The Science Behind Control Unleashed
Pattern Games
Pattern games, a cornerstone of Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed® program, have emerged as a significant approach in dog and cat training. Since 2007, when McDevitt first introduced these concepts in "Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog," she defined pattern games as "a repetitive, predictable framework of cues and behaviors that helps the learner process the environment by weaving the unexpected into the safety net of the expected." While initially developed for dogs, these techniques have shown promise for cats as well, with modifications based on species-specific behaviors and needs.
The Evolutionary Foundation
The story of how dogs and cats came to understand humans reveals fascinating differences in their evolutionary paths. Dogs began their journey approximately 15,000 years ago, evolving from wolves through a process that selected for reduced stress responses to humans and increased cooperative abilities (Freedman & Wayne, 2017). This coevolution created unique interspecies communication patterns that continue to influence how dogs interact with humans today.
Groundbreaking research by Nagasawa et al. (2015) revealed that dogs have developed a unique bonding mechanism with humans through gaze. Their study demonstrated that mutual gazing between dogs and their owners increases oxytocin levels in both species, creating what researchers term an "oxytocin-mediated positive loop" - similar to the bonding mechanism between human mothers and infants.
Cats tell a more nuanced story. While they also experience oxytocin release during positive human interactions, their relationship with direct gaze and social interaction reflects their distinct evolutionary history as solitary hunters who chose to adapt to human environments. Research by Vitale and Udell (2019) suggests cats have developed sophisticated but different ways of communicating with humans, often preferring indirect gaze and showing context-dependent social referencing.
Understanding Pattern Games Through Science
The effectiveness of pattern games appears to lie in their alignment with natural behaviors and communication preferences of each species. Research into attachment behaviors in dogs has demonstrated what Topál et al. (1998) termed the "secure base effect," showing that dogs use their owners as a secure base for exploring the environment, similar to human infant-parent relationships. This finding helps explain why structured interactions with trusted humans might help dogs manage challenging situations.
Pattern Games in Practice
Let's examine three fundamental Control Unleashed pattern games and how they align with our scientific understanding of each species:
Up and Down Pattern Game
For dogs, this foundational exercise taps into their natural social referencing behaviors and the oxytocin-mediated bonding system identified by Nagasawa's research. The dog looks up at their handler, who then marks and delivers a treat, creating a predictable pattern that reinforces this natural connection.
For cats, Up and Down respects their preference for indirect gaze while maintaining the game's core structure. A treat dish is placed on an elevated surface - such as a counter or table where the cat is allowed. When the cat finishes the treat and looks up in the handler's general direction (not necessarily making direct eye contact), another treat is placed in the dish. This setup honors cats' natural preference for elevated spaces while building a predictable pattern of interaction.
You can click here to see a dog and cat playing up/down with their guardian.
Ping Pong Pattern Game
For dogs, Ping Pong expands on Up and Down by adding a spatial component. The handler alternates treat placement from one side to the other, with the dog's look back to the handler cueing the next treat placement. This creates a rhythmic pattern that works with dogs' natural tendency to alternate their attention while maintaining connection with their handler.
For cats, Ping Pong follows the same principles but is typically played at an elevated height using a dish on a surface where the cat feels comfortable. Like the dog version, treats alternate sides, but the emphasis remains on the cat's comfort with indirect gaze and elevated positioning.
Give Me A Break (GMAB) Pattern Game
For dogs, GMAB builds directly on the secure base effect documented by Topál et al. (1998). The handler sits in a chair, places a treat away from the chair, and waits for the dog to return after eating the treat. This return triggers the next treat placement, creating a pattern that allows dogs to move away from and return to their human partner predictably.
For cats, GMAB requires specific environmental consideration. A chair is placed 5-10 feet away from a wall or barrier that helps direct the cat's movement. When the cat physically returns to the handler, rather than delivering the treat at that location, another treat is placed out in the room, maintaining the pattern. As the cat becomes comfortable, the chair can be removed, and the handler can retreat to different positions, encouraging the cat to actively seek them out.
Current Understanding and Future Directions
While pattern games show promise in helping both dogs and cats navigate challenging situations, individual responses may vary. Success appears to depend on:
Proper implementation
Respect for species-specific needs
Consistent application
Individual animal preferences
Learn More About Control Unleashed
To explore pattern games further, consider Leslie McDevitt's comprehensive resources:
Learn more about Control Unleashed at: www.controlunleashed.net
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References
Freedman, A. H., & Wayne, R. K. (2017). Deciphering the Origin of Dogs: From Fossils to Genomes.
Nagasawa, M., et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze Positive Loop and the Coevolution of Human-dog Bonds.
Topál, J., et al. (1998). Attachment Behavior in Dogs (Canis familiaris): A New Application of Ainsworth's Strange Situation Test.
Vitale, K. R., & Udell, M. A. (2019). The Quality of Being Sociable.
Koyasu, H., et al. (2020). The Gaze Communications Between Dogs/Cats and Humans.