Even experienced teams can face challenges when performing Lost Item Online searches. Understanding why issues occur and how to correct them is key to improving performance and ensuring successful runs.

This module will cover common search challenges, possible causes, and effective solutions to help teams refine their approach.

1. Dog Struggles to Start the Search

Possible Causes:

🚫 The dog is unsure about the search area.
🚫 The start cue isn’t clear or consistent.
🚫 The dog is distracted by the environment.

Solutions:

✅ Ensure the start line is clearly marked and familiar to the dog.
✅ Use a consistent search cue (“Find it,” “Search,” or the item’s name).

2. Dog Searches the Wrong Area or Doesn’t Cover the Whole Space

Possible Causes:

🚫 The handler is too close to the dog.
🚫 The handler unintentionally directs the dog toward certain locations.
🚫 Airflow is affecting scent distribution.

Solutions:

✅ Keep the handler stationary and at least five feet from the hide.
✅ Encourage independent searching with verbal encouragement, not physical direction.
✅ Experiment with different hide placements to encourage thorough searching.
✅ Consider environmental airflow—scent may be pooling or drifting unexpectedly.

3. Dog Finds the Item But Doesn’t Offer a Clear Alert

Possible Causes:

🚫 The dog isn’t sure what behavior is expected at the find.
🚫 The item isn’t strongly scented enough with handler odor.
🚫 The dog hasn’t fully developed a strong, reliable alert behavior.

Solutions:

✅ Reinforce a clear alert behavior in training (e.g., nose touch, sit, down, stare).
✅ Increase item scenting time—handle the item for at least 30 minutes before placing.
✅ If needed, retrain the final indication separately from full searches.

4. Dog Alerts Incorrectly

Possible Causes:

🚫 The handler accidentally cues an alert.
🚫 The dog is reacting to an old scent trail rather than the target item.
🚫 Distractors (if used) are too enticing or confusing.

Solutions:

✅ Wait for a strong, confident alert before calling “Alert.”
✅ If the dog frequently alerts incorrectly, re-evaluate airflow and scent trails.
✅ When working with distractors, gradually introduce them in training to build focus.

5. Dog Finds the Item But Leaves Without Alerting

Possible Causes:

🚫 The dog is uncertain about the task or expectations.
🚫 The dog is used to finding items without needing to alert.
🚫 The dog is not motivated to stay at the hide.

Solutions:

✅ Encourage the dog to pause at the item before rewarding.
✅ If needed, use a staged search with jackpot rewards to reinforce staying at the hide.
✅ Practice having the dog find and hold position before alerting with a high rate of reinforcement.

6. Handler Mistakes That Affect Performance

Common Issues & Fixes:

🚫 Standing too close to the hide → Stay at least five feet away at all times.
🚫 Accidentally leading the dog to the hide → Keep movements neutral and avoid pointing.
🚫 Calling “Alert” too soon → Wait for a clear, reliable indication.
🚫 Being too quiet or disengaged → Light verbal encouragement can help without over-directing.

7. Troubleshooting Distractor Challenges (LIO-III and MLIOCH Only)

If the Dog Reacts to a Distractor Instead of the Item:

🚫 The distractor is too appealing (e.g., strong-smelling food or a favorite toy).
🚫 The dog hasn’t been trained to work around distractions.
🚫 The distractor is too close to the hide, confusing the search.

Solutions:

✅ Start with mild, non-enticing distractors and gradually increase difficulty.
✅ Place distractors far from the hide at first, then reduce distance as the dog improves.
✅ Reward focus on the handler-scented item while ignoring distractions.

Final Checklist for Troubleshooting Searches

✅ The search area is set up correctly with proper hide placement and airflow.
✅ The item is properly scented and not contaminated with extra odors.
✅ The dog is working independently without handler guidance.
✅ The handler waits for a strong alert before calling the find.
✅ The dog is motivated and engaged throughout the search.

Conclusion

Every dog faces different challenges in scent detection, but with patience and intentional training, teams can overcome common struggles. By troubleshooting issues as they arise, handlers can fine-tune their approach and set their dogs up for success in Lost Item Online searches.