Article · 5 min read
Teach your dog to show you the find
Once your dog understands the Quest scent, the next step is teaching them to clearly show you when they have found it.
This is called an indication or find signal. For Quest, it does not need to be complicated. Your dog simply needs to pause, stay interested in the scent, or clearly show you where it is.
The easiest beginner goal is:
Find the scent = stay near it = reward
What you need
- Your dog on lead
- Small, high-value treats or a favourite toy
- The scent source provided at the park
- A quiet moment before starting the search
- Patience to reward small signs of interest
Step 1: Start with the scent
Bring your dog close to the scent source and let them sniff it naturally.
Reward them as soon as they show interest.
This reminds your dog that the Quest scent is valuable.
Step 2: Reward at the scent
When your dog sniffs the scent, reward them close to the scent source.
Try not to call them away before rewarding.
Your dog should learn:
Stay near the scent = reward
Step 3: Wait for a tiny pause
After a few easy rewards, wait for a very small pause before rewarding.
This may only be half a second at first.
If your dog keeps their nose near the scent, stops briefly, or stays focused on the source, reward immediately.
Step 4: Build a simple find signal
Over time, your dog may naturally start to show a clearer signal.
This might be:
- Pausing at the scent
- Keeping their nose close to the source
- Looking at the scent
- Looking back at you
- Sitting
- Pawing
- Freezing briefly
You do not need to force one perfect behaviour at the start. Reward the clear interest first.
Step 5: Use the same cue
Before letting your dog search, use the same cue each time, such as:
“Find it” or “Search”
This helps your dog understand when the scent game is starting.
Key tip
Reward the moment your dog pauses or stays interested at the scent.
A clear find signal is built through good timing, not pressure.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not force your dog to sit, paw, or lie down.
- Do not reward far away from the scent.
- Do not call your dog away before rewarding.
- Do not wait too long before rewarding a beginner dog.
- Do not ignore small signs of interest.
- Do not expect a perfect indication on the first search.
When your dog is ready
Your dog is starting to understand the find signal when they:
- Stay near the scent source
- Pause when they find it
- Show focused interest in one spot
- Expect a reward at the scent
- Become clearer and more confident over time
