What It Is, How It Works, and How to Teach It

What Is the 1-2-3 Pattern Game?

(Video At The end of the Article on the 1-2-3 Pattern Game)

The 1-2-3 Pattern Game is a structured behavior protocol developed by Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, author of Control Unleashed. It is part of her larger library of “Pattern Games,” which are designed to give predictable structure and reinforcement in situations that may otherwise trigger stress, reactivity, anxiety, or loss of focus in dogs.

The 1-2-3 Pattern Game involves counting “1, 2, 3” out loud in a rhythmic, predictable tone. On the count of “3,” the dog receives a treat no matter what. This teaches the dog that “3 always predicts reinforcement” and that this pattern is reliable—even in complex or challenging environments.

It’s not a cue or command. It’s a pattern the dog learns to orient to, creating predictability, emotional regulation, and positive anticipation in environments that might otherwise create reactivity or overwhelm.

🎯 Goals and Benefits

• Builds predictable structure in chaotic or triggering environments
• Helps reactive, fearful, or distracted dogs stay engaged with their handler
• Conditions calm focus and forward movement
• Creates Pavlovian safety associations with the handler’s voice and rhythm
• Supports loose leash walking without requiring direct eye contact or formal heel

Why It Works

The game works through a combination of classical conditioning (associating “3” with a treat) and pattern-based cognitive processing, which has a soothing effect on the canine nervous system. The predictability engages the dog’s seeking system (as defined by Panksepp’s Affective Neuroscience) and reduces reliance on the amygdala’s fight-or-flight circuitry.

When Should You Use the 1-2-3 Pattern Game?

• During walks in mildly to moderately distracting environments
• In vet offices, parking lots, or pet stores
• When passing people, dogs, or bikes
• When the dog needs a calm structured routine to redirect from reactivity
• As a preventive strategy before arousal spikes

It’s not suitable for intense panic, red-zone reactivity, or emergencies. It’s best used proactively—before your dog reacts.

Equipment Needed

• High-value soft treats (cut into small pieces, e.g., boiled chicken, cheese)
• Treat pouch or pocket
• 4-6 ft leash (no retractable leashes)
• A well-fitted harness or flat collar
• Quiet environment for initial training

Step-by-Step Training Guide for First-Time Pet Parents

This protocol is written assuming the pet parent has no prior experience with pattern games or reactivity training.

🔹 Phase 1: Conditioning the “3”

Goal: Build a strong association that “3” always means treat—no matter what else is going on.

Step 1: Start Indoors in a Quiet Space

• Have 10–15 treats ready in your hand.
• Stand or sit in front of your dog. No leash required indoors.
• In a calm, neutral tone say, “1… 2… 3” (one number every ~1 second).
• On “3”, immediately deliver a treat to the dog near the ground in front of you.
• Repeat this 10–20 times per session.

Tips:

• Keep your voice consistent: same tone, same rhythm.
• Don’t give cues or ask for a sit; this is not obedience.
• Use high-value treats for quick learning.

Step 2: Watch for Engagement

After a few sessions (1–2 days), your dog will begin to look at you expectantly or move toward you when you say “3.” This is your sign that the association is forming.

🔹 Phase 2: Begin Moving (Indoors or Yard)

Goal: Teach the dog to follow along at your side as you walk and deliver the treat on “3.”

Step 3: Add Movement

• Start walking slowly in a quiet, familiar space (indoors or fenced yard).
• Begin saying “1… 2… 3,” one number every couple of steps.
• On “3”, deliver a treat at your side or on the ground where your dog can find it.
• Repeat the pattern every 3–5 steps.

Tips:

• Use forward motion with the rhythm—this creates a gentle “march” feel.
• No need for formal heel position; your dog just needs to be near you and able to access the treat.

🔹 Phase 3: Generalize to Mild Distractions

Goal: Reinforce the pattern in low-arousal outdoor settings.

Step 4: Practice in Your Driveway, Sidewalk, or Park Perimeter

• Begin walking and counting as usual.
• If the dog becomes mildly distracted (e.g., watching birds or sniffing), keep counting. Say “3” and deliver the treat.
• If your dog hesitates, lower your criteria—just count and feed to rebuild confidence.

Avoid using this near full triggers (dogs, skateboards, etc.) just yet. You’re layering confidence and fluency first.

🔹 Phase 4: Use Around Moderate Triggers

Goal: Introduce the pattern as a tool to pass mild triggers (at a distance) without dogs with aggression and/or reactivity.

Step 5: Strategic Use Near Triggers

• Approach the edge of a trigger zone (e.g., 30–50 feet from another dog).
• Start your “1-2-3” pattern before your dog reacts.
• Feed at “3” no matter what.
• If your dog takes the treat on “3,” great—keep going.
• If they’re too aroused to take the treat, retreat to a greater distance and try again.

Golden Rule: Never use “1-2-3” in the middle of a full-blown reaction. It must be introduced under threshold.

🔹 Phase 5: Pattern as Prevention

Goal: Deploy the 1-2-3 pattern as a preventive rhythm for navigating real-world challenges.

Step 6: Apply in Real Life

Use “1-2-3”:

• Walking past another dog at a safe distance
• Entering a veterinary clinic
• During decompression walks
• Transitioning from play to calm

It becomes a calming ritual for your dog. With repetition, “3” becomes a safety signal.

Troubleshooting and Adjustments

Progression Guidelines

Related Concepts

• Pairs well with: Look at That (LAT), Engage-Disengage, Pattern Feeding, “Find It” games
• Reinforces predictability and safety which is essential for trauma-affected or reactive dogs
• Based on classical conditioning with a secondary operant learning layer

Suggested Reading & Credits

• McDevitt, L. (2007). Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog. Clean Run Productions.
• McDevitt, L. (2018). Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed. Clean Run Productions.