Look at That (LAT): A Simple Game for Reactive Dogs

The Look at That game, often called LAT, is a simple way to change how your dog feels about triggers. Your dog looks at the thing that usually sets off barking, you say “Yes,” and a treat arrives. Over time, the trigger starts to predict good things.

LAT works only when you play it far from the trigger. If your dog lunges or has bitten or tried to bite, work with a qualified behaviorist before you try it.

How to play the Look at That game

1. Start in the green zone. From a distance where your dog notices the trigger but still eats, wait for a look.
2. Mark the look. The moment your dog looks at the trigger, say “Yes.”
3. Treat away from the trigger. Deliver the treat so your dog turns away to eat it.
4. Do 5 to 10 treats, then rest. Take a 1 to 2 minute break.
5. Close in slowly. Move a few feet nearer only while your dog stays relaxed.

Before you play: find the green zone

The game needs a starting distance. Find the closest point where your dog notices a trigger and still takes food, and write it down in feet. Read our guide to the green zone for how.

Use small, tasty treats such as chicken or cheese, in pea-sized pieces, and keep them in a pouch so you can reach them fast. Teach “Find it”, a name check-in and a U-turn at home first, so you have an escape plan.

Look at That game: the quick rules

Rule	Number
Treats per round	5 to 10
Break between rounds	1 to 2 minutes
Distance change	A few feet, only while relaxed
After a big reaction	Quiet walks for 48 to 72 hours

Signs to stop or step back

Over-threshold signs include barking or lunging, a fixed stare, refusing favorite treats, a tense body and a slow return to you.

• If your dog stares or is slow to take food, add distance or do a U-turn now.
• If your dog barks, lunges or refuses treats, leave calmly, go home and rest.
• Never jerk the leash. No forced greetings, and never make your dog face a trigger.

After a big reaction, expect lower tolerance for 48 to 72 hours, so plan quiet walks and home enrichment.

Common mistakes with LAT

• Starting too close. If your dog stares or won’t eat, you are past the green zone.
• Feeding toward the trigger. Deliver the treat away from it, so your dog turns away to eat.
• Playing for too long. After 5 to 10 treats, take a break.
• Skipping the rest of the walk plan. Walk at quiet times and places with a long view, and keep an exit route.

Keep these rules in mind: no forced greetings, no leash jerks and no making your dog face the trigger.

What does progress look like?

Success in 30 days is a shorter threshold distance and faster recovery, not a dog who ignores everything. Progress takes weeks or months, so judge it against your tracker rather than any single walk. A basket muzzle, trained with treats, is fine as safety equipment for a reactive dog. It is for safety, not for stopping barking. Get a professional if there is any bite or contact, or no change in threshold distance after 4 weeks.