LAT (Look at That) Dog Training: A Practical, Personable Guide for Pet Parents and Trainers
Table of Contents
Listen to the (LAT) Look at That Podcast
I still remember the first time I saw a pet guardian use “Look at That” with their anxious rescue pup. We were standing in a quiet little park, and their dog—let’s call him Charlie—would get worked up the moment he glimpsed a skateboard or even heard a skateboard’s wheels in the distance. It was like clockwork: he’d see the trigger, bark his head off, and lunge at the end of his leash. It wasn’t a great situation for Charlie or his guardian.
Then along came LAT, short for “Look at That.” Although it might sound too simple—basically teaching a dog to notice a trigger and then look back—this technique is surprisingly powerful. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with mild reactivity or searching for Reactive Dog Training in Phoenix due to intense outbursts. LAT could be the missing puzzle piece that helps your dog chill out rather than lose it when facing those stress-inducing triggers.
I’ve watched LAT turn frantic barking into calm focus more times than I can count. In this article, I’ll guide you through every step. We’ll talk about the science behind it, the nitty-gritty of training, plus a few real-life tips from my own experiences (plus some cautionary tales of what not to do). And yes, if you need help with Dog Aggression Training Phoenix or are exploring options for a Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix, this method is a solid place to start. Let’s dig in.
Why “Look at That” Works So Well
Let’s cut straight to the core: LAT helps a dog shift from a “Oh no, there’s that scary thing!” mindset to “Hey, that might mean I get some chicken.” It’s built on two key behavior science principles: classical and operant conditioning (Pavlov, 1927; Skinner, 1938).
Classical Conditioning: The dog starts to associate the trigger (maybe another dog, a skateboard, or a cyclist) with a tasty treat. Over time, what used to set them off now predicts something awesome. It’s a little like hearing the ice cream truck jingle—you know good stuff is coming your way.
Operant Conditioning: The dog isn’t just soaking up new emotional vibes. They’re also learning, “If I look calmly and then turn to my person, I get rewarded.” That’s a new, more polite behavior taking the place of reactive barking or pulling.
I’ve seen it with my own two eyes: a dog that used to quake in fear or explode in aggression catches a glimpse of the “enemy,” then whips around for their reward, tail wagging. It’s more than a gimmick. It’s a technique that harnesses the dog’s natural curiosity, funnels it into a calm glance, and trades tension for yummy treats.
Laying the Foundation
Before you jump headfirst into LAT, it’s worth spending a little time making sure you’ve got the basics down. This makes the whole process much smoother:
Delicious Rewards
Don’t underestimate the power of a good snack. If your dog’s not excited by your treats, they’ll be less motivated to focus on you, especially if they’re already on edge. Think tiny cubes of cheese, bits of chicken, or freeze-dried treats that smell amazing. It should be something that’ll make your dog say, “Heck yeah, that’s worth it!”Clear Marker Word or Clicker
Choose a short, simple word (“Yes!”) or use a clicker so you can capture the exact moment your dog does what you want. Timing is everything. If you’re late by even a second, your dog might not realize what earned the reward.Low-Distraction Zone
The first time you teach any new skill, distractions are your enemy. If your living room is chaos, or if the neighborhood is bustling with kids on bikes, consider starting in a calmer area or at an off-peak time of day.Safe Distance
If your dog flips out at 10 feet but stays somewhat chill at 25 feet, guess where you should begin practicing? Exactly—give yourself enough space so your dog notices the trigger but isn’t panicked or frenzied. Over time, you can inch closer.
I remember showing up at a friend’s house to help with LAT, only to discover her dog was already way too overwhelmed. The mail carrier was walking by, two other dogs were barking next door, and a leaf blower was roaring a few houses down. It was basically a carnival of distractions. We ended up postponing the session until early the next morning, which turned out to be the best call ever—no distractions, calmer environment, and we made progress way faster.
The LAT Process, Step by Step
Think of LAT as a dance with your dog. It goes like this: see the trigger, mark it, reward, reset. It’s a back-and-forth that encourages curiosity in place of reactivity. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Decide on a Cue (Maybe)
Some pet guardians prefer to say something like, “Look!” or “Check it out!” just before showing their dog the trigger. Others let the trigger itself serve as the cue. Either is fine. Consistency matters most. But if it helps you keep your dog’s attention, a verbal cue can be handy.
