1, 2, 3 is the most powerful pattern game for us.
Pattern games have been incredibly helpful. The predictability can be very soothing for anxious dogs. George loves them and gets so excited.
When he was scared to leave the house at all (see 'Being scared to leave the house'), the pattern games suggested by our trainer saved us. They got us closer to the door and eventually, out the door.
George has been a bit hit and miss with taking his meds recently. I've always used wet food but he decided he didn't want it anymore.
So I've been using possyum (probably a New Zealand specific thing!). I was a little reluctant to use it for the meds - it's been our reliable training and outside the house treat.
Anyway, he has to take his meds.
What works best is if I make it exciting. The 1,2,3 game works really well. He is excited anticipating the 3 and the release of the treat.
Moving into the next round keeps him anticipating, and he gulps the tablet right down.
There are a few decoy treats in-between and lots of praise. Followed by a bonus round at the end. I never thought one of the phrases my dog would know so well would be "here comes the bonus round!".
Our VB asked recently how George was doing with taking his meds and I explained I have to play 1,2,3. She said at least it keeps his game strong!
We've had varying success playing it outside the house. It's so strong at home but he's too distracted outside. We're slowly trying it at Sniffspots for now.
Pattern games have been extremely powerful in supporting George's anxiety.
If you want to learn more about pattern games, Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed is a great place to start: https://www.yourhappydogcoach.ca/skills-learning-library/pattern-games/