Look at That (LAT) for Reactivity: A Fun Game for Your Puppy!
Do you have a super excited puppy who barks at everything? Or maybe a shy puppy who gets scared easily on walks? Sometimes, puppies react strongly to things around them, like other dogs, loud noises, or even new people. This is called “reactivity.” But guess what? There’s a super fun game you can play with your puppy called “Look at That!” or LAT for short, that can help them feel calmer and happier!
At PuppyHeaven.com, we believe every puppy deserves to feel safe and loved. Learning how to help your puppy understand the world around them is a big part of that! LAT is like a magic trick that teaches your puppy to look at scary or exciting things and then quickly look back at you for a yummy reward. It helps them learn that “Hey, that thing isn’t so bad after all! In fact, it means I get a treat!”
What is Puppy Reactivity?
Imagine you’re walking your puppy, a playful Beagle or a fluffy Coton de Tulear, and suddenly another dog appears! Your puppy might start barking really loudly, pulling on the leash, or even trying to lunge forward. Or maybe they hide behind your legs, whimpering. These are all signs of reactivity.
Reactivity isn’t about being “bad.” It’s your puppy’s way of saying they don’t know how to handle a situation. They might be:
- Scared: They feel nervous or unsafe when they see something new or unexpected.
- Over-excited: They want to play so badly or get so worked up that they don’t know how to control themselves.
- Frustrated: They might want to greet another dog but can’t, so they get upset.
Reactivity can make walks and playtime less fun for both you and your puppy. But don’t worry, LAT can help turn those tricky moments into happy training opportunities!
Why Do Puppies React the Way They Do?
It’s important to understand that puppies aren’t trying to be naughty when they react. They’re just like little kids trying to figure out a big, new world!
- Feeling Unsafe: Just like a child might cry if they see a big, scary monster in a movie, a puppy might bark or hide if they see something they’re not sure about, like a loud truck or a person wearing a big hat. They might feel unsafe, and their reaction is their way of trying to make the “scary” thing go away, or to get themselves to safety.
- Too Much Excitement: Imagine you’re at a birthday party and there’s a huge cake and lots of presents! You might get so excited you start jumping up and down. Puppies can feel the same way. When they see something super exciting, like another puppy to play with, they might get so overwhelmed with happiness and energy that they forget their manners and start pulling or barking. They just don’t know how to calmly say “hello!” yet.
- Not Enough Practice: Think about learning to ride a bike. At first, it’s wobbly and hard. But the more you practice, the easier it gets! Puppies are the same. They need practice learning how to act calm and friendly in different situations. If they haven’t learned how to calmly greet other dogs, for example, they might just bark because that’s the only way they know to communicate. Training games like LAT give them that important practice!
No matter if you have a tiny teacup puppy or a playful Corgi, all puppies can benefit from learning how to be calm and confident. You can find many wonderful puppies for sale at PuppyHeaven.com who are ready to learn and grow with you!
What is “Look at That!” (LAT)?
LAT is a special training game that helps your puppy feel good about things that used to make them bark, pull, or feel scared. It’s like teaching them a new, happy thought: “When I see that thing, good things happen to me!”
Instead of your puppy seeing a trigger (like another dog) and thinking, “Oh no!” or “Gotta bark!”, they learn to see it and think, “Yay! My human will give me a super yummy treat!” It changes their feelings from nervous or overly excited to happy and calm. It’s all about making a positive connection!
How to Play the “Look at That!” Game: Simple Steps!
Ready to start playing this fun game with your puppy? It’s easy!
Step 1: Get Your Treats Ready!
This is super important! You need really, really yummy treats. Not just regular kibble. Think small pieces of cheese, cooked chicken, hot dogs, or special soft training treats. These are called “high-value” treats because your puppy will think they are the best things ever! The yummier the treat, the more your puppy will want to play and learn.
Step 2: Find Your “Trigger” from a Distance
What makes your puppy react? Is it other dogs? People walking by? Bicycles? Find a place where you can see one of these “triggers” but far enough away that your puppy isn’t barking or pulling yet. They should be just noticing it, but still calm. This is called being “under threshold.” If your puppy is already super excited or scared, you’re too close!
Step 3: “Look at That!”
