Pattern Games for Dogs: How to Build Focus, Confidence and Calm

By Dr Duncan Houston.

Busy streets, unfamiliar dogs, veterinary clinics and noisy visitors can be difficult for dogs that are anxious, reactive or easily overstimulated. Pattern Games provide simple, predictable activities that can help dogs understand what happens next and practise responding calmly.

Developed and popularised by Leslie McDevitt through the Control Unleashed® program, Pattern Games are based on repetition, choice and reward. They are not about distracting a dog until a frightening situation disappears. Instead, they give the dog a familiar framework through which they can observe, process and communicate about their environment.

Quick Answer

Pattern Games are repetitive, reward-based exercises designed to create predictability. Games such as Up Down, 1-2-3 Walking and Look At That can help dogs practise checking in, moving through distracting environments and observing triggers without immediately barking, lunging or retreating.

Teach each game in a quiet place first. Only introduce triggers when your dog can remain comfortable, take food normally and disengage when needed.

Pattern Games can support a behaviour plan, but they do not replace veterinary care, environmental management or professional treatment for serious anxiety or aggression.

What Are Pattern Games?

A Pattern Game follows a sequence the dog can learn and predict. For example:

A treat is placed on the ground.
The dog eats it.
The dog looks back towards the caregiver.
The behaviour is marked.
Another treat is placed on the ground.

The sequence repeats in the same order. Because the pattern is consistent, the dog does not have to guess what will happen next.

The goal is not to make a dog obey regardless of how they feel. The pattern gives the dog an opportunity to participate, pause, look around or opt out.

How Pattern Games May Help

Depending on the individual dog and situation, Pattern Games may help:

Create predictability in unfamiliar environments
Encourage voluntary engagement with a caregiver
Provide an alternative to staring, pulling or frantic scanning
Help dogs observe triggers from a safe distance
Support transitions between locations or activities
Give caregivers an early indication that a situation is becoming too difficult
Build confidence through repeated, achievable success

Pattern Games should be taught with rewards and without physical correction. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for dog training and behaviour modification.

What Pattern Games Cannot Do

Pattern Games are useful tools, but they are not magic spells sprinkled with liver treats.

They cannot:

Cure an anxiety disorder by themselves
Make close exposure to a trigger safe
Prevent every reactive episode
Replace pain assessment or medical investigation
Guarantee that a dog will tolerate another animal or person
Replace prescribed behavioural medication
Make it safe to handle a dog with a bite risk without professional guidance

If your dog is already barking, lunging, freezing or attempting to escape, the priority is to increase distance and restore safety. Do not continue the game simply because the dog is still swallowing treats.

Before You Begin

Choose a Safe Environment

Begin somewhere quiet and familiar, such as:

Your living room
A quiet bedroom
A securely fenced garden
An empty training room

Use non-slip flooring and remove other pets, noisy toys and unnecessary distractions.

Prepare Suitable Rewards

Use small pieces of food your dog enjoys and can eat safely. Treats should be easy to swallow so the game can continue without lengthy chewing.

Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease or prescription diets may need their normal food or veterinary-approved alternatives.

Choose a Marker

A marker identifies the exact behaviour that earned reinforcement. You can use:

“Yes”
“Good”
A clicker
Another short, consistent sound

The marker should be followed by a reward.

Allow Genuine Choice

Your dog should be free to pause or leave. An opt-out is not a failure and does not require correction.

An open crate, bed or quiet area may provide a suitable retreat if your dog already enjoys that space. Never force your dog into a crate or use confinement to make them continue training.

Game 1: The Up Down Game

The Up Down Game is one of the simplest Pattern Games and an excellent starting point.

How to Play

Place a treat on the ground in front of your dog.
Allow your dog to eat it.
Wait quietly.
When your dog raises their head and reorients towards you, mark the behaviour.
Place another treat on the ground.
Repeat the pattern.

Your dog does not need to sit or stare directly into your eyes. A small head turn towards you is enough.

Do not repeatedly call their name. The purpose is to allow your dog to choose to re-engage.

