Ever wish your dog would just choose to walk away from a distraction? In this video I teach a brilliant pattern game called “Give Me a Break” (from Leslie McDevitt’s pattern games world) to help your dog see something new/exciting/scary and default to disengaging and reconnecting with you. This isn’t about punishing barking or lunging—it’s about giving your dog a clear, rewarding, safe alternative that builds confidence and reduces frustration. When it clicks, it honestly feels like a magic trick. I break it into two phases. First is the Chair Version, where we build the core pattern in a low-distraction setup: I place a treat, I return to my chair, and we “meet back up” when the dog finishes and comes to find me. Then we upgrade to the Moving Version: no chair, and my movement becomes the cue and the reward—I become the “moving beacon,” and the dog learns that checking in makes the game continue. Finally, I show you how to layer in distractions gradually (toy on the floor, busier rooms, cooking smells, mild window activity, then outdoors), plus safety notes like using a leash/long line when needed. I also cover common pitfalls: rushing, being a statue, and forcing the dog—this game works because the dog gets to choose.