🎯 Vet’s Guide to Pattern Games for Dogs: Boost Focus & Confidence in 2025 🐾

Author: Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Pattern games offer a breakthrough way to help dogs manage stress, improve focus, and build confidence. As a veterinarian, I frequently recommend these low-pressure, opt-in behavioral tools—especially for anxious, reactive, or easily overstimulated pets. 🧠🐶

🔍 What Are Pattern Games?

Pattern games are structured, repetitive exercises that help dogs predict what's coming next. This structure creates a sense of calm, making them perfect for dogs struggling with reactivity, overstimulation, or fear-based behaviors. 🧩

Unlike traditional obedience training, pattern games don’t focus on control. Instead, they give dogs a sense of agency, empowering them to process new environments and triggers safely. They’re ideal for:

• 🚚 Encountering delivery trucks
• 🐾 Meeting new dogs or people
• 🏥 Visiting the vet or groomer
• 🐈 Adjusting to household changes

📦 Getting Started with Pattern Games

Start in a quiet, distraction-free space where your dog already feels safe. This could be your living room, bedroom, or any environment that supports relaxation. 🏡

Before beginning, check:

• 🥜 Is your dog accepting treats? That’s a green light for engagement.
• ⛔ Is your dog turning away, yawning, or lip licking? These may be signs to slow down or pause.

Each pattern game follows the opt-in/opt-out philosophy. Dogs should feel safe to walk away at any time without consequence. This builds trust and avoids triggering anxiety. 🫂

🛠️ Pattern Game Essentials

Let’s clarify three foundational terms:

• Cue: A word like “sit” that tells your dog what to do
• Marker: A signal like “yes” or a clicker to indicate correct behavior
• Reinforcement: A treat, toy, or praise your dog loves ❤️

🎮 Choosing the Right Pattern Game

Think about your dog’s needs. Do they bark at other dogs? Struggle to enter the vet clinic? Get overwhelmed on walks?

🌬️ Start With “Take a Breath (TAB)”

This foundational pattern encourages grounding and breathing. Teach your dog to take a moment before reacting. Simply reward calm behaviors like sitting or pausing. This becomes your launch pad for more advanced games. 🧘‍♂️

🌀 “Look at That” (LAT)

One of the most popular pattern games, LAT trains dogs to observe triggers calmly. You say “Where’s the [trigger]?” and reward when they look at it. 🐕

This encourages:

• 👀 Calm visual engagement
• 🧠 Environmental processing
• 💬 Strengthened communication with you

It’s perfect for managing leash reactivity, fear of strangers, or vet phobia. 🌈

1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ The “1-2-3 Game”

Count “1… 2… 3,” then give a treat. Over time, your dog anticipates the reward and walks beside you. This game helps with:

• 🐾 Loose leash walking
• 📍 Navigating crowded areas
• 🏥 Entering stressful environments like vet clinics

🍪 “Give Me a Break” (GMAB)

Place a treat on the floor, turn your back, and sit. When your dog comes back to you, repeat. This encourages calm independence and teaches dogs to check in with you. 👋

🧭 “Whiplash Turn” Game

This sharpens your dog’s response to their name. It’s especially useful when you need to redirect attention from a distraction. Say your dog’s name → reward when they turn toward you. 🎯

🧠 Advanced Concepts: Opting In vs. Opting Out

In all pattern games, your dog should choose to participate. If they walk away, that’s okay! Signs your dog is opting out include:

• 😞 Turning away or freezing
• 💤 Lying down and ignoring cues
• 🐕 Lip licking, scratching, or yawning

Offer an opt-out station: a snuffle mat, lick mat, or open crate for decompression. This ensures a safe space for resetting. 🛏️

🧩 Customizing Games for Real-Life Challenges

Let’s look at specific examples:

🚗 Case: Vet Clinic Anxiety

• Start “1-2-3 Game” in parking lot
• Switch to LAT once inside
• Use GMAB post-visit to unwind

🐾 Case: Leash Reactivity

• Use Whiplash Turn to get focus
• Play LAT when another dog appears
• Reinforce walking beside you with 1-2-3

🏡 Case: Guest Visits at Home

• Send to mat using TAB
• LAT with guests at distance
• GMAB with enrichment toys

🔁 Training Tips for Success

• 📍 Start simple—short sessions, minimal distractions
• 🍗 Use high-value reinforcers—cheese, liver treats, freeze-dried meat
• ⏱️ End on a positive note—no overtraining
• 🧠 Track progress—note patterns, triggers, and wins

🧘 Teaching Relaxation With Pattern Games

Once your dog is engaged, you can use pattern games to shift into deeper states of calm. Reinforce:

• 🛌 Shifting to side or lying down
• 😴 Slower breathing
• 😌 Soft eyes, flat chin on floor

Use soft voices, low-value treats, and minimal stimulation. This creates a meditative experience for your dog. 🌙

📲 Need Extra Support?

For personalized help and behavior coaching, download the Ask A Vet app. Connect with trusted veterinarians like me and access expert training guidance right from your phone. 🩺📱

👉 Click here to download Ask A Vet and start your journey to a calmer, more confident dog.

✅ Final Thoughts

Pattern games are not just training tools—they are relationship builders. Whether your dog needs help with confidence, calmness, or simply more structured fun, these games are gentle, effective, and deeply rewarding. 🎁

Start today. One treat, one pattern at a time. Your dog will thank you. 🐾💖