When It May Be Useful

Building check-ins at home
Waiting in a quiet veterinary reception area
Pausing beside a walking path
Helping a dog become familiar with a new environment
Assessing whether a dog can participate comfortably

If your dog cannot return to the pattern, increase your distance from distractions or move to a quieter location.

Game 2: The 1-2-3 Walking Game

The 1-2-3 Game creates a predictable rhythm while you and your dog move together.

How to Play

Begin walking in a quiet area.
Count “one, two, three” at an even pace.
Deliver a treat beside your leg immediately after “three”.
Continue walking and repeat.

After several repetitions, your dog may begin returning to your side as “three” approaches.

When It May Be Useful

Walking through a doorway
Moving from the car to a veterinary clinic
Passing mild distractions at a safe distance
Navigating unfamiliar locations
Supporting loose-lead walking

Practise without triggers before using it in more challenging situations. If your dog becomes unable to eat, orient or move comfortably, leave the area.

Game 3: Look At That

Look At That, commonly shortened to LAT, teaches a dog that noticing something in the environment can predict reinforcement.

It should be practised far enough away from a trigger that the dog can look without barking, lunging, freezing or attempting to escape.

How to Play

Position your dog at a comfortable distance from a mild trigger.
Allow your dog to notice it.
Mark the moment your dog looks at the trigger.
Deliver the treat so your dog turns away from the trigger to eat.
Allow your dog to look again if they choose.
Mark and reward another calm glance.

With practice, many dogs begin looking at the trigger and then voluntarily checking back with their caregiver.

A verbal cue such as “Where is it?” can be added later, but the cue is not required when introducing the game.

Important LAT Safety Rules

Never lure your dog closer to a trigger.
Do not wait for barking before rewarding.
Do not punish growling or attempts to retreat.
Increase distance if your dog begins staring rigidly.
Leave if the trigger is approaching too closely.
Do not use LAT for direct greetings between dogs.

LAT should help a dog process something safely. It should never become a way of holding them near something frightening.

Game 4: Give Me a Break

Give Me a Break encourages voluntary re-engagement. The dog learns that moving away is allowed and that returning to the caregiver restarts the activity.

Beginner Version

Begin a short, enjoyable interaction with your dog.
Toss a treat a short distance away.
Turn slightly away and pause.
Allow your dog to eat the treat and decide what to do next.
If your dog returns and re-engages, mark and repeat.

As the game progresses, the caregiver can move to another nearby position while the dog collects the treat. The dog then chooses whether to find and reconnect with them.

Leslie McDevitt describes the game as using reinforcement at a distance while allowing the dog to return voluntarily and restart the pattern.

When It May Be Useful

Building confidence in new environments
Encouraging voluntary engagement
Helping dogs move between exploration and interaction
Teaching dogs that taking a break is safe
Supporting training around mild distractions

If your dog chooses to explore, rest or leave, respect that decision. Do not call them repeatedly or use the lead to pull them back.

Game 5: The Whiplash Turn

The Whiplash Turn builds a fast, positive orientation towards the caregiver.

How to Play

Toss a treat a short distance away.
As your dog finishes eating, say their name once.
Mark the instant they begin turning towards you.
Reward near your body.
Repeat in different directions.

Begin indoors with no distractions. Gradually practise in the garden and then in quiet outdoor environments.

When It May Be Useful

Strengthening name response
Interrupting mild environmental fixation
Preparing for recall training
Reorienting during walks
Building rapid engagement

Do not rely on this game as an emergency recall until it has been practised extensively. Keep your dog on an appropriate lead or long line in unsecured areas.

Game 6: Take a Breath

Take a Breath, or TAB, involves reinforcing a visible breath or sniff. This can be subtle, so watch the nostrils, muzzle and chest carefully.

How to Begin

Settle with your dog in a quiet environment.
Hold a fragrant treat a short distance from their nose.
Watch for a visible sniff, nostril movement or change in breathing.
Deliver the treat calmly.
Repeat several times.
Gradually move the treat farther away before reinforcing the breath.

Some dogs may eventually respond to a hand signal or verbal cue, but this takes careful observation and practice.

