The core of the Control Unleashed program is the use of patterns to help our dogs feel more comfortable in our crazy world. Patterns allow a dog to use voluntary behaviors to initiate a simple, repetitive chain that creates a predictable pattern. This will help to normalize the environment and allow the dog to process information from the safety of the pattern.

Let's break this down:

Voluntary: Our dogs initiate and request each rep to occur. This gives them control of the pattern, and we all know how powerful a reinforcer that control of a situation can be!

Repetitive: The repeating nature of a pattern provides an expected routine and understanding of what's to occur for our dogs.

Predictable: Our dogs know exactly what to anticipate when they're in a pattern, providing a bubble of comfort in their very unpredictable world.

Normalize: We can change novel situations to standard experiences for our dogs.

Safe: Put all of these benefits together, and we are providing a dog with a feeling of being safe and comfortable, something they otherwise may not experience and which in turn can lead to big feelings!

Using Patterns to Making the Unpredictable Predictable

I encourage you to envision the environment or situation in which your dog struggles the most. By struggle, I mean they might become reactive and over aroused, they may shut down, they may disengage from you, they might become over excitable and hyperactive. Decide what's most difficult for your dog, and picture that environment in your mind.

Next, list everything that is unpredictable in that environment for your dog (not for you!) List all the antecedents you can think of that your dog cannot predict. Is it the other dogs? People? Cars? Sounds? Smells? Someone at the door? Your energy or stress levels? Critters? Children? What can your dog not control? It should be a long list!

Ok, now let's look at this from a human's perspective. I'm going to compare your dog's most challenging environment to you being invited to a party that's hosted by a brand new friend (whose other friends you've never met!)

I understand that this analogy won't work for everyone, but I think it's safe to say that many "dog people" might find this situation particularly stressful!

So you're going to the party. What are all of the unpredictable factors? Who will be there? Will they like me? Which door do I enter? Which room will my friend be in when I first arrive? Should I bring my jacket and purse in? And will there be a place to put them? Should I bring a gift? Will other people bring a gift? Will there be loud music? Will I like the food? Am I dressed appropriately?

And of course most importantly….do they have a dog?!

The lack of predictability can be unnerving.

Now let's say your friend chats with you and answers all of your questions in advance. They even connect you with some of their friends on social media before the party. They will meet you at the front door when you arrive to introduce you to everyone and show you around. You now know much more about what to expect at the party! Thank you predictability.

Helping Your Dog with Patterns

We can't meet our dogs at the front door and show them around, but that's exactly what patterns can do for our dogs. They help them feel more comfortable and safe. They give them agency and control. They make YOU a very reliable resource for them. And they provide the predictability that so many dogs lack in so many situations.

Come join me for my December class to learn more about the Power of Patterns!