The Slot-Machine Effect

Here is why an occasional raid is so dangerous. When food appears on the counter only sometimes, your dog is playing a slot machine. Unpredictable, once-in-a-while wins build the most stubborn habits of all — far harder to break than a reward that comes every time. So one success after twenty failures does not just keep the habit alive; it makes your dog check the counter even more eagerly, hoping today is a winning day.