25/10/2025
Here is a short summary of the initial steps of search development for the detailed search. The first step is to build motivation and expectation for the wall itself. We do that by playing and letting the dog grab the toy against the wall and in the wall. This is a step that many trainers seems to forget, but it is one of the most important ones. Try to bring the dog as close as possible to the toy when you place it in the wall before you pull the dog away. The closer you bring the dog the more drive you get. Make sure you have tension on the leash through the whole movement. Imagine a bungy movement. If you stop, many dogs will become passive. Letting the dog grab the toy in the wall is what will build intensity and motivation in the next step when we use smaller pieces. The dog should react as if she finds her favorite toy in the wall all the way down to small scent pictures.