Find That Comfortable Distance
Position your dog so they can see the trigger (could be a person, dog, or a skateboard gliding by), but they aren’t going bonkers about it.Mark the Quick Glance
The second your dog’s eyes shift to the trigger—mark that. Use a cheerful “Yes!” or a click.Reward
Immediately hand over a delicious treat, ideally near your body, so the dog naturally reorients to you instead of staring.
Even if your dog merely flicks an ear or a quick eyeball in the trigger’s direction, count it. The key is capturing that moment of calm noticing before the meltdown begins.
Step 2: Rinse and Repeat
Continue this process for a short session—maybe a few minutes at a time. Each time your dog notices the trigger without freaking out, mark and treat. You’re basically showing them: “Yes, I see you saw that dog. Good job not barking. Here’s a snack.” Over time, you’ll notice your dog quickly peeking at the trigger and then swiveling back to you, almost like they’re saying, “Hey, I did the thing, where’s my reward?”
Step 3: Ramp Up the Challenge Slowly
Once your dog’s getting the idea, you can start making things a bit tougher. For instance, if you began at 25 feet away, you might try 20 feet next time. Or if you were dealing with a still trigger (like a calm dog sitting across the street), maybe you introduce mild movement—a dog walking slowly at a distance. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language. If they start panting, whining, or pulling toward the trigger, you might be too close.
One mistake folks make is trying to do too much at once. I recall a family who tried to combine LAT with a brand-new environment, off-leash play, and a meet-and-greet with a stranger dog, all on day one. That’s a recipe for confusion and stress. Keep it simple. Increase difficulty in baby steps to help your dog succeed consistently.
Step 4: Ease Up on Treat Frequency
Eventually, you don’t need to reward every single glance forever. But don’t rush to stop. If your dog’s had major reactivity issues, a high rate of reinforcement can help them stay confident and relaxed. Over time, you can start treating every other correct response, then every third, and so on. If a major curveball appears—say, a dog bursts around the corner unexpectedly—feel free to revert to a higher treat rate for that moment. Think of it like emotional insurance.
Sneaky Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
LAT might look straightforward on paper, but there are a few common traps you can fall into:
Going Too Close, Too Fast
You might get excited by a little success and think, “Great, let’s move right up to the trigger!” Then your dog flips out. Always build distance in incremental steps, not giant leaps.Poor Timing
If you mark even a second too late, you could accidentally reinforce barking or lunging. Practice your clicker timing by yourself if you need to—some folks have a friend pretend to be the dog, walking across a yard, just so they can hone those reflexes.Using Treats That Don’t Excite Your Dog
Dry biscuits might not cut it if your dog is super-anxious. Experiment with higher-value goodies. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors.Not Practicing Enough
Like any skill, LAT gets better with repetition. A quick daily session beats a long, overwhelming session once a week.
I remember one enthusiastic pet guardian who started at a solid distance, got one or two successful reps, and then jumped too close to a group of dogs in a busy park. The dog started barking and lunging within seconds, and the guardian felt defeated. We ended up going back to a more comfortable range, practicing more reps there, and guess what? Progress happened much faster once we built that strong foundation. Patience matters.
Under the Hood: The Science of LAT
While LAT seems like a straightforward “look here, get a treat” routine, it’s actually doing some impressive psychological heavy lifting. Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed” series really popularized LAT, showing how it blends classical conditioning (trigger predicts reward) with an operant behavior (look calmly, earn something good) (McDevitt, 2007). Studies in animal behavior (Herron, Shofer, & Reisner, 2009) emphasize how fear and aggression can soften when the trigger starts signaling positive outcomes instead of something threatening.
This method is part of a bigger movement away from punishment-based techniques. Rather than scolding a dog for reacting, we’re rewriting the script in their head. They see a potential threat, but now that threat equals, “Hey, you’re about to get something delightful.” It’s like flipping a light switch in a dark room—suddenly things aren’t so scary anymore.
LAT for Aggression? Absolutely
It’s common for pet parents dealing with aggression to wonder if something like LAT, which seems so gentle, can really help a dog who’s snarling or lunging. Surprisingly, it can—and does. In many aggression cases, the dog is stressed or fearful, and their aggression is a way of saying, “Back off, I’m uncomfortable.”