Important Limitations

Taking a breath is normal physiology, not proof that a dog is emotionally relaxed. A dog may breathe, sniff or eat while still feeling uncomfortable.

Use TAB alongside the dog’s entire body language rather than treating one breath as permission to move closer to a trigger.

Choosing the Right Pattern Game

Situation	Games to Consider	Main Goal
Building engagement at home	Up Down, Give Me a Break	Voluntary check-ins
Walking through a new environment	1-2-3 Walking	Predictable movement
Seeing another dog at a distance	Look At That	Calm observation
Responding to the dog’s name	Whiplash Turn	Fast reorientation
Waiting at the vet	Up Down, 1-2-3 Walking	Familiar structure
Moving between exploration and training	Give Me a Break	Choice and re-engagement
Practising calm behaviour on a mat	Take a Breath, Up Down	Slower, low-pressure interaction

The best game is not necessarily the most advanced one. Choose the pattern your dog understands and enjoys.

How to Progress Safely

Stage 1: Teach the Pattern at Home

Practise in a familiar room without other animals or distractions.

Stage 2: Change Rooms

Move to another quiet room. Dogs do not always generalise learning automatically, so expect to simplify the game again.

Stage 3: Practise Outside

Use a quiet garden, driveway or low-traffic area.

Stage 4: Add One Mild Distraction

Introduce a distant person, stationary car or quiet environmental sound.

Stage 5: Use the Game in Real Life

Only use the pattern around genuine triggers when your dog can remain comfortable and you have enough space to leave.

Increase one challenge at a time. Avoid changing the location, reducing trigger distance and adding movement simultaneously.

Understanding Your Dog’s Threshold

A dog is considered below threshold when they can notice a trigger while remaining capable of processing information and making choices.

Signs Your Dog May Be Coping

Loose or neutral posture
Normal breathing
Ability to look away
Comfortable movement
Taking treats in their usual manner
Responding to familiar patterns
Choosing to re-engage

Signs the Situation Is Becoming Too Difficult

Fixed staring
Closed, tense mouth
Sudden stillness or freezing
Weight shifting forward or backwards
Rapid treat snatching
Refusing food they usually enjoy
Repeated yawning, lip licking or scratching
Pacing or frantic scanning
Barking, growling or lunging
Attempting to hide or escape

Food acceptance alone does not prove that a dog feels safe. Some highly stressed dogs continue eating. Always consider the entire body and the surrounding situation.

When to Stop the Session

End the game and create distance if your dog:

Cannot disengage from a trigger
Becomes increasingly tense
Stops responding to a familiar pattern
Attempts to escape
Shows aggressive behaviour
Becomes frantic around food
Cannot recover after the trigger has passed

Finishing early is not a failed session. Preventing an overwhelming experience is often the best training decision you can make.

Could a Medical Problem Be Affecting Behaviour?

Pain and illness can reduce a dog’s ability to cope with everyday situations. A dog who suddenly becomes reactive, irritable, withdrawn or unable to concentrate should receive a veterinary examination.

Possible contributors include:

Arthritis or spinal pain
Dental disease
Ear infections
Skin disease
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Vision or hearing changes
Neurological disease
Endocrine disorders
Cognitive dysfunction
Medication side effects

Pattern Games should never be used to train through suspected pain.

When Professional Help Is Important

Speak with your veterinarian or a qualified reward-based behaviour professional if your dog:

Has bitten or attempted to bite
Redirects aggression towards you or another animal
Cannot recover after seeing a trigger
Is too frightened to leave the house
Shows sudden or unexplained behavioural changes
Experiences panic during separation, storms or travel
Guards food, toys or resting areas
Is becoming progressively more reactive

Use physical barriers, distance, leads and basket muzzles where appropriately conditioned while awaiting professional support. Do not deliberately expose the dog to triggers to test whether the behaviour is improving.

Common Pattern Game Mistakes

Starting Around Triggers

Teach the pattern in a safe environment before expecting your dog to use it during stressful situations.

Moving Too Close

Progress is not measured by how close your dog can get. A greater distance with relaxed behaviour is more valuable than close exposure with tension.