As soon as your puppy notices the trigger (like another dog walking by), say “Look at that!” in a happy, calm voice. You don’t need to point, just use your voice to draw their attention to it.
Step 4: Treat Time!
The very moment your puppy looks at the trigger (even for a second!), immediately give them one of your super yummy treats! The timing here is key. You want to give the treat right after they notice the trigger, so they connect the two things.
Step 5: Repeat and Relax
Keep doing this! When the trigger goes away, stop treating. When a new trigger appears, repeat the process. Your goal is to help your puppy understand: “Oh, when I see that thing, and I look at it, a treat appears! This is a good deal!” Over time, their feelings about that trigger will start to change from bad or over-excited to good and calm.
This method works wonders for many breeds, from a curious Boston Terrier to a playful Havapoo! Explore all the wonderful puppies available at PuppyHeaven.com who are eager to learn new things with their loving families.
Key Ingredients for LAT Success
Like making a delicious cake, LAT has a few special ingredients that make it work best:
- Distance is Your Best Friend: Always start far away from the trigger. If your puppy is already barking or pulling, you’re too close! Think of it like learning to swim. You wouldn’t start in the deep end, right? You start where you feel safe and confident. As your puppy gets better, you can slowly, slowly move a little closer.
- Timing is Everything: Give the treat the very second your puppy looks at the trigger. It’s like clicking a camera! Snap the picture (treat!) right when they see it. This helps them link “seeing the thing” with “getting a treat.”
- Super Yummy Treats: We said it before, but it’s worth saying again! Your puppy needs to love these treats more than anything. They are their “paycheck” for being brave and calm.
- Patience, Patience, Patience: Teaching a puppy new things takes time. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight. Every little step forward is a victory! Celebrate small improvements.
- Keep it Fun and Positive: This should be a fun game for both of you! If you get frustrated or stressed, your puppy will feel it too. Keep your voice happy and your body relaxed.
When to Use LAT with Your Puppy
You can use the “Look at That!” game in many different situations! It’s a super flexible tool for helping your puppy feel more comfortable in the world.
- On Walks: This is a classic! If your puppy barks at other dogs, people, bikes, or even squirrels. When you see something coming, say “Look at that!” and treat. This works great for almost any purebred puppy or designer breed that loves their outdoor adventures.
- At the Park: If your puppy gets overwhelmed by kids playing, people running, or other dogs having fun. Find a quiet spot on the edge of the park and play the game from a distance.
- When Guests Arrive: Does your puppy get overly excited or shy when new people come to your home? You can have a guest stand a comfortable distance away, and as your puppy glances at them, you say “Look at that!” and treat.
- New Sounds: If your puppy is scared of loud noises like thunder or fireworks, you can play recordings of these sounds very quietly and play LAT. Slowly, slowly turn up the volume as they get more comfortable.
- When Seeing New Objects: Maybe your puppy is scared of the vacuum cleaner or a new garden gnome. You can use LAT to help them feel better about these everyday items.
Remember to always start with plenty of space between your puppy and the trigger. This ensures they are calm enough to learn. If you’re looking for a new family member to teach and train, check out the adorable puppies coming soon to PuppyHeaven.com!
Wonderful Benefits of Using LAT
Playing “Look at That!” isn’t just a fun game; it has amazing benefits for your puppy and your relationship with them!
- Happier, Calmer Puppy: Your puppy will feel less stressed and more confident in different situations. They’ll learn that the world isn’t so scary or overwhelming after all!
- Less Barking and Pulling: As your puppy learns to associate triggers with good things (treats!), they’ll be less likely to bark, lunge, or pull on the leash. Walks will become much more enjoyable.
- Stronger Bond with You: When you help your puppy feel safe and happy, it builds trust. They learn that you are their protector and the source of all good things! This makes your bond even stronger, whether you have a smart Poodle or a charming Cavapoo.
- More Fun Outings: Imagine being able to enjoy walks in the park, visits to friends’ houses, or even trips to pet-friendly stores without your puppy getting upset. LAT helps make these dreams come true!
- Better Behavior Overall: A puppy who feels secure and calm is generally a better-behaved puppy at home too. The skills they learn with LAT can help them be more relaxed in everyday life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing LAT
Even though “Look at That!” is a simple game, there are a few things to watch out for to make sure you get the best results:
- Getting Too Close, Too Soon: This is the biggest mistake! If your puppy is already barking or panicking, you’ve gone too far. Back up! Find a distance where they can see the trigger but are still calm enough to take a treat.