With LAT, you’re offering a new script: “You can look, but then I’ll show you a safer, calmer way to respond.” Of course, if you’re dealing with significant aggression, you might also want other layers of support—like consulting a Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix, working with a veterinarian to rule out pain or medical issues (Landsberg, Hunthausen, & Ackerman, 2012), or temporarily using a muzzle for safety (O’Heare, 2014). But LAT remains one of the easiest, most intuitive exercises for teaching a dog to observe calmly and disengage, rather than charge in teeth-first.
Pairing LAT with Other Strategies
It’s good to remember that LAT works best as part of a bigger plan. If you’re exploring Dog Training in Phoenix for advanced reactivity or Aggressive Dog Training protocols, your trainer might recommend mixing LAT with:
Desensitization
Gradually exposing your dog to triggers at a low intensity, then slowly increasing intensity as they get comfortable. LAT is the perfect companion since you can mark and reward all those calm looks.Relaxation Protocols
Structured programs, like Dr. Karen Overall’s relaxation protocol (Overall, 2013), teach dogs to settle quietly, which complements the more active nature of LAT.Management Tools
Sometimes you just need physical barriers or strategic walking routes to prevent your dog from getting overwhelmed in the first place. Consider crossing the street or using privacy film on windows if your dog goes bananas every time the mail carrier passes by.Professional Guidance
If you’ve tried everything and your dog’s still in meltdown mode, it might be time to reach out for professional help—someone specifically versed in reactivity or aggression. They can observe your dog’s body language, refine your technique, and make sure you’re not missing any subtle signals.
A Quick Anecdote from the Real World
To illustrate LAT in action, let me share a personal scenario. A while back, I was helping a friend with a high-energy Border Collie named Tessa. She loved to chase anything that moved—bikes, joggers, even leaves that blew across the sidewalk. We started by standing on a quiet street corner, letting Tessa watch a cyclist pass by at a comfortable distance. The instant Tessa flicked her gaze at that bike, we’d say “Yes!” and hand her a nibble of turkey. At first, she’d keep craning her neck to watch the bike. But within a few sessions, she’d give a quick peek and then swivel right back as if to say, “I looked. Gimme that turkey!”
Once we got consistent success there, we gradually moved closer to the action. Eventually, Tessa could walk on the sidewalk while a bike rolled by without freaking out or trying to herd the unsuspecting cyclist. It was night and day from where we started. That’s LAT in a nutshell: a gentle, systematic way to guide a dog’s impulsive or anxious responses into calmer, more controlled behaviors.
Practical Safety Measures
If your dog is reactive or aggressive, you want to keep both of you safe. Try these tips:
Muzzle-Training
If your dog has a history of snapping or biting, a basket muzzle can protect everyone involved, including your pup. Just make sure to introduce it slowly and positively—pairing it with treats and praise so the muzzle itself isn’t scary.Secure Gear
Double-check that collars and harnesses fit snugly, not so tight they cause discomfort, but tight enough that your dog can’t slip out if they panic.Watch Body Language
Keep an eye on signs like lip licking, stiff tail, or excessive panting. These can mean your dog’s approaching their breaking point. If you see them, back up or create more distance.Stay Calm Yourself
Our dogs are experts at reading our stress levels. If you’re tense and bracing for an explosion, your dog might pick up on it and get anxious, too. Take a breath, move at a measured pace, and don’t be afraid to cut a session short if things get too heated.
Making LAT Part of Your Day-to-Day
The beauty of LAT is that it isn’t something you need a special training ring or an official class to do. Once your dog “gets it,” you can sprinkle LAT practice into your walks, backyard time, or even your morning routine. A few examples:
Out on a Walk
If you spot a jogger way down the sidewalk, you can say “Look!” (if you’ve chosen a verbal cue), then mark and reward your dog the second they glance toward that jogger.Car Window Encounters
Some dogs go nuts in the car, barking at pedestrians or other dogs. If you’re parked safely, you can practice LAT by letting them look at folks passing by, then quickly mark and treat.Fence-Line Behavior
If your dog’s a fence barker, try standing a few feet away and rewarding them for that initial calm glance when a person or another dog shows up next door.
By weaving these mini-sessions into everyday life, you get more repetitions, which cements the behavior faster. Plus, you’ll teach your dog that calm observation pays off no matter where they are.
