Pattern Games: Creating Calm and Predictability

The concept of pattern games was introduced by Leslie McDevitt, an American-based dog trainer. There are numerous games to choose from, each providing a dog with a predictable and secure structure to follow. Here is one adapted from Leslie’s book Control Unleashed, which is highly recommended.

Benefits

• To get a dog away from something scary.
• To help a dog focus on something else whilst getting past something scary.
• Useful when working on programmes of desensitisation (DS) and counter-conditioning (CC).
• Gives a dog some control over whether they wish to move forward.

The Training Steps

1. Get the dog’s interest using their favourite treats. While they are in front of you, say out loud: “One”, “Two”, “Three”, and on “Three”, drop a tasty treat on the floor for the dog to retrieve.
2. Repeat this a few times.
3. Add movement — take three steps while counting to three out loud.
4. On “Three”, place the treat on the ground and stop.
5. Before starting the pattern again, wait for the dog to offer you eye contact.
6. Over time, they will start looking up at you, anticipating the sequence.
7. The voluntary offering of eye contact dictates when you move forward, giving the dog control over the situation.
8. Sequence: One, two — drop the treat on three. Stop. When the dog looks at you, move forward and repeat.
9. Create a rhythm and flow to keep their interest, using plenty of encouragement.
10. Practise in slightly more distracting environments — if they do not look up, give them a little extra time.
11. Gradually increase distractions as they progress.
12. Use pattern games during desensitisation and counter-conditioning sessions.
13. Pre-empt potential difficulties by using management tools such as the “Emergency U-turn” or “Come Away”.

Variations

• If the dog already knows the “Touch” cue, incorporate it after the count of three before rewarding.
• Use props such as sports cones on the ground or handheld targets for the dog to aim at.

Once mastered, this training can be used whenever you anticipate a challenging situation, helping distract the dog, capture their focus, and guide them away from potential problems.

(Guide adapted from the ‘1, 2, 3 Pattern Game’ in Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt.)