, we work with a range of behaviors. Our goal is to help address behavior issues and help you not only work on those behaviors with your dog, but understand where those behaviors are coming from.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today to discuss your dogs behavior needs. If I can't help you, I have a trust list of trainers to send your way.
Benefits of Our Plan
- A personalized dog enrichment plan with training and activities specifically selected based on your feedback and your dog's needs.
- Focus on addressing behaviors you want to improve or modify.
- No need to purchase new toys or tools, though links for recommended items will be provided.
- Activities are scientifically backed and used by behavior professionals.
- Designed to be fun, engaging, and tailored to your dog's preferences.
- Helps relieve stress, anxiety, and boredom.
- Enrichment planning and behavior consultations benefit dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.
Canine Brain Games enrichment programs are scientifically designed to promote, improve, and maintain your dog’s physical and mental health. Dogs that engage more with their environment will gain confidence, experience less stress, be less fearful, and even feel more at ease with their surroundings.
In creating your Canine Enrichment Plan, I will assess, design, and guide you through a carefully crafted action plan of activities that provide your dog(s) with a variety of social, mental, physical, sensory, and food-related exercises. These will be in the form of puzzles and stimulating challenges, encouraging your dog to tap into their natural behaviors.
Our dog enrichment program is designed to meet your needs too. We want to ensure the plan we provide is something you will be able to accomplish, setting both you and your dog up for success. Our main goal is to create a happy, fulfilling life for your dog while fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Paws To Think, Play To Thrive
Affordable and Flexible!
Canine Brain Games Behavior Consultations are an affordable and flexible solution designed to fit your schedule. All sessions are booked at a time that works for you with limited Saturday openings. These sessions can be over the phone or virtual.
What to Expect During Your First Booking
When you book your first consultation, you can expect:
1. Brainy Paws Blueprint: A customized schedule of activities and trainings designed to address the specific areas you identified.
2. Additional, Specially Curated Resources: Access to resources that will assist you in meeting your dog's needs effectively.
3. Comprehensive Support: All your questions will be answered to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
I am here to support you and your pup every step of the way!
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I hold a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. This program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, learning theories, and behavioral interventions. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment, which is particularly relevant in animal training and behavior modification.
Additionally, I have obtained certification in Clinical Mental Health from Capella University. This certification equips me with knowledge in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, which, while primarily focused on humans, offers valuable insights that can be applied to understanding and addressing complex behavioral issues in animals.
Furthermore, I am a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician, a qualification I earned from DogNostics. This certification specifically focuses on canine cognitive stimulation and environmental enrichment, which are crucial aspects of maintaining a dog's mental health and preventing behavioral issues. It involves designing and implementing activities that challenge a dog's mind, promote natural behaviors, and enhance overall well-being.
These qualifications collectively provide me with a unique blend of psychological knowledge, clinical skills, and specialized canine expertise, allowing for a comprehensive approach to dog behavior and training.
During consultation and sessions there is not an additional fee, all sessions are billed by the hour.
If you are looking for an individualized canine enrichment plan focused on each dog, there will be a one time additional fee of $45 (per dog) for that plan.
At this time, yes. My focus is on helping humans and their dogs live a sucessful life together.
The first step to this question is working on our own mindset. What does it mean to "fix" your dog? What are you trying accomplish? What behavior are your looking to change?
I will never make a promise that we do will help solve the problem. Your dog is a living, sentient being with their own free will, as are you. I do not have control over the progress you and your dog make. I can only provide the tools, expertise, and guidance.
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This is a hard question to answer because every dog and every family are different. Depending on the behavior you are seeking help for and your willingness and time to implement changes, you may need 2 sessions or you may need 6 sessions.
This is something we can assess during the intial consultation.
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The animal training world is highly unregulated, so anyone can throw up a website and charge a fee to help work with you and your dog. It's important to not only look for certifications but to also check where these certifications came from and did they actually received them.
Dog Trainer: The Skill Builder
These are the folks you'll likely encounter most often in your journey. Dog trainers are skilled professionals who focus on teaching dogs specific behaviors and commands or cues. Their primary goal? To help your pup become a well-mannered member of society!
