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

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.

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.

We cover:

What pattern games actually do in your dog’s brain
Why predictability is critical for rescue dogs
How to use games as an emotional barometer
Real-life examples with fearful, reactive, and overwhelmed dogs

You’ll learn how to implement:

Up/Down for grounding and check-ins
Ping Pong for movement and energy release
1-2-3 for navigating overwhelming environments
Look At That for changing emotional responses

We also explore why these aren’t “just distractions”—they’re tools for building skills, resilience, and communication.

If you’ve ever felt like your dog is overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling to adjust, this episode gives you actionable ways to support them!

Links and Resources

Resilience Rainbow: https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/

Train Me Please on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/trainmeplease

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

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