Pattern Games in Real Life: How to Use Control Unleashed with Your Dog

<p>Pattern games are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in modern dog training—and in this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to use them in real life.</p><p>Following our conversation with Control Unleashed creator Leslie McDevitt, Emily, Jenni, and Libby dive into the *practical* application of pattern games with rescue dogs, foster dogs, and client cases.</p><p>We cover:</p><ul><li><p>What pattern games actually <em>do</em> in your dog’s brain</p></li><li><p>Why predictability is critical for rescue dogs</p></li><li><p>How to use games as an emotional barometer</p></li><li><p>Real-life examples with fearful, reactive, and overwhelmed dogs</p></li></ul><p>You’ll learn how to implement:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Up/Down</strong> for grounding and check-ins</p></li><li><p><strong>Ping Pong</strong> for movement and energy release</p></li><li><p><strong>1-2-3</strong> for navigating overwhelming environments</p></li><li><p><strong>Look At That</strong> for changing emotional responses</p></li></ul><p>We also explore why these aren’t “just distractions”—they’re tools for building skills, resilience, and communication.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt like your dog is overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling to adjust, this episode gives you actionable ways to support them!</p><p><strong>Links and Resources</strong></p><p>Resilience Rainbow: https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/</p><p>Train Me Please on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/trainmeplease </p><p><br></p><p>Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights!</p><p>Website:<a href="https://www.podtotherescue.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.podtotherescue.com/</a></p><p>Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior:<a href="https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/</a></p><p>Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training:<a href="https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/</a></p><p>Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media:<a href="https://www.bolder.dog/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.bolder.dog/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>