The “High to Low” pattern game is a fun and engaging way to teach your dog patience and focus. By gradually lowering a treat-filled bowl from above, you can help your dog learn to wait calmly for their reward. This game builds anticipation and reinforces impulse control, making it an excellent addition to your training routine and a perfect example of high to low puppy games.
Enhances Focus: Encourages your dog to concentrate on the bowl and wait for the marker word.
Builds Patience: Teaches your dog to remain calm as the bowl is slowly lowered.
Strengthens Impulse Control: Reinforces the idea that waiting patiently leads to a reward.
Increases Engagement: Keeps training sessions fun and interactive, a key reason behind the benefits of puppy games.
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Setup: Begin with one treat in a small bowl and have several more treats set aside. Choose a quiet environment where your dog can focus without distractions.
Step 1: Start High
Hold the bowl high overhead, out of your dog’s immediate reach. Make sure they can see the bowl but cannot jump up to grab it.
Step 2: Lower Slightly
Slowly lower the bowl about one inch toward your dog. As you do this, your goal is to act before they do.
Step 3: Use the Marker Word
Once you’ve lowered the bowl slightly, use a marker word like “Yes” or “Good” and quickly deliver the treat-filled bowl to your dog. Allow them to eat the treat directly from the bowl held under their chin.
Step 4: Reset with Additional Treats
After your dog has eaten the treat from the bowl, toss a treat from your set-aside stash. This allows them to reset and get some wiggles out before you...
Step 5: Increase the Distance
Over multiple repetitions, gradually increase the distance you lower the bowl before using the marker word. Change by small increments and ensure your dog is still quiet whenever you say the marker word.
Pro tip: we’re lowering slowly until we say the word then delivering FAST!
Step 6: Full Lowering
Continue practicing until you can lower the bowl slowly from high overhead all the way to the ground before giving the marker word. This final step reinforces patience and focus over a longer duration.
Pro tip: once you can lower the bowl fully, consider changing to “airplane mode” and moving the bowl around in the air before delivering, instead of lowering straight.
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These high to low power pattern games are effective because they encourage restraint while still being interactive.
Keep Sessions Short: Start with brief sessions to maintain your dog’s interest and prevent frustration.
Use Appropriate-Value Treats: Choose treats that are “just-right” motivation for your dog.
Be Consistent with Timing: Always use the marker word just before delivering the treat.
Celebrate Small Wins: Reward even small improvements in patience and focus as you progress through the game.
The “High to Low” game in our Pattern Power series is an enjoyable way to enhance your dog’s patience and focus. By incorporating this game into your training routine, you create a positive learning experience that strengthens your bond with your dog while building a foundational skill to gently treat eating from hands. The benefits of puppy games like this one make them an excellent part of any training plan.
If you have any questions or need personalized guidance on implementing this game, feel free to reach out to Homeschool Support for tailored advice!
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