LAT for Professional Trainers and Behavior Pros
If you run group classes or do private consults, LAT can slot into your training toolkit very neatly. For instance, you can set up a controlled environment—maybe one dog is the “helper dog” at a distance—so each participant practices with their own dog. It helps to schedule these in a predictable sequence, like Dog A gets two or three minutes of LAT, then Dog B, and so on. Everyone learns from watching each other, and it’s less chaotic than letting them all watch triggers at once.
For more serious aggression work, you’ll probably track subtle metrics: how quickly does the dog turn away from the trigger, how many calm glances can they do before showing tension, etc. This data can guide your next steps. If you’re aiming to help a client whose dog flips out at bicycles, you might note the distances at which the dog can handle seeing bikes. Over sessions, you inch that distance closer. If the dog stays relaxed, you know your LAT training is on point. If they regress, you might back up and add more reinforcement.
When to Seek Extra Help
There are times when LAT alone might not cut it—like when a dog has a severe bite history or is seriously anxious in multiple situations. In those cases, a single method, no matter how effective, might not address the broader issue. That’s where a seasoned Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix comes in. You may even consider a Veterinary Behaviorist. They can:
Identify potential medical issues. A dog in chronic pain might lash out more readily (Landsberg, Hunthausen, & Ackerman, 2012).
Suggest medication if anxiety is extremely high.
Build a more comprehensive, tailored plan that meshes LAT with other protocols, like resource-guarding exercises or separation anxiety routines.
I’ve known a few dogs who seemed unreachable through basic approaches because they were dealing with intense fear-based aggression. After working with a veterinary behaviorist, plus layering in LAT, management strategies, and some medication, we saw remarkable changes. Sometimes you just need more than one tool in the box.
Overcoming Myths About LAT
Let’s tackle some common misconceptions:
“It’s basically bribery.”
At first glance, it might look that way, but there’s a deeper process going on. You’re creating a new emotional response and reinforcing a more productive behavior. Over time, as your dog’s confidence grows, you can fade the treats, and they’ll stay calmer on their own.“I don’t want my dog to look at the trigger at all.”
Denying the dog a chance to see what’s stressing them can create even more anxiety. LAT says, “Yes, go ahead and look. Now here’s a structured way to handle it.”“If I do LAT, I’ll never correct my dog.”
In many modern, science-based approaches, corrections are a last resort. LAT emphasizes building calm focus using positive outcomes rather than fear. Most trainers who use LAT still have boundaries, but they rely more on redirection and reinforcement than punishment.“It won’t help with major aggression cases.”
It can be part of a robust plan, even in severe cases—especially when combined with oversight from a knowledgeable professional.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Crafting a Training Outline
I’m a big fan of having a simple, written plan. For instance:
Goal: By the end of the month, your dog can spot another dog at 15 feet without going ballistic.
Session Frequency: Twice a day for five minutes, plus spontaneous practice if you randomly see triggers.
Marker & Reward: Use “Yes!” plus a small cube of chicken.
Progression: Once your dog can handle 15 feet, move to 12 feet. If at any point they bark, go back to a bigger distance.
Contingency Plan: If the dog shows signs of stress, step away, do some basic focus exercises (like “sit” or “hand target”), then try again later.
That’s a rough sketch, but it keeps you on track and helps measure whether your pup’s actually improving. Training logs can be a real eye-opener when you realize you’ve made more progress than you initially thought—or they can tell you that you’re moving a bit too fast.
LAT Isn’t Just for Dog-Dog Issues
Although we often talk about LAT for dog-dog reactivity, you can deploy it in all sorts of scenarios:
Car Chasing: If your dog barks at passing vehicles, a calm glance followed by a treat can replace the frantic chase instinct.
Stranger Danger: Some dogs are wary of strangers in hats or uniforms. LAT gives them a moment to observe from a safe distance, then rewards them for staying cool.
Wildlife or Squirrels: A quick look, then a treat, can help reduce that spike of adrenaline when they see a scampering critter.
Seriously, once your dog gets the hang of “calmly observe → check in,” you can apply it to nearly any new or troublesome stimulus.
