Picture this: you’re enjoying a peaceful walk when another dog appears. Your heart rate quickens, not from the exercise, but from anticipating the explosion at the end of your leash. The barking, the lunging, the sheer chaos—it’s a familiar story for many dog owners. But what if you could rewrite that story? What if you could turn that moment of panic into a moment of connection and training? That’s the magic of Look At That Dog Training, a transformative game that helps your dog handle the big feelings that lead to reactivity.
This isn’t about suppressing your dog’s behavior or forcing them to ignore the world. It’s about changing their mind. Developed by acclaimed trainers like Leslie McDevitt, the “Look at That” (LAT) game is a powerful, positive-reinforcement method designed to change a dog’s emotional response to their triggers, whether it’s other dogs, strangers, or speeding skateboards. Instead of reacting with fear or frustration, your dog learns to see a trigger and calmly turn to you for a reward. It’s a simple concept with profound results, turning stressful situations into teachable moments. For those exploring different training philosophies, it’s interesting to compare this positive-reinforcement approach with methods discussed in cornerstone dog training reviews.
What Exactly is “Look at That” Dog Training?
At its core, “Look at That” is a behavior modification technique rooted in classical and operant conditioning. Don’t let the science-y terms scare you; the idea is simple.
- Classical Conditioning: This is about changing associations. Right now, your dog might associate another dog (the trigger) with fear, anxiety, or frustration. LAT training works to change that association. The trigger no longer means “danger,” but instead signals that something wonderful—like a delicious piece of chicken—is about to happen.
- Operant Conditioning: This is about reinforcing choices. We teach the dog that choosing to look at the trigger calmly and then look back at you is a brilliant decision that earns them a high-value reward.
The goal isn’t to make your dog ignore the trigger. In fact, it’s the opposite. We want them to notice it. Acknowledging the trigger is the first step. By marking and rewarding the simple act of looking, we interrupt the old pattern of react-react-react and build a new one: look, then turn to my human for a reward. This process empowers your dog, giving them a constructive way to handle a situation that once overwhelmed them.
The Power of the Game: Why LAT Works Wonders
The “Look at That” game is more than just a distraction technique; it’s a powerful tool for building confidence and communication. It fundamentally alters your dog’s perception of the world, making it a less scary and more predictable place.
Key Benefits of LAT Training:
- Reduces Reactivity: This is the big one. By creating a positive association with triggers, LAT diminishes barking, lunging, and other reactive behaviors over time.
- Builds Your Dog’s Confidence: The game teaches your dog that they don’t have to handle stressful situations alone. They learn to check in with you for guidance, which builds their self-assurance.
- Strengthens Your Bond: Training becomes a team effort. Your dog learns to trust you as their guide and protector in challenging environments, deepening your connection.
- Works from a Safe Distance: LAT is designed to be practiced “sub-threshold,” meaning you work at a distance where your dog can see the trigger but not yet feel the need to react. This sets them up for success from the very beginning.
How to Teach “Look at That” Dog Training: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to turn your reactive rover into a relaxed companion? Getting started with LAT is straightforward, but success lies in patience and consistency.
### First, Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the right equipment.
- High-Value Treats: This is non-negotiable. Your dog’s regular kibble won’t cut it. You need the good stuff—tiny pieces of chicken, cheese, hot dogs, or whatever your dog finds irresistible. The reward must be more exciting than the trigger.
- A Marker: You need a way to instantly tell your dog, “Yes, that’s the exact behavior I want!” A clicker is perfect for this due to its distinct, consistent sound. If you’re not a fan of clickers, a sharp, happy verbal marker like “Yes!” works too.
- A Leash: A standard 6-foot leash is ideal. Avoid retractable leashes, which offer less control.
### The Training Process
The beauty of “Look at That” lies in its simplicity. You’re capturing a behavior your dog already does—looking at things—and rewarding it.
- Find the Right Distance: This is the most critical step. Position yourself far enough away from a trigger that your dog notices it but doesn’t react. This is their “threshold.” If your dog is stiff, staring intently, or refusing treats, you are too close. The goal is success, so start farther away than you think you need to.
- Wait for the Look: Stand with your dog and wait. The moment your dog looks at the trigger (another dog, a person, etc.), proceed to the next step. Don’t say anything or cue them; let them make the choice.
- Mark the Look: The instant your dog’s head turns toward the trigger, mark the behavior with your clicker or verbal “Yes!”. Your timing needs to be sharp. You are marking the look at the trigger, not the look back at you.
- Reward Generously: Immediately after the mark, reward your dog. The sound of the marker should cause your dog to turn their head back toward you in anticipation of their treat. Deliver the treat away from the trigger to encourage them to disengage.
- Rinse and Repeat: Continue this pattern. Dog looks at trigger, you mark, you reward. Keep sessions short and positive, just a few minutes at a time. The goal is for your dog to start looking at the trigger and then immediately whipping their head back to you, thinking, “I saw the thing! Where’s my chicken?” For a dog to master this, consistent practice is key, much like with training a dog to stay.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in LAT Training
While the concept is simple, a few common mistakes can hinder your progress. Being aware of them will help you and your dog succeed.
- Working Too Close: The number one error is pushing the dog over their threshold. If your dog is reacting, they are too stressed to learn. The only solution is to create more distance.
- Nagging or Cueing Too Soon: Don’t say “Look!” or point at the trigger in the beginning. The power of LAT comes from the dog making the choice on their own. The verbal cue can be added much later, once the behavior is reliable.
- Using Boring Treats: If your dog isn’t interested in the reward, the trigger will always be more compelling. Bring out the best treats for this exercise.
- Moving Too Quickly: Don’t rush to decrease the distance to the trigger. This process takes time. Celebrate small victories and progress at your dog’s pace. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The ease of this process can also depend on the breed, as some of the easiest to train dog breeds might pick it up faster.
According to Dr. Emily Carter, a certified veterinary behaviorist, “LAT is so effective because it addresses the underlying emotional state of the dog. We’re not just managing the outburst; we are actively changing the dog’s feelings about the trigger from fear to pleasant anticipation. This is how we achieve lasting behavioral change.”
Broadening the Application of “Look at That”
While famously used for leash reactivity, the “Look at That” principle is incredibly versatile. You can apply it to a wide range of situations where you want to build your dog’s confidence and teach them to remain calm.
### When to Use LAT:
- Fear of Objects: Is your dog terrified of the vacuum cleaner, bicycles, or flapping plastic bags? Use LAT to build a positive association from a safe distance.
- Sound Sensitivity: For dogs that are anxious about loud noises like thunder or fireworks, you can use recordings at a very low volume as the “trigger” and reward them for calm observation.
- General Excitement: If your dog gets over-aroused by squirrels or children playing, LAT can teach them to observe the excitement without joining the chaos.
- Veterinary Visits: Practice LAT in the clinic parking lot, rewarding your dog for calmly looking at people and other animals coming and going. This can help ease vet-related anxiety.
Mastering look at that dog training is about teaching your dog a new way to see the world. It’s a journey that requires patience, observation, and plenty of tasty treats. By transforming scary triggers into signals for rewards, you not only solve a behavioral problem but also build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your canine companion. You’re giving them the tools to navigate the human world with confidence, knowing you’ll always be there to guide them. This foundation of trust is essential, something that trainers like those in kathy santos dog training reviews also emphasize.