- Giving Up Too Fast: Learning takes time and practice. You might not see big changes overnight. Keep practicing consistently, even for just a few minutes each day.
- Punishing Your Puppy: Never yell at, pull on the leash, or punish your puppy for reacting. This will only make them more scared or stressed, and they’ll start to associate the trigger (and maybe even you!) with bad feelings. LAT is all about positive, happy training!
- Not Using Good Enough Treats: If your puppy isn’t excited about the treats, they won’t be motivated to play the game. Upgrade your treat game!
- Forgetting to Celebrate Small Wins: Did your puppy just glance at another dog without barking for the first time? That’s a huge win! Celebrate it with praise and extra treats. Every little bit of progress counts.
LAT in Action: Real-Life Scenarios!
Let’s look at some examples of how you might use the “Look at That!” game in different situations:
| What the Puppy Sees (Trigger) | What the Puppy Does (Reaction) | How You Use LAT | Expected Outcome Over Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Another Dog Walking By (far away) | Stops, ears perk up, stiffens slightly | As puppy looks, you say “Look at that!”, then immediately give a yummy treat. | Puppy sees dog, looks at it, then quickly looks at you expecting a treat, stays calm. |
| A Fast Bicycle or Skateboarder | Gets excited, starts to pull leash, wants to chase | From a distance, as puppy notices it, say “Look at that!”, then immediately treat. | Puppy notices bike, then turns to you for treat, doesn’t try to chase or bark. |
| A New Person Entering the Room | Hides behind your legs, whimpers softly | As puppy glances at the person, say “Look at that!”, then immediately treat. | Puppy looks at person, takes treat, feels safer and less nervous around new people. |
| Loud Garbage Truck Sound | Jumps, whimpers, tries to run away | When sound starts, if puppy notices but isn’t panicking, say “Look at that!”, then treat. | Puppy hears sound, looks at you for comfort and treat, associates sound with good things. |
| A Child Running and Playing | Barks excitedly, lunges forward | From a safe distance, when puppy spots the child, say “Look at that!”, then treat. | Puppy sees child, turns attention to you, learns to be calm around active kids. |
Other Helpful Tips for a Happy, Well-Adjusted Puppy
While LAT is a fantastic tool, it’s part of a bigger picture of helping your puppy grow into a confident, happy adult dog. Here are some other important tips:
- Early Socialization: Introduce your puppy to many different sights, sounds, people, and friendly dogs when they are young. This helps them learn that the world is a fun, safe place! Our puppies at PuppyHeaven.com start their journey in loving environments, helping them get ready for their new homes.
- Regular Exercise: A tired puppy is a good puppy! Make sure your puppy gets enough walks and playtime to burn off energy. A well-exercised Cocker Spaniel or an energetic Mini Doodle will be much calmer and more receptive to training.
- Safe Space at Home: Provide your puppy with a comfy crate or a quiet corner where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. This is their safe den.
- Consistent Positive Reinforcement: Always reward good behavior! Use treats, praise, and gentle petting to show your puppy they did a great job.
- Chew Toys: Chewing can be a great stress reliever for puppies. Make sure they have plenty of safe and fun chew toys.
- Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling with reactivity, don’t hesitate to seek help from a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer. They can offer personalized advice.
Remember, every puppy, whether a tiny Toy puppy like a Chihuahua or a fluffy Havanese, learns at their own pace. Be patient, be kind, and celebrate every little step forward. Choosing the right puppy is the first step, and at PuppyHeaven.com, we’re here to help you find your perfect furry companion.
Ready to Play?
Playing “Look at That!” is a wonderful way to help your puppy feel more comfortable and confident in the world. It turns potential stress into a fun game, strengthening your bond and making everyday adventures more enjoyable for both of you.
So, grab some super yummy treats, find a good spot, and start playing “Look at That!” with your beloved puppy today. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes you’ll see!
At PuppyHeaven.com, we are dedicated to helping families find happy, healthy puppies and supporting them on their journey. We hope these tips help you and your furry friend build an even stronger, happier relationship!
