🐾 A Game Changer for Reactive Dogs: Look At That (LAT) – Vet Behavior Guide 2025 🐶🧠

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Does your dog bark, growl, or freeze when they see another dog, a stranger, or even a new object? Reactivity can be a major challenge—but there's hope. One simple but powerful game called Look At That (LAT) can change how your dog feels about the world. 🐕🌎

Originally developed by Leslie McDevitt, LAT teaches your dog to notice a trigger and calmly report it to you instead of reacting with fear or frustration. It’s like giving your dog a voice—and a job. Here's how to teach LAT step by step using modern, science-backed, force-free methods. 💬🐾

🎯 What is Look At That (LAT)?

LAT is a pattern game that trains dogs to observe their environment and engage with you, rather than react. Instead of barking or lunging, your dog will learn to look at a trigger and then back at you for a treat. This builds confidence, strengthens communication, and creates a predictable response to the unexpected. 💡

🧰 What You’ll Need:

• High-value treats 🦴
• A clicker or marker word like “yes” 🔊
• A mat or platform 🧺
• A cone or similar object 🪩
• A calm helper to act as the trigger 🧍

🪷 Phase One: Teach Mat Relaxation

Step 1: Introduce the Mat

• Sprinkle treats on a mat and let your dog eat them there.
• Toss a treat off the mat and wait for your dog to return.
• Repeat until your dog starts going to the mat on their own.

Step 2: Capture the Sit

• Wait for your dog to sit on the mat before rewarding.
• If they don’t sit, reward being on the mat, then reset with another treat toss.
• Continue until sitting on the mat becomes predictable.

Step 3: Capture the Down

• When your dog lies down, calmly place a treat between their paws.
• This rewards relaxed behavior and helps solidify the mat as a safe space. 🧘‍♂️

👀 Phase Two: Add a Mild Distraction (Helper + Cone)

Now it’s time to add a neutral trigger—your helper! This is where LAT begins. 🧍‍♀️

• Place a cone in the room, between your dog and the helper.
• Have the helper walk to the cone. As they do, feed your dog continuous treats (this is called Open Bar).
• When the helper walks away, stop the treats (Closed Bar).
• Repeat until your dog remains calm, lying down on the mat while watching this pattern.

🔍 Phase Three: Mark the Glance

Once your dog is calm with the pattern:

• Wait for your dog to look at the helper.
• Mark with “yes” or a click, and give a treat as they look back at you. 👁️👃

This step teaches your dog: “Look at the thing, then look at me = treats!”

📣 Phase Four: Add the Cue

Begin saying: “Where’s the person?” or another fun cue. This turns LAT into a communication game!

• Say the cue as the helper approaches.
• Mark and reward when your dog looks at the person and then at you.
• Now your dog is actively reporting triggers instead of reacting to them. 📡

🌍 Phase Five: Take LAT Into the Real World

Start with easy targets: “Where’s the leash?” “Where’s the car?” etc.

• When out walking, use LAT with dogs, bikes, cars, or people at a safe distance.
• Mark the moment your dog looks at the trigger, then reward when they turn back to you.
• Stay below their reactivity threshold to keep it a game—not a battle.

🔁 Practice Makes Predictability

LAT works best when practiced often in calm environments before trying it in stressful situations. The more consistent you are, the more automatic the behavior becomes. 💪

📸 LAT in Action

Give your dog an opportunity to look at the trigger. Photo courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Reinforce your dog when they look back at you. Photo courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

💡 Tips for LAT Success

• Don’t rush—keep your dog relaxed at every stage.
• If your dog is too excited or reactive, go back to mat relaxation.
• Track progress with a behavior journal. 📓

🏡 Final Word from Dr Duncan Houston

“LAT gives your reactive dog a way to talk to you instead of panic. You’ll see confidence grow, communication flourish, and trust deepen.”

If your dog struggles with reactivity, download the Ask A Vet app today to speak with a licensed vet behavior expert. We’re here 24/7 to help you and your dog thrive in every environment. 🧠🐕