How to Teach Your Dog the 'Find It' Cue

Training your dog to find it starts small, with the hiding of a treat (or scented item) under an object for your dog to discover. With practice and building up of the skill, this behavior can lead to more challenging activities like backyard hunts and hide-and-seek through the house with different objects.

How to train your dog to find it

Suggested Cues:If find it doesn’t have the right ring to it, you can use search or seek

What You’ll Need:

• Treats for rewards
• Treat or pet-safe, scented item to find
• Object under which to place the item
• Various other household items to offer distraction (chairs, dog toys, etc.)

Note: At no time should you reach for the item while it is in your dog’s mouth. The idea is simply for your dog to find an item under an object. If your dog brings the item to you, offer them a treat in exchange for dropping it.

Training Method 1: Shape your dog’s behavior into the action you are looking for

1. Place a scented item or treat on the ground in front of your dog.
2. Verbally mark and reward any attention your dog gives to the item.
3. As their attention grows, move the item behind other objects, like a chair, bench or something that obstructs their direct view of the item.
   
4. Reward and praise your dog when they are able to find the hidden item.
   
5. Put the item under an object.
   
6. Reward and praise your dog when they find the hidden item.
   
7. Add the verbal cue to reinforce the action.

Training Method 2: Capture your dog’s inherent behavior so that it becomes a cued behavior

1. Place multiple items that your pup enjoys (like their favorite toys) in a circle around you.
2. Anytime your pup approaches the selected item, verbally mark the action and reward them.
3. Ignore all your dog’s behaviors except when they look at the item or nose it.
4. When your pup becomes proficient, start placing the item under an object.
5. Add the verbal cue once your dog is showing consistency.

Training Method 3: Use an enticing lure to prompt your dog to perform the desired behavior

1. Put the item you want them to find on the ground and place treats around and on top of the item.
2. Allow your dog to find and consume the treats.
3. Repeat until your dog is reliably approaching and interacting with the item to receive treats.
4. Begin reducing the amount of treats around the item.
5. When your dog is consistently interacting with the item, start placing it under an object.Mark and reward them when they find it.
6. Add the verbal cue once your pup is consistent.

Looking for more cool tricks to teach your pet? Consider crawl or paws up for their next training lesson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to teach a dog the "find it" cue? Most dogs begin associating the verbal cue with the searching behavior within a few short sessions of 5–10 minutes each, but the timeline varies by individual dog, age and prior training experience. Consistency matters far more than session length — daily, positive repetitions build the behavior faster than occasional long sessions.

Can older dogs learn "find it"? Absolutely. Dogs retain the ability to learn new cues throughout their lives, and nose-work style games can be especially enriching for senior dogs because they provide low-impact mental stimulation without demanding strenuous physical activity. If your older dog has any health concerns that might affect mobility or scent ability, check in with your veterinarian before starting.

What if my dog shows no interest in searching for the item? Try upgrading the reward. A higher-value treat — something with a stronger scent, like a small piece of cooked chicken or a soft training treat — can spark motivation in a disinterested dog. You can also return to Method 3 (luring) and place several treats directly on and around the target item to rebuild enthusiasm before gradually fading the extra rewards. Keep sessions short and upbeat; ending on a success, even a small one, keeps your dog eager to try again.

Are there treats I should avoid using during "find it" training? Yes. Always confirm that any treat or scented item used is non-toxic and pet-safe. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains a comprehensive list of foods and substances that are harmful to dogs — common culprits include grapes, raisins, xylitol (found in some peanut butters) and chocolate. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control Treats should also make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake to keep his diet balanced. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/

What household objects work best for hiding the item? Start with low, stable objects that partially conceal the item without fully burying it — an overturned plastic cup, a small cardboard box or a folded towel are great beginner hides. As your dog's confidence grows, graduate to chairs, couch cushions and laundry baskets. Avoid objects that could tip over, trap a paw or pose a chewing hazard, and never use containers that previously held anything toxic.

Can "find it" be used with objects other than treats? Yes, and that's where the game really expands. Once your dog understands the cue with treats, you can transfer the behavior to a favorite toy, a specific scented article or even a family member hiding in another room. The key is to introduce each new target item gradually, using the same shaping or luring steps from the beginning so your dog builds a clear association with the new scent before the searches become more challenging.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.