Look at That (LAT) is a pattern game designed to help dogs communicate when something in their environment is causing them stress. Instead of reacting to the trigger, the dog learns to signal their caregiver. This builds confidence and reduces anxiety by giving dogs a choice: they can acknowledge something unsettling without having to engage with it.
LAT is an excellent tool for building confidence in dogs, particularly those who may struggle with specific triggers. It not only empowers the dog but also helps caregivers understand how their dog is feeling, whether they are relaxed, unsure, or starting to get overwhelmed. Over time, LAT strengthens communication and trust between you and your dog.
LAT can be taught using a mat or a neutral object. The steps below use a neutral object to introduce the concept of LAT:
You will need:
A reward (e.g., treats)
A clicker (optional)
A mat
A neutral object (such as a brightly colored mug or bottle)
Once your dog is willingly lying on the mat, hide a neutral object behind your back. Present the object, and when your dog looks at it, immediately mark the behavior with a “yes” or a click, then promptly give them a treat with your other hand while putting the object behind your back again. Repeat this several times until your dog reliably looks at the object.
Image courtesy Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, LSHC-S
Phase 3: Increase the Challenge
Once your dog is consistently looking at the neutral object, begin to hold it out, but do not immediately hide it again. Instead, wait to see if they look back at you. Mark and reward this moment of checking in. Keep practicing until your dog consistently glances at the object, then looks back at you.
Phase 4: Add Verbal Cues
Once your dog is comfortable with the pattern, introduce a verbal cue, such as "Where’s the bottle?" This teaches your dog to respond to your cue by finding and acknowledging the object before looking back at you.
Image courtesy Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, LSHC-S
Phase 5: Practice With Familiar Things
Once your dog has the hang of LAT with a neutral object, you can begin applying it in real-life situations. Start in a safe area where your dog is comfortable and under threshold. Introduce stimuli slowly, which are not scary but might be exciting, such as family members or household pets. Every dog is different, so triggers vary.
Phase 6: Work on Triggers
After your dog has learned to point out these less scary stimuli, progress to more realistic triggers, such as a person passing by, a squirrel, or another dog. Reward your dog for pointing out the triggers, just as with the neutral object. The goal is to keep your dog below their stress threshold; this is where real learning happens.
Over time, your dog will learn they can choose what to point out. For example, you might say, "Where’s the squirrel?" after spotting one, but your dog might focus on something else, such as a piece of trash on the ground. That is okay. Acknowledge and reward their choice. This helps build trust and shows your dog that their observations matter to you.
Over time, LAT can become more than a training tool. It can become a way to understand how your dog experiences their world.
Pattern games can be found in the book series Control Unleashed® by Leslie McDevitt CDBC, CPDT-KA, MLA.
