What are pattern games?
They are basically motions we do over and over until they become second nature.
These are ideal for young, timid or reactive dogs as they teach the dog to offer the action instinctively regardless of distractions.
Handlers are often too keen to move on too quickly to the next step without a step being instinctive for the dog.
As I often say to my clients, it's their impatience that let's their dog down. We are so keen to get to the end that we forget about the journey. Really taking in every twist and turn in order that we can find the end time and time again.
In training sessions I teach you the pattern exercises for things like 'Watch Me', 'Heelwork' and 'This Way' but these then need to be practiced time and time again at home, without the distractions of a class situation before you can then expect your dog to be able to replicate the behaviour in a more distracting situations.
These pattern games are extremely useful for reactive dogs as by doing a repetitive action it can help reduce stress.
With younger or more timid dogs the actions can build confidence as they know what to do instinctively regardless of the situation they find themselves in.
If you are interested in doing some pattern games with your dog message me. Depending on your dogs needs I can either do a 121 session or you can join one of the group sessions. I do run the occasional introduction to pattern games workshop too.