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: Train Me Please on YouTube:

You can listen to Pattern Games in Real Life: How to Use Control Unleashed with Your Dog online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Pattern Games in Real Life: How to Use Control Unleashed with Your Dog is an episode from POD to the Rescue by Summit Dog Rescue.

This episode is 00:54:08 long.

This episode was published on Apr 22, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from POD to the Rescue when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.