🎯 The Up Down Game: Vet-Recommended Pattern Play for Focus in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Need a simple game that boosts your dog’s focus and helps manage distraction? The Up Down Game, from the Control Unleashed® pattern game series, is an easy way to build engagement—even in busy environments. Whether you’re at home, in the yard, or at the park, this 2025 training tool creates predictable interactions your dog can count on. 🎮🐶

🧠 What Is the Up Down Game?

The Up Down Game teaches your dog to alternate between looking at you and eating a treat placed on the ground. This creates a pattern of eye contact (up) and ground targeting (down) that helps reduce reactivity, maintain engagement, and increase emotional control. 💡

Dogs thrive on patterns—and this game teaches them what to expect in stimulating environments. It’s easy to start, quick to play, and incredibly effective. ✅

🎒 What You’ll Need

• 🍖 High-value treats
• 🎯 A clicker or verbal marker (like “yes”)
• 🧘 A calm, distraction-free space to start

🎮 How to Play the Up Down Game

1. 🎯 Hold a treat up to your dog’s eye level. When they look at it, place the treat between your feet on the ground.
2. 🐕 Let your dog eat it. Repeat 1–2 times to build the pattern.
3. 👀 Then, wait silently for your dog to make eye contact without luring.
4. 🔊 When they look at you, mark with “yes” or click and place the treat down again.
5. ♻️ Repeat at least 5 times to establish the pattern.

📈 Building Difficulty

Once your dog is engaged:

• 👣 Add mild distractions (people walking past, light sounds)
• 🌳 Practice in the backyard, then local parks
• 🚗 Use at vet offices or training class to reduce tension and keep focus

💡 Pro Tip:

Have a friend walk by slowly while you play. As your dog checks in with you, continue the Up Down sequence to reinforce calm focus. 👥🐕

🧘 Tips for Success

• 🥇 Keep treat placement consistent—always between your feet
• 🧠 Let your dog choose to participate—never force or lure
• 🔁 Play in short bursts, around 1–2 minutes at a time
• 🌤️ If your dog struggles, return to a quieter environment

If Your Dog Isn’t Taking the Treat:

• 🔽 Place the treat closer to their nose or feet
• 🔁 Rebuild the pattern with 2–3 easy reps before expecting eye contact

🔍 Why It Works

This pattern game rewards your dog for choosing engagement over distraction. Instead of reacting, barking, or pulling, your dog learns to offer focus and receive reinforcement. It’s gentle, clear, and empowering for dogs of all ages. 🧠🎯

📦 Where to Use the Up Down Game

• 🚗 Vet clinics (in the parking lot or lobby)
• 🐕‍🦺 On-leash walks when distractions pop up
• 🎓 Group training classes or puppy socials
• 🏠 At home before guests arrive

🧠 Pattern Games for Emotional Wellness

Created by Leslie McDevitt, Pattern Games are foundational tools in the Control Unleashed® approach. They give anxious, distracted, or reactive dogs a predictable routine in unpredictable environments. They empower dogs to make confident, calm choices—without conflict or correction. 🌱🐾

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

The Up Down Game is a brilliant way to support your dog’s focus, confidence, and calmness in everyday life. With just a handful of treats and your attention, you can build a reliable behavior pattern that helps your dog feel secure—even when the world gets noisy. 💛

Need help using pattern games to support your dog’s training or anxiety? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for personalized help from behavior-savvy veterinary professionals. 🎯🐶