30/05/2026
Pattern games ⭐️
What are they?
Pattern games are structured, predictable activities that help dogs build focus, self-control, and confidence. They help keep a dog doing something while keeping their attention away from a scary trigger that may be passing.
There are 3 different types of pattern games-
1. Ping Pong ( left and right) this is where we do a left and right motion when the dog follows a treat tossed a short distance away from yourself, this can be on or off lead. Toss the treat to the right, mark and reward once they get the treat and then toss the treat in the opposite direction and repeat several times. ( in the real world, you might choose to do this until the trigger is out of sight). Perfect to keep the dog moving and thinking about other things.
2. Up and Down, have your dog sitting in front of you, when he looks up, mark and reward to the floor directly under his nose, repeat several times.
3. Lastly the 1,2,3 game. Walk 3 paces while saying a number on each step in order, on 3 we reward, after several reps the dog will learn the pattern of counting and 3 means food and to keep listening out for this. It teaches predictability and also aids loose lead walking as they are walking to heal, and aids moving past something scary ( like a dog the other side of the road). If you keep the pace the same steady rate, your dog will learn the rhythm and anticipate the treat on 3.