Look at that!

What is it?

Look at that, or LAT, is a game where the handler cues the dog to “look” at a distraction within the environment. Once the dog looks, the handler then marks or clicks that very moment, and rewards away from the distraction.

Why use it?

This is a very helpful game to teach the dog that good things happen when they see a distraction. Specifically, good things happen from their handler! This is very helpful for dogs who are frightened easily, are over excited in a happy way, or angered by things in their environment. For the over excited dogs, they believe that those distractions are the best thing around, so we need to change their minds by showing them we have something better. For fearful or aggressive dogs, they have a bad association to certain distractions and this can help to create a very clear and POSITIVE association towards that trigger.

How and when to try it:

When your dog is at a distance away from a distraction where they feel curious but not overwhelmed, you’re in the right place to try Look at That.

Your dog should be able to take food, and ideally respond to their name or something easy.

Start with a low level distraction, such as a family member clapping or saying a single word once. as soon as the dog notices the distraction say “yes!” (Or click) and feed them away from the distraction.

Remember, you are rewarding them for looking AT the distraction, not ignoring it. Don’t wait for them to look back at you just yet, focus on building a neutral or positive response when they see the distraction for now.

What if my dog looks back at me by MISTAKE?

Great! Your dog is starting to understand that the treat happens AWAY from distractions. He’s simply beating you to the punch! Make sure you reward those repetitions extra well to let the dog know that was an amazing choice!