Jackpot

Okay, okay, this is not the kind of jackpot I want to talk about!  Instead, let's think more along the lines of Vegas.

People primarily play the slots because every so often, they get a huge "reward."  This big flow of coins is what entices people to continue playing the game.  Likewise, dogs are motivated to continue "playing" the game of training when they receive large rewards for excellent behavior and/or actions.

So, what does a jackpot look like?  Here are a few tips:

• Use something super high value to your dog.  Obviously, this is going to be relative.  For Cheri, five pieces of kibble are exciting (let's face it, she's just not that picky).  But if I want to truly jackpot her, I would give her dog log.  She rarely gets it, so once she does, it's like somebody giving you a Lexus after years of driving around a Geo metro that only had first and second gear left.  (For those who've known and taken classes from me for a while, just know that I am still waiting for that Lexus to fall from the heavens ;)) Some dogs prefer toys, others tummy rubs; regardless, it is up to you as the handler to decide what is the alpha treat that dominates all those other lesser rewards.
• Spread out the length of the reward.  If you are giving treats, give them several small pieces and praise the whole time.  Or, give them an extra long tummy rub or instead of just letting them carry the toy, play tug or throw the toy for a few rounds of fetch.  In my brain, I often think that just giving a large piece of treat is sufficient, but I've seen plenty of dogs scarf down a piece of dog log the size of my palm in the same time that they swallow one the size of a dime and don't react any differently.  So, make the reward more meaningful by extending the length of time you hand out the rewards.  (I do also give slightly larger pieces during a jackpot.)  Most trainers recommend that you jackpot anywhere from 20-40 seconds.   
• Be jackpot savvy.  In other words, give jackpots when they do something extra special.  Like when the light bulb finally clicks and they go through the weaves on their own or when they come back to you despite numerous distractions.  However, that being said, don't overuse the power of the jackpot.    Ice cream multiple times a day not only makes you fat, but it also isn't a treat anymore.  

Credit for this lovely article goes to: Becca