Here's what dog trainers typically do:
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Teach basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come
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Help with leash training and loose-leash walking
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Offer specialized training like agility or scent work
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Work on general manners and socialization skills
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Occasionally help with aggression and reactivity
Dog trainers often have certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). While formal education isn't always required, many trainers pursue ongoing education to stay up-to-date with the latest training techniques.
Dog Behavior Consultant: The Problem Solver
Next, we have dog behavior consultants. These professionals take things a step further by addressing specific behavioral issues that go beyond basic training needs. Think of them as the detectives of the dog world, working to uncover the root causes of problematic behaviors.
Dog behavior consultants typically:
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Address issues like separation anxiety, fear, and aggression
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Develop behavior modification plans tailored to individual dogs
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Work closely with owners to implement these plans
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Offer guidance on environmental management to support behavior change
Many behavior consultants hold certifications from organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). They often have a background in animal behavior and may have pursued specialized education in this field.
Dog Behaviorist: The Scientific Approach
Moving up the ladder of specialization, we have dog behaviorists. These professionals bring a more scientific and research-based approach to understanding and modifying dog behavior. They dive deep into the why behind a dog's actions, considering factors like genetics, environment, and learning history.
Dog behaviorists typically:
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Conduct in-depth behavioral assessments
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Design comprehensive behavior modification programs
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Use scientific principles of animal learning and behavior in their work
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May participate in research studies on canine behavior
To become a dog behaviorist, one usually needs an advanced degree in animal behavior, psychology, or a related field. Many hold PhDs and have conducted extensive research in canine behavior. However, it's worth noting that "behaviorist" isn't a protected title, so it's important to verify credentials.
Dog Veterinary Behaviorist: The Medical Expert
At the top of the specialization pyramid, we have dog veterinary behaviorists. These professionals are the crème de la crème of the behavior world, combining veterinary medicine with behavioral expertise.
Dog veterinary behaviorists:
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Diagnose and treat behavior problems with a medical perspective
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Can prescribe medications when necessary to support behavior modification
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Rule out medical causes for behavioral issues
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Often work with complex cases that haven't responded to other interventions
Becoming a veterinary behaviorist requires completing veterinary school, followed by a rigorous residency in animal behavior. These specialists are board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), a distinction that sets them apart in their field.
Wrapping It Up: Choosing the Right Professional for Your Pup
So, there you have it! From dog trainers to veterinary behaviorists, each of these professionals plays a unique role in helping our canine companions live their best lives. Here's a quick recap:
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Dog Trainers: Great for basic obedience and skill-building
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Behavior Consultants: Ideal for addressing specific behavioral issues
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Dog Behaviorists: Perfect for complex behavioral problems requiring a scientific approach
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Veterinary Behaviorists: The go-to for behavior issues with potential medical components
Remember, the best choice depends on your dog's specific needs. If you're dealing with basic training issues, a dog trainer might be perfect. For more complex behavioral problems, you might want to consider a behavior consultant or behaviorist. And if you suspect there might be a medical component to your dog's behavior, a veterinary behaviorist could be the way to go.
No matter which professional you choose, the goal is the same: a happy, well-adjusted pup! So do your research, ask for credentials, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your furry friend is counting on you to make the best choice for their needs.
I hold a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. This program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, learning theories, and behavioral interventions. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment, which is particularly relevant in animal training and behavior modification.
Additionally, I have obtained certification in Clinical Mental Health from Capella University. This certification equips me with knowledge in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, which, while primarily focused on humans, offers valuable insights that can be applied to understanding and addressing complex behavioral issues in animals.
Furthermore, I am a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician, a qualification I earned from DogNostics. This certification specifically focuses on canine cognitive stimulation and environmental enrichment, which are crucial aspects of maintaining a dog's mental health and preventing behavioral issues. It involves designing and implementing activities that challenge a dog's mind, promote natural behaviors, and enhance overall well-being.
These qualifications collectively provide me with a unique blend of psychological knowledge, clinical skills, and specialized canine expertise, allowing for a comprehensive approach to dog behavior and training.
Hunt RL, Whiteside H, Prankel S. Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study. Animals (Basel). 2022 Jan 7;12(2):141. doi: 10.3390/ani12020141. PMID: 35049764; PMCID: PMC8772568.
Behavior Specialist
Ashlie Adams,
MS, DN-CET
Masters Degree in Psychology, Behavior Analysis
Certified Canine Enrichment Technician