Up-Down Pattern Game

The Up-Down game is super easy to learn and play, which is part of what makes it so useful! This game comes from Leslie McDevitt and her Control Unleashed program. Check out her books on the program, listed under my book recommendations page!

Once a dog has learned the Up-Down game and practiced it many times at home, it should be easy for them to remember and fall into the pattern again, even in a bit more distracting environments.

In this video, I am just using Bertie’s kibble as reinforcement. If you have questions about what kind of treats to use, be sure to check out my treat recommendations page!

I might play the Up-Down game with a dog in the vet’s lobby while we wait for our appointment. Or, if we are on a trail and going to pull off to the side while someone passes us, I like to play this game instead of asking for a stationary behavior like a sit.

Asking a dog to be still and sit while something exciting or worrisome passes can be a really difficult task! The Up-Down game is a way for you to still ask for and get your dog’s attention, but it allows them to move a bit and to check out whatever is passing. Oftentimes scary things become scarier if we aren’t allowed to see them!

Something I particularly love about the Up-Down game is that it’s perfectly fine for my dog to pause while we are playing to check something out. Be that a person passing by that they are excited about or another dog having a difficult time in the vet’s lobby, my dog can take a moment to look and process, and then easily fall back into this pattern of looking at me so I drop another treat.

• Video Transcript:

  Hello, Lily of Spot On Dog Training here with my puppy Bertie. Today, she is going to help me demonstrate the Up-Down game, which is a super easy pattern game from a program called Control Unleashed.

  This game, like most pattern games, is very useful in lots of contexts. First and foremost, the Up-Down game is another way to teach our dogs that offering us their attention is a valuable behavior. Read the full post on my website to see all the other reasons why I love it. But now, I think we should show them how to play it, Bertie!

  To play the Up-Down game, all you need is a handful of small treats. Start by dropping a treat on the ground in front of your dog. Let them look down to eat the treat. When they are done eating, they’ll likely look up at you. We don’t need direct eye contact- simply lifting their head towards yours is what we are looking for.

  The moment your dog lifts their head then, you are going to mark and reinforce by dropping another treat in front of your dog, restarting this super simple pattern. Bertie and I are using the marker word “yes” but you might be using “good” or “good dog” or even a clicker. All are valid, just choose one and be consistent with it.

  Like all training I do with my dogs, I like to end by saying “all done” and offering a treat scatter in a snuffle mat or on the ground to give them a clear end to the session and a built-in transition activity.