Ditch the jackpot and invest in sausage instead.

[Oberon]

It’s been known for a while that jackpots (larger quantities of ‘standard’ treats) aren’t very effective and that the best way to boost your dog’s motivation is to bring out a high value treat instead. Quality trumps quantity. Here’s a link to a study that confirms that finding: https://www.appliedanimalbehaviour....8)30244-2/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_etoc_email It’s just the abstract, not the whole article, so it’s a very quick read

 

[Selina27]

jackpots (larger quantities of ‘standard’ treats

Oh, I got that wrong all along then! I thought a jackpot was a higher value reward
Sausages rule in this house anyway!

 

[Emily]

Oh, I got that wrong all along then! I thought a jackpot was a higher value reward
Sausages rule in this house anyway!

Haha me too! In my house, jackpot has always been a super high value treat ?

 

[Oberon]

Well you are both doing it right then!

I think what the study is also saying is that it’s best to have more than one tier of treats. Use nice treats for everyday or well learned behaviours but bring out the bratwurst for when you really want to make an impact. If you use high value treats all the time then your dog might habituate to those and they’ll become less special.

 

[Selina27]

Use nice treats for everyday or well learned behaviours but bring out the bratwurst for when you really want to make an impact. If you use high value treats all the time then your dog might habituate to those and they’ll become less special.

Yep, that's always been my understanding to

My understanding is one thing, but being organized in my brain to do it right is quite another!

 

[Selina27]

@Oberon - shouldn't you be in bed? I do worry about folks the other side of the world being on here when I'm just getting my lunch

 

[Charlie]

Oh thank goodness I use a tier of treats, ordinary treats for everyday learned behaviours, up the treats for say a really good 'stop' whistle and a massively big reward for training new behaviours or if I have say stopped a deer chase they get the whole bag of treats! x

 

[Emily]

@Oberon - shouldn't you be in bed? I do worry about folks the other side of the world being on here when I'm just getting my lunch

It's 10.30pm ?

 

[Selina27]

Oh I thought it was 1.30 in the morning with you You're not up too late then ! Only 9 hours ahead of us then?

 

[MaccieD]

Interesting. It would helpful to know number of dogs involved in the tests, breed, ages etc as it could impact results. There is also a study which tested whether dogs had a concept of number (of treats that is ?). 2 Plates were placed on the floor and the dog allowed to approach. One plate had one treat on it and the other had a small number of treats. All the dogs showed a preference for the multiples showing that they had a concept of number ?. Of course if the test subjects had been Labs they would have charged in and sent the plates flying and woofed down all the treats ??

 

[Stacia]

I thought everyone would know that one delicious treat would trump 5 pieces of kibble! In my opinion that is a flawed study! How about five pieces of sausage to one piece of sausage!

 

[MaccieD]

Yes I use chicken breast training with clients to start off new behaviours and encourage them to do the same, and Juno benefits from the left over but generally she gets standard treats and sometimes multiples. I also encourage owners to sometimes give multiples for a really good response rather than just 1 small piece. I would say Juno's response is the same to one piece, multiple pueces or a but if chicken/sausage as she doesn't know what she is getting. The study sort if suggests there might have been an element of predictability that all the sausage was given in a sequence. Just my thoughts though ....

 

[snowbunny]

The other variable I use is how the treat is delivered. Snuffling out a piece of kibble in the grass, or chasing after it as I throw it, is far higher value than having it presented to them.

 

[Charlie]

Yes, sometimes I throw a handful of treats for a good 'hunt' which lasts a lot longer than from my hand. x

 

[Beanwood]

The other variable I use is how the treat is delivered. Snuffling out a piece of kibble in the grass, or chasing after it as I throw it, is far higher value than having it presented to them.

Yes, I think the "how" dogs receive the treat, especially when they know it's coming can really ramp up the excitement and fun elements. Bramble goes bonkers now for our super high-value party games!

 

[Beanwood]

hmmm...So if I put one BIG piece of sausage down, for Casper, or 2 smaller pieces..which are actually the same size as the bigger one...which would he go for???

 

[MaccieD]

hmmm...So if I put one BIG piece of sausage down, for Casper, or 2 smaller pieces..which are actually the same size as the bigger one...which would he go for???

You must film it to show us ???

 

[Beanwood]

You must film it to show us ???

I have one butchers sausage left in the fridge, was saving it for @Mr Beanwood's breakfast...hmmmm....

 

[kateincornwall]

Sausage rules here too , did the trick for Sam, Millie and Nelly too x

 

[Stacia]

hmmm...So if I put one BIG piece of sausage down, for Casper, or 2 smaller pieces..which are actually the same size as the bigger one...which would he go for???

All of them as fast as he could