Repeating Cues

Repeatedly saying the dog’s name or cue can weaken its meaning. Give the cue once and adjust the environment if your dog cannot respond.

Using the Game as a Distraction Only

A dog should be allowed to notice and process their surroundings. Constantly feeding to prevent them from seeing anything may hide important signs of discomfort.

Continuing Because the Dog Is Eating

Some dogs eat despite significant stress. Watch posture, movement, facial tension and recovery as well.

Skipping the Exit Plan

Before training, decide how you will leave if a trigger approaches. Distance is one of your most useful behaviour tools.

Punishing an Opt-Out

Walking away communicates useful information. Let your dog take a break.

A Seven-Day Beginner Plan

Day 1: Marker Practice

Mark simple behaviours your dog naturally offers and follow each marker with a treat.

Day 2: Up Down Indoors

Practise five to ten easy repetitions in a quiet room.

Day 3: 1-2-3 Walking Indoors

Walk a few steps while counting and reward after “three”.

Day 4: Give Me a Break

Toss a treat away and allow your dog to return voluntarily.

Day 5: Whiplash Turn

Practise responding to their name after collecting a tossed treat.

Day 6: Change Locations

Repeat your dog’s favourite game in another quiet room or secure garden.

Day 7: Easy Real-World Practice

Use the familiar game in a quiet outdoor area without deliberately approaching triggers.

Repeat any stage for as long as necessary. There is no prize for racing through the plan, although your dog may strongly disagree if cheese is involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Pattern Games cure reactivity?

No. They can support attention, predictability and communication, but reactivity may require environmental management, behaviour modification, medical investigation and medication.

How long should a session last?

A few successful repetitions may be enough. Short sessions are generally easier for dogs to process than prolonged practice.

What if my dog refuses treats?

Your dog may be full, dislike the food, feel unwell or be too stressed. Move to a quieter place and reassess. Persistent appetite changes require veterinary attention.

Can I use kibble?

Yes, if your dog values it in that environment. More distracting situations may require a higher-value but medically appropriate reward.

Should my dog sit during the game?

Usually not unless sitting is naturally comfortable and relevant. Pattern Games can be played while the dog is standing, walking or lying down.

Can I use Pattern Games with puppies?

Yes. Keep the exercises simple, short and positive. Avoid overwhelming socialisation experiences simply because food is available.

Can senior dogs participate?

Yes. Adapt the environment for mobility, hearing, vision and cognitive changes. Use non-slip surfaces and allow plenty of time.

Can I use these games at the veterinary clinic?

Yes, if your dog can participate comfortably. Inform the veterinary team and stop if your dog’s stress increases. Pre-visit medication may still be necessary for fearful patients.

Should I practise with other dogs nearby?

Only after the game is well established and at a distance where your dog remains comfortable. Never use another person’s dog as a training trigger without their knowledge and agreement.

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Pattern Games give dogs something many stressful environments lack: predictability.

When taught carefully, they can help dogs check in, move through unfamiliar places and communicate when a situation is becoming difficult. Their value comes from repetition, choice and safety, not from forcing a dog to perform near something they fear.

Start at home, reward generously and progress at your dog’s pace. The objective is not a dog who ignores the world. It is a dog who can notice the world and still feel safe enough to think.

Get Personalised Behaviour Support from ASK A VET™

Not sure which Pattern Game is right for your dog? ASK A VET™ can help you understand your dog’s triggers, body language and training needs.

Visit AskAVet.com or download the ASK A VET™ app to:

Discuss sudden or concerning behavioural changes
Build a personalised reward-based training plan
Identify when pain or illness may be contributing
Get help selecting an appropriately qualified trainer
Receive guidance for anxiety, reactivity and veterinary-visit stress

The earlier you understand what your dog is communicating, the sooner you can build a safer and calmer path forward.

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The ASK A VET™ Tracker logs live location and activity trends, so a change in routine never goes unnoticed.

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About the author

Dr Duncan Houston

Veterinarian · Founder of ASK A VET

Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.

About Dr. Duncan →drduncanthevet

Pattern Games for Dogs: How to Build Focus, Confidence and Calm