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The Look At That game for reactive dogs

Updated October 10, 2026. Based on published research on reward-based training. Not reviewed for your individual dog by a trainer, behaviorist or vet.

A step-by-step guide to the Look At That game, a reward-based way to teach your dog that seeing a trigger is a cue to check in with you.

What the game is

Look At That (often shortened to LAT) was popularized by trainer Leslie McDevitt in her book Control Unleashed. The idea is simple: your dog looks at the trigger, you mark that moment with a word or a click, and you give a treat. Over time, your dog learns that looking at the scary thing is a safe, rewarding thing to do, and starts looking back to you on their own.

Unlike asking your dog to ignore the trigger, LAT lets your dog gather information about it, which many worried dogs find reassuring.

What you need

• A marker: a clicker, or a short word like “yes” said the same way each time.
• High-value treats: small and soft.
• A trigger at a distance your dog can handle (below threshold; see what is threshold).

Step 1: Teach the marker

At home, say “yes” (or click), then give a treat. Repeat ten or so times, across a few short sessions, until your dog’s ears perk up at the word.

Step 2: Practice with a boring object

Hold a neutral object, such as a spoon, out to the side. The moment your dog glances at it, mark and treat. This teaches the game before anything scary is involved.

Step 3: Use a real trigger, far away

1. Stand well beyond your dog’s threshold distance.
2. The moment your dog looks at the trigger, mark, then deliver the treat near you.
3. Your dog turns back to you for the treat. Wait for the next glance at the trigger, and repeat.
4. Do a few repetitions, then walk away calmly and end the session.

Step 4: Let your dog offer the look-back

After many repetitions, your dog will glance at the trigger and then turn to you before you mark. That is the sign the game has clicked. You can now mark the turn back to you instead.

Tips

• If your dog stares and does not turn back, or will not take food, you are too close. Add distance.
• Keep sessions short and upbeat.
• Change only one thing at a time when making it harder (closer, or a moving trigger, never both at once).
• LAT is one tool among several. It works best alongside management and plenty of distance (see how to stop lunging at other dogs).

Unwoofled uses reward-based methods only. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) 2021 position statement on humane dog training recommends reward-based training and advises against aversive and punishment-based methods, because they can increase fear, stress and aggression.

This article is training education, not veterinary advice. Medication is a decision for your veterinarian.