Posted by A Super Jackpot is a special way of rewarding your dog for an outstanding performance. I’m not talking about your regular jackpots (you should use those every session and make it fairly easy for your dog to earn them). I’m talking about those moments when your dog does something particularly well – they finally keep the bar up that they previously knocked every single time, or they finally manage to hit the contact while there was a tunnel after the dog walk and you were blinding in between (huh!). Let them know you appreciate their effort! Take a break (or even end the training session right there) and throw a party! Run to the water hose and play, or pull a steak from the fridge for your food-motivated dog.
Yes, it takes some hassle and time, but don’t miss the opportunity to show your dog what they did was awesome – it’s a long-term investment. How do you feel when your boss or spouse acknowledges your effort after you’ve done an outstanding job? You not only try to give your best the next time, but you also appreciate that person more. Super Jackpots not only increase your training efficiency by reinforcing the desired behavior, but they also improve your relationship with your dog. Our dogs like to be appreciated too! And what is agility training about after all, if not cherishing those little moments with our dogs?