the 1-2-3 Game
This is a pattern game wherein we teach our learner(s) that counting to three predicts treats. If your learner already has a negative emotional response to counting, or hears “one, two, three” often when it can’t be reinforced, choose another three-step pattern to condition.
For example, the “Uno, dos, tres!” game, the “Ready? Set? Go!” game, or the “A, B… C!” game.
Once you’ve conditioned a snappy response to “1, 2… 3!” or your respective pattern, you can slowly introduce distractions. Use your three-step pattern game when your pet notices distractions such as another animal, distant street trash, or neighborhood pedestrians. If your pet does not give you their attention by the time you finish your pattern, you must still give them treats! 1-2-3 needs to predict treats without exception. Count quickly when your dog first notices distractions. Eventually, you can stretch out how long it takes you to finish saying your pattern.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Super straightforward.
I’m more likely actually to use a simple game, my learner is more likely to respond, & it’s easier to build a strong reinforcement history.
Easy to practice.
Even just one repetition daily of conditioning “1-2-3!” will keep your learner’s response snappy. Experiment with how intense the distractions present are when you play this game. Use any non-responses as data for yourself to change future criteria (make it easier!)
Incredibly versatile.
In my family, we live by the motto “When in doubt, count!” We use the 1-2-3 Game when our dogs are getting too rowdy during play together, as a recall, to help them maintain a heel position, and even to drop some items (with a strong enough reinforcement history)!
HOW TO TEACH
the 1-2-3 game:
Choose your moment wisely.
Teach the game without distractions present at first.
Teach what your sequence predicts.
Wherever you are, stay still & keep your hands empty. Call “three!” with some extra oomph.
Go get your treats.
After counting, promptly head to wherever the nearest treat jar is and grab a few small treats per pet.
Feed your pet(s) their treats!
Scatter the treats on the ground to encourage sniffing. Toss treats in opposite directions with multiple pets.
Repeat until well conditioned.
Repeat steps 1-4 a few times a day until your pet is swiftly turning & coming to you when you call “three!”
Teach more of your sequence.
Be still & keep your hands empty. Call “two…” pause a moment, then “three!” with extra oomph.
Go get treats.
Feed your pet(s).
Repeat until well conditioned.
Condition your complete sequence.
Keep your hands empty. When your pet isn’t already paying attention, call “One, two… Three!”
Go get treats.
Feed your pet(s).
Repeat until well conditioned.
Slowly add distractions.
Start with low-level distractions. Pay attention to your dog’s body language to evaluate how close they are to threshold & if it’s a time to train. If your pet doesn’t respond, bring their treats to them when you finish your pattern, regardless & reduce the intensity of the distraction(s) next time.