My Personal Spin on LAT
Over time, I’ve started adding a bit of a hand-target into my LAT routine. After marking the calm glance, I’ll present my palm. The dog touches it with their nose—essentially a quick “boop”—and then they get the treat. It’s a small tweak, but it gives certain dogs a tangible action to complete. This is especially helpful if they struggle to break eye contact from a moving trigger. It’s like saying, “See that dog? Awesome. Now boop my hand for your reward.” The physical action helps some dogs disengage more effectively.
I also sometimes say something gentle right before the dog notices the trigger, like, “Oh, who’s that?” in a soft tone. It’s not official protocol, but it signals to the dog that I’m aware of the trigger, and we have a plan for it. In my experience, that can reduce their anxiety because they’re not left wondering if I’ve noticed the potential threat. We’re in this together.
Putting It All Together
“Look at That” may sound like a small tactic, but it often unlocks major breakthroughs, especially for reactive or anxious dogs. You’re giving your pup permission to notice what worries them and then guiding them toward a calmer, more hopeful reaction. It’s like handing them a script that says, “Don’t worry. Look, then turn back to me. Everything’s okay.”
If you feel out of your depth—maybe you’re dealing with serious aggression or fear—seek out professional support. There’s no shame in it. Many trainers, particularly those specializing in Dog Aggression Training Phoenix or working as a Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix, have used LAT as part of broader programs for years. With expert guidance, you can safely test your dog’s limits, fine-tune your approach, and ultimately help your furry friend relax in everyday life.
So gather your supplies: some clickers or a solid verbal marker, a pocket full of top-tier treats, and a good sense of humor (because, yes, training can be messy at times). Then pick that comfy distance and start the “Look at That” dance with your dog. The first time they glance at a trigger and turn back without barking might feel like a small miracle. Enjoy that moment, celebrate it, and build on it day by day. Before long, you just might have a dog who strolls past triggers with a wagging tail instead of a growl or a bark. And let me tell you—that’s worth its weight in dog biscuits.
Short LAT Video Tutorials
Video: Beginning Look At That Training LAT
Watch on YouTube
This video from the Train Me Please YouTube Video Channel dives into the more advanced layers of the Look at That (LAT) Game, building on the foundational skills many dogs already know. For dogs who get overly excited or a bit uneasy around everyday triggers—like other dogs, people, bikes, or motorcycles—those feelings can sometimes show up as reactive behaviors, including barking, lunging, or growling.
The LAT Game gives dogs a different option: a calm, structured way to respond instead of reacting. It’s a thoughtful, low-stress approach that helps reshape how dogs perceive and interact with their environment. A special nod goes to Leslie McDevitt for her influential work in developing and popularizing LAT through her book Control Unleashed.
Video: Advanced LAT Look At That Dog Training
Watch on YouTube
In this video, we take a closer look at the more advanced techniques behind the Look at That (LAT) Game—an effective training approach for helping dogs navigate challenging situations. Many dogs become overly stimulated or uneasy when they encounter things like other dogs, unfamiliar people, bicycles, or loud motorbikes. These moments can often spark reactive behaviors such as barking, lunging, or growling.
The LAT Game gives dogs a different option—a structured, calm way to process what they see and respond without stress. This method was originally brought into the spotlight by Leslie McDevitt in her influential book Control Unleashed, which has since become a go-to resource for pet parents and professionals alike.
Video: Comprehensive LAT Video by Leslie McDevitt
Watch on YouTube
Here is a webinar on one of the most popular Control Unleashed “games,” LAT, for free. It’s edited to remove the information about the new LAT-inspired game, LATTE, since that is material Leslie McDevitt is presenting at conferences.
References
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). Retrospective evaluation of the effects of diazepam in canine aggression. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 4(2), 50–58.
Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2012). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (3rd ed.). Saunders.
Lindsay, S. R. (2001). Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 2: Etiology and Assessment of Behavior Problems. Wiley-Blackwell.
McDevitt, L. (2007). Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog. Clean Run.
O’Heare, J. (2014). The Dog Aggression Workbook, 3rd Edition. Dogpsych Publishing.
Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
Pavlov, I. P. (1927). Conditioned Reflexes: An Investigation of the Physiological Activity of the Cerebral Cortex. Oxford University Press.
Pryor, K. (2009). Reaching the Animal Mind: What Clicker Training Teaches Us About All Animals. Scribner.
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis. Appleton-Century.