Dog Reactivity Training Methods Explained: BAT, LAT, Classical Conditioning, Engage Disengage & Pattern Games
Dog Reactivity Training Methods Explained: BAT, LAT, Classical Conditioning, Engage Disengage & Pattern Games
Dog reactivity is one of the most common reasons owners seek professional help. Whether your dog barks, lunges, growls or becomes overly excited when they see other dogs, people, bicycles or vehicles, reactive behaviour can make everyday walks stressful for both you and your dog.
The good news is that reactivity can often be improved significantly with the right training approach. Modern force-free training focuses on changing your dog's emotional response to triggers rather than simply suppressing behaviour. By helping dogs feel safer and teaching alternative behaviours, we can create lasting improvements that enhance both welfare and quality of life.
In this guide, we'll explain five of the most effective dog reactivity training methods used by qualified force-free behaviourists:
Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT)
Look At That (LAT) Training
Classical Conditioning
Engage Disengage
Pattern Games
We'll also explain when each method is most appropriate and how they can be combined into a comprehensive behaviour modification programme.
What Is Dog Reactivity?
Dog reactivity refers to an exaggerated emotional response towards a particular trigger. Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, growl, freeze, pull towards or away from something, or struggle to focus on their handler.
Common triggers include:
Other dogs
People
Children
Cyclists
Joggers
Livestock
Cars or motorbikes
Wildlife
Reactivity isn't a diagnosis—it's simply a description of behaviour. The underlying emotions can vary considerably.
A reactive dog may be:
Fearful
Anxious
Frustrated
Over-excited
Protective
Uncertain
Lacking appropriate social skills
Understanding the motivation behind your dog's behaviour is essential because different training methods suit different emotional states.
1. Classical Conditioning
What Is Classical Conditioning?
Classical conditioning is the foundation of almost every modern behaviour modification programme.
It works by changing how a dog feels about something rather than simply teaching them what to do.
Instead of asking:
"How do I stop my dog barking?"
We ask:
"How can I help my dog feel differently when they see another dog?"
When the trigger consistently predicts something wonderful, the dog's emotional response gradually changes.
For example:
Dog appears → Chicken appears
Eventually the dog begins thinking:
Dog appears → Great things happen!
Over time the emotional response shifts from fear or frustration towards calm anticipation.
How Is It Used?
The dog is exposed to the trigger at a safe distance where they remain under threshold.
Every time the trigger appears:
Deliver high-value food
Continue feeding while the trigger is visible
Stop feeding once the trigger disappears
The trigger predicts food—not the other way around.
Best Used For
Classical conditioning is particularly effective for:
Fearful dogs
Nervous rescue dogs
Dogs worried by strangers
Dogs fearful of other dogs
Veterinary handling fears
Noise sensitivities
It is often the first technique used because improving emotional wellbeing makes learning much easier.
2. Look At That (LAT) Training
What Is LAT Training?
Look At That (LAT) was developed by Leslie McDevitt as part of Control Unleashed.
Rather than trying to stop a dog looking at a trigger, LAT teaches that noticing the trigger earns reinforcement.
The sequence becomes:
Trigger appears
↓
Dog looks
↓
Handler marks ("Yes!")
↓
Dog returns for reward
Instead of staring, escalating or reacting, the dog learns to briefly observe before disengaging voluntarily.
How Is LAT Used?
Start at a comfortable distance where your dog notices the trigger but remains calm.
When your dog looks at the trigger:
Mark the behaviour
Reward immediately
Allow them to look again
Repeat
Eventually the dog begins automatically checking back in with their handler after spotting the trigger.
Best Used For
LAT works particularly well for:
Dogs fixating on other dogs
Excitable greeters
Mild fear-based reactivity
Dogs struggling to disengage
Adolescent dogs becoming distracted
It builds calm observation without forcing avoidance.
3. Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT)
What Is BAT?
Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT), developed by Grisha Stewart, focuses on giving dogs the opportunity to make good choices around their triggers.
Rather than relying heavily on food, BAT uses functional rewards.
The reward for calm behaviour is often increased distance from the trigger.
This is particularly powerful for dogs whose reactivity is driven by fear.
The dog learns:
"I can stay calm, make good choices and safely move away."
Instead of feeling trapped, they develop confidence and communication skills.
How Is BAT Used?
BAT sessions are carefully structured.
Typically:
Begin at a large distance
Allow the dog freedom on a long line
Observe body language carefully
Allow investigation at the dog's pace
Reward calm choices by moving away
The emphasis is on allowing the dog to learn rather than constantly directing them.
