🐾 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Mastering the Up Down Game to Improve Your Dog’s Focus & Calm 🐶🎯

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Looking for a simple yet powerful way to build your dog’s focus, confidence, and calmness? 🎮🐶 The Up Down Game is an easy pattern-based training tool that works in any environment. Using repetition and reward, this game teaches your dog to engage with you—even around distractions! 💬🌟

🎯 What Is the Up Down Game?

The Up Down Game is a pattern game—meaning it follows a consistent sequence. This makes it predictable for your dog and reduces stress. The game uses two behaviors—looking up at you and then down to get a treat—to build a focused rhythm 🧠🐾

🧰 What You’ll Need

• 🍖 Tasty treats your dog loves
• 🔊 Clicker or verbal marker like “Yes!” (optional)
• 👟 A quiet space to start—your living room is perfect!

📘 Step-by-Step: How to Play the Up Down Game

1️⃣ Eye Contact Start 👁️

Hold a treat at eye level so your dog looks up. When they do, immediately place the treat on the ground between your feet 👣 and let them eat it.

2️⃣ Repeat the Pattern 🔁

Repeat this sequence 1–2 times: Up (eye contact) ➡️ Down (treat on the ground) 🍗

3️⃣ Remove the Lure 🚫👋

Now, don’t show the treat. Wait until your dog voluntarily makes eye contact. When they do:

• ✅ Mark with “Yes!” or a click
• ⬇️ Place the treat between your feet again

4️⃣ Build the Pattern 🔂

Repeat the game at least 5 times per session to establish the rhythm 🎵

🌟 Making It More Challenging

Once your dog understands the basics, increase the difficulty slowly:

• 🚶‍♀️ Have a friend walk nearby as a distraction
• 💬 Add movement or talking from the friend
• 🏞️ Try it in your yard or at the park

Each time your dog chooses to look at you, reward them! 💝 Never call them—just wait and reinforce when they choose to engage. This builds real-world focus 🔍

🧠 Why This Game Works

• 📅 It builds a routine your dog can count on
• 💪 It boosts confidence in new or distracting environments
• 🎯 It encourages voluntary focus rather than forced obedience

🧩 Troubleshooting Tips

If your dog is struggling:

• 📍 Move the treat closer to them
• 📍 Place the treat in the exact same spot each time for predictability
• 📍 Go back to a quieter setting if they’re overwhelmed

And remember—let your dog choose to play. No luring, forcing, or bribing. If they walk away or seem uninterested, take a break and try again later 🧘‍♂️🐕

📖 Where It Comes From

The Up Down Game is inspired by Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt, a well-known trainer specializing in pattern games for confidence and calm 🧠📘

🏁 Final Thoughts: Build a Calmer, More Focused Dog 🎉

Whether your dog is reactive, excitable, or just learning to focus, the Up Down Game is a fun, effective way to help them thrive. It teaches calm, reinforces connection, and is easy to practice anywhere 🐶✨

📲 Need More Guidance?

For support in customizing your dog’s training plan, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 Our expert veterinary and behavior team is here to help with real-time answers and tailored solutions 🐾💬

🎊 Keep training positive, patient, and playful—and enjoy those “up-down” moments of progress! 🐾⬆️⬇️