The “1-2-3” Game: A Simple Trick That Transformed My Walks With My Dog
If you've ever found yourself gripping the leash tighter as another dog walks by, holding your breath, hoping your pup doesn't lose their mind... You're not alone. I’ve been there too. My dog used to (and on the occassional day, still does) react to everything. Bikes. Kids. Dogs. A gentle breeze. You name it.
Then I stumbled across something that seemed almost too simple to work. It was called the “1-2-3 Game” - part of Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed program. And let me tell you, it was a total game-changer.
What Is the “1-2-3” Game?
At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. You count out loud. You give your dog a treat. You do it again. That’s the core of it.
But there’s something kind of magical about how that predictability calms your dog, and honestly, us as owners, as well.
It goes like this:
You say “one... two... three,” and on “three,” your dog gets a treat. Not for doing anything fancy. They just get it. Every time. Over and over.
This simple rhythm builds a pattern your dog can rely on. It gives them something to focus on instead of that kid on a scooter or that barking dog across the street. And because it’s so predictable, it’s soothing. Like white noise for a nervous system.
Why It Works
Dogs crave structure, especially when the world feels overwhelming. The “1-2-3” game does a few really smart things:
- It creates predictability. Your dog knows that “three” always means something good.
- It keeps them engaged with you. Instead of scanning the environment for threats, they’re listening for your voice.
- It builds emotional regulation. The consistent pattern helps them stay calm even when things get a little dicey.
You can start using it in quiet places such as your backyard or an easy walking route. Once your dog gets the hang of it, you can slowly bring it into more challenging places. To challenge ourselves and to consider the effectiveness, we actually tried this game out in the heart of Hunstanton on a sunny Thursday. There were about five billion dogs (exaggerating here, maybe) and their owners out. We didn't have a single meltdown as we walked along the busy promenade with both of our dogs. It worked an absolute treat.
Our Real Life Example
Prior to visiting Hunstanton and giving this game the real test, our breakthrough came on a walk when a young child came running down the sidewalk. We don't have kids and our reactive dog never had proper exposure around them, so these miniature versions of ourselves are my dog’s absolute nemesis. Normally she would’ve barked, lunged, lost her mind. But this time, we were playing the “1-2-3” game. I had already been counting and treating for a few minutes as we walked.
She heard “three” and turned to me, waiting for her snack. She barely even noticed the child, whose parent had finally caught up to them from around the corner.
It wasn’t perfect. She still glanced at them and stiffened up slightly. But she didn’t bark. She didn’t pull. And that, for us, was a win.
How to Start
You don’t need any special tools. Just some high-value treats and a willingness to sound a little silly while counting out loud in public.
Here’s how I recommend getting started:
- Pick a quiet area to walk where your dog won’t be overwhelmed.
- Start walking and say “one… two… three” in a calm, friendly tone.
- On “three,” drop a treat on the ground or hand it to your dog.
- Repeat as you walk. You don’t need your dog to “do” anything at first.
And that’s it. No cues. No obedience. Just a pattern your dog can trust.
Why I Keep Using It
This game isn’t about training your dog to heel perfectly or ignoring every distraction. It’s about building a relationship where your dog looks to you for safety and connection.
The more I use it, the more my dog checks in with me. Not because I told her to, but because I’ve become her predictable, comforting presence. And that’s what Control Unleashed is really about.
Want to Learn More?
If this sounds like something your dog could benefit from, I highly recommend checking out the Control Unleashed books by Leslie McDevitt. There’s a whole world of games like this -- pattern games that help reactive or anxious dogs build focus and confidence.
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