Best Used For
BAT is especially useful for:
Fearful dogs
Dogs uncomfortable around unfamiliar dogs
Dogs barking to increase distance
Dogs with poor social confidence
Dogs displaying avoidance behaviours
BAT should ideally be guided by an experienced professional due to the importance of reading canine body language and maintaining appropriate distances.
4. Engage Disengage
What Is Engage Disengage?
Engage Disengage is designed to teach dogs that noticing a trigger is perfectly acceptable—but choosing to disengage is highly rewarding.
Unlike LAT, where the handler marks the initial look, Engage Disengage encourages the dog to make the decision independently.
The sequence becomes:
Trigger appears
↓
Dog observes
↓
Dog chooses to look away
↓
Reward
This develops emotional regulation and self-control.
How Is It Used?
Begin at a safe distance.
Allow your dog to look.
Wait patiently.
The moment your dog voluntarily turns away—even briefly—mark and reward generously.
Gradually, disengagement becomes the dog's default behaviour.
Best Used For
Engage Disengage works well for:
Dogs recovering from reactivity
Dogs that stare or fixate
Frustrated greeters
Dogs becoming over-aroused
Dogs progressing beyond basic LAT exercises
Many trainers transition from LAT to Engage Disengage as dogs improve.
5. Pattern Games
What Are Pattern Games?
Pattern Games were also developed by Leslie McDevitt.
These predictable exercises create emotional safety by giving dogs familiar routines during stressful situations.
Predictability reduces anxiety.
Instead of worrying about the environment, dogs focus on a well-rehearsed game.
Popular pattern games include:
Up Down
Treat on floor
↓
Dog eats
↓
Looks back up
↓
Repeat
Excellent for reducing environmental pressure.
1-2-3 Walking
Count:
1...
2...
3...
Treat.
Dogs quickly learn the rhythm and anticipate reinforcement, helping them move calmly past triggers.
Ping Pong
Reward alternates from one side to the other.
This encourages movement, relaxation and disengagement.
Super Bowls
Food is delivered to predictable locations, helping reduce fixation while creating calm movement patterns.
Best Used For
Pattern games are excellent for:
Highly aroused dogs
Nervous dogs in busy environments
Dogs needing confidence outdoors
Puppies building resilience
Dogs working around mild triggers
They're particularly useful as management tools while behaviour modification is ongoing.
Which Training Method Is Best?
There isn't one "best" method.
Professional behaviourists often combine several approaches depending on the dog's emotional state.
For example:
Fearful dog
Classical Conditioning
BAT
Pattern Games
Frustrated greeter
LAT
Engage Disengage
Pattern Games
Dog fearful of strangers
Classical Conditioning
BAT
Engage Disengage
The most successful programmes are tailored to the individual dog rather than relying on a single technique.
Important: Stay Below Threshold
Regardless of which method you use, one principle remains essential:
Your dog must stay below threshold.
A dog that is barking, lunging or panicking is too emotionally overwhelmed to learn effectively.
Training should always begin at a distance where your dog can:
Eat food
Respond to their name
Move freely
Recover quickly
Think rather than react
Progress comes from many successful repetitions—not from forcing dogs to "face their fears."
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If your dog regularly reacts to other dogs, people or everyday situations, working with a qualified force-free behaviourist can dramatically speed up progress.
Professional support is especially important if your dog:
Has bitten or attempted to bite
Is becoming increasingly reactive
Guards family members
Displays fear in multiple situations
Has a long history of reactive behaviour
Early intervention prevents behaviour becoming more deeply established.
Final Thoughts
Reactive dogs aren't being stubborn or dominant—they're communicating that something in their environment feels difficult, overwhelming or exciting.
Modern, science-based methods such as Classical Conditioning, Look At That (LAT), Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT), Engage Disengage, and Pattern Games help address the underlying emotions while teaching practical coping skills.
With patience, consistency and appropriate guidance, many reactive dogs can learn to feel calmer, make better choices and enjoy walks with greater confidence.
At College 4 Canines, we use evidence-based, force-free training tailored to each dog's individual needs. Whether your dog is fearful, frustrated or simply overwhelmed by the world around them, our personalised behaviour programmes focus on building confidence, reducing stress and creating lasting behaviour change. If you're struggling with a reactive dog in Northumberland, get in touch to learn how we can help you and your dog enjoy calmer, happier walks together.
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