🐾 A Game Changer for Reactive Dogs: Look At That (LAT) – Vet Edition 2025

Reactivity in dogs often stems from fear, stress, or confusion—it isn’t disobedience. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen countless dogs struggle because their only outlet is reacting. But there’s hope: Look At That (LAT), a proven pattern game developed by Leslie McDevitt, gives reactive dogs a calm, structured way to “report” triggers instead of reacting. LAT builds confidence, communication, and emotional regulation—without pressure or force.

Below, I’ve adapted McDevitt’s method into a 5-phase, vet-backed, step-by-step training guide. Each phase helps your dog edge closer to real-world calm, and together they form a holistic approach for you and your reactive companion.

Why LAT Works: Emotional Intelligence Over Confrontation

Traditional desensitization can feel abrupt. LAT is different—it's a pattern of safe exposure followed by positive reward. Over time, sniffing, barking, or lunging is replaced by calm, confident glances and clear communication. With LAT, your dog gains emotional agency—not just obedience.

• 👂 **Cognitive clarity:** Dog signals, you interpret and reward.
• 🧠 **Emotional regulation:** Problematic behavior reframed as communication.
• 💬 **Bonded trust:** Training rooted in mutual dialogue, not dominance.

🔧 What You’ll Need

• Soft, high-value treats
• A clicker (optional)
• A mat or small platform
• A cone or marker
• A helper to act as the stimulus

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Phase 1: Mat Familiarization & Calm Settling

Goal:

Build your dog’s association between the mat and relaxed, attentive behavior.

Steps:

1. Treat Scatter: Toss treats across the mat. Allow your dog to explore and eat freely. Repeat until they willingly seek out the mat.
2. Capture Sits: Once mat interactions are comfortable, watch for sits. As soon as your dog sits, mark it—“Yes!” or click—and reward, then continue scattering treats.
3. Capture Downs: When sits become reliable, wait for lying down. Reward calmly and reinforce this relaxed posture.

This phase teaches calm attention—no commands, just rewards for relaxed choices.

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Phase 2: Introducing Controlled Distraction

Goal:

Help your dog stay relaxed on the mat in the presence of a distant distraction.

Steps:

1. Place the cone a few feet from the mat, and position your helper near it.
2. Begin MAT pattern as before—scatter treats.
3. When helper moves from cone toward the mat (open bar), reward continuously to link presence with calm.
4. When helper moves away (closed bar), stop treats—but maintain calm until the helper returns.

Repeat until the helper’s presence becomes unremarkable. If signs of stress appear, return to Phase 1.

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Phase 3: Recognize and Report—Waiting for the Look

Goal:

Teach your dog to notice the trigger and look back to you calmly.

Steps:

1. Helper approaches the cone. Watch your dog’s focus shift.
2. The moment your dog glances at the helper, mark with a click or “Yes!”
3. Reward immediately, reinforcing calm reporting—not engagement.

Over time, the glance becomes the desired behavior, replacing reactive responses.

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Phase 4: Adding the LAT Cue

Goal:

Introduce a verbal cue that invites your dog to locate the trigger and check back.

Steps:

1. Have helper approach the cone again.
2. As they near, prompt with “Where’s the person?” or “Where’s the helper?”
3. Mark the look at helper followed by return glance to you.
4. Reward according to calm engagement.
5. Gradually fade the helper's proximity while reinforcing steady LAT responses.

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Phase 5: Real-World Application

Goal:

Generalize LAT to various non-threatening items before working up to genuine triggers.

Steps:

1. Start with low-stress objects: leash, car, empty crate.
2. Ask “Where’s the…?” and reward appropriate LAT.
3. Monitor your dog’s threshold—distance where stress begins.
4. Stay below threshold; reinforce successful LAT.
5. Gradually increase difficulty—visuals, sounds, genuine triggers.

Keep sessions short. Reinforce calm over correctness.

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🔁 Practice Tips & Emotional Checkpoints

• Consistency builds confidence—daily short sessions are ideal.
• Observe body language: relaxed posture, scrolling tongue, and calm eyes = success.
• Stress signs—lip licking, rigid stance, pacing—signal a need to step back.
• Backward steps are acceptable; emotional make-up matters more than command perfection.

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📊 Benefit Breakdown: From Reactivity to Communication

Before LAT	After LAT
Noise or movement triggers lunging or barking	Glance → return to handler → Reward & calm
Anxiety around cars, people, dogs	Noticing triggers, then choosing handler engagement
High stress on walks	Increased confidence, fewer reactive outbursts

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✅ Implementing LAT Across Environments

• Begin indoors, no triggers nearby.
• Gradually introduce real-world visuals—people, cars, dogs at a distance.
• Use management tools—leash, long line, safe distance.
• LAT outdoors: curbside walks become chances to report calmly.
• LAT in vet setups—reduce stress by empowering calm signals.

You’re turning the world from a minefield into a safe space they can navigate together with you.

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⚠️ Veterinary & Behaviorist Support

If you encounter challenges:

• Persistent dysregulated responses? A vet or behavior consultation may help.
• Consider pheromone diffusers or calming aids for stress reduction.
• Consult for potential medical contributors to anxiety or stress.

Behavior isn’t just learned—it’s also biological. A holistic approach ensures lasting success.

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🎉 Final Takeaway: A New Dialogue with Your Dog

LAT training isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset shift. Instead of silencing, we invite conversation. Instead of reacting, we respond. With patience and positive reinforcement, your reactive dog learns that noticing triggers is safe and, importantly, rewarded.

As a vet, I’ve seen LAT transform anxious dogs into calm, communicative companions. It’s more than training—it’s restoring trust and emotional confidence.

Want personalized LAT guidance, ongoing support, or behavior consultations? Connect with Ask A Vet for 24/7 expert help and keep training focused, compassionate, and stress-free. 🐾