How to Train Your Dog to Find Things

1 Training a Dog to Find Objects

Indoor training:

The benefit of indoor training is that the dog knows the environment, feels relaxed and unstressed, learns better, and picks things up faster.

First pick a simply furnished, familiar room, command the dog to sit outside the door, then use an item you often use and the dog likes; after teasing it a bit, toss the item somewhere inconspicuous inside, give the ‘search’ command, and make a hand signal (right palm down, pointing toward the search direction or object) to lead the dog in.

If the dog is enthusiastic, praise it at once – a stroke, or its favorite toy or food. If passive, encourage it and guide it to the item; reward immediately once found.

Once the dog gets used to finding things, gradually drop the tossing method and instead hide the item in advance, then command the search.

Notes:

1. Don’t always train in the same spot; change locations often, but let the dog get familiar with each new place first.

2. Expand the search area gradually as the dog improves.

Training takes a lot of patience and step-by-step teaching; indoor training is a bit easier.