Look At That (LAT) is a pattern game created by Leslie McDevitt to help dogs signal when something in their environment is bothering them. Instead of reacting with fear or stress, your dog learns to locate the trigger and report it to you. This reduces anxiety by teaching your dog that they do not need to engage with things that scare them. LAT is also a great way to build confidence, especially if your dog has struggled with certain triggers before.

LAT helps you gauge your dog’s comfort level. The game can be taught in two ways: using matwork or a neutral object. For matwork, you will need:

• A reward (e.g., treats)
• A clicker (optional)
• A cone
• A mat or platform

Phase One: Introduce the Mat

• Teaching Your Dog About the Mat:
   Start by scattering treats on the mat to encourage your dog to engage with it. Once your dog is eating on the mat, wait until they finish, then toss a treat off the mat. Repeat this process until they begin seeking out the mat for treats.

• Capturing Sitting Relaxation:
  When your dog approaches the mat, wait to see if they offer a sit before sprinkling treats. If they do not sit, reward them with one treat and toss another off the mat to reset. Repeat until your dog sits calmly on the mat, and then sprinkle several treats. If necessary, go back to step one and practice until the sitting behavior is more consistent.

• Capturing Lying Down Relaxation:
  Once your dog reliably sits on the mat, begin capturing the down position as they relax. When your dog lies down, reward them with a treat placed between their feet rather than scattering treats on the mat. This helps your dog associate the mat with a calm, relaxed state.

Phase Two: Introduce Distraction with a Helper

In this phase, have a helper stand across the room and avoid interacting with your dog during the LAT training. The goal is for your dog to calmly remain on the mat in the presence of a distraction.

• Set Up the Cone:
  Place the cone between the mat and the helper. Ensure your dog remains calm, lying on the mat with relaxed body language. If they become stressed with the presence of the cone or the helper, return to phase one.

• Helper Moves to the Cone (referred to as Open Bar):
  Have the helper walk to the cone. When they reach it, continuously reward your dog with treats. Repeat this to create an association between the helper’s approach and rewards.

• Helper Moves Away from the Cone (referred to as Closed Bar):
  When the helper moves away from the cone, stop rewarding your dog.

Phase Three: Wait for a Glance at the Helper

Once your dog understands the pattern of the helper approaching the cone, wait for them to look at the helper before rewarding. Use a clicker or “yes” to mark the behavior when they look at the helper and reward when they look back to you.

Phase Four: Introduce the “Where’s the ?” Cue

Start introducing the LAT cue by asking, “Where’s the person?” or “Where’s the helper?” when the helper approaches. Mark and reward your dog when they look at the helper and then at you. This builds the connection between the trigger (helper) and looks back to you.

Phase Five: Using LAT in the Real World

Start with familiar objects like “Where’s the leash?” or “Where’s the car?” to practice LAT with things your dog does not find stressful. Watch for your dog’s threshold (the point at which they can notice triggers without becoming stressed). Reward them for pointing out triggers to reinforce the behavior.

Look At That (LAT) should be a relaxed reporting of the environment. If your dog appears excited or stressed and points out triggers to you multiple times, further mat relaxation work is needed until it is a solid foundation skill. By practicing LAT, you help your dog manage their reactions and build stronger communication skills between you and your pet.