#112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch

Looking for an easy way to enrich your dog’s life and support your behavior goals? “Find It” might be your new favorite go-to. In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Emily Strong (she/they) walks you through exactly how to teach “Find It” from scratch—even if your dog has never done scent work before.

You’ll get a step-by-step guide that starts with clear floors and easy wins, then builds up to more complex searches. But this episode isn’t just about tossing treats—it’s about being strategic and observant. Emily helps you learn how to tell when your dog is engaged, tired, distracted, or discouraged so you can adjust accordingly.

Whether your goal is to help your dog focus, relax, or stop scanning the horizon for spooky stuff, “Find It” might just be the multi-tool your toolbox is missing.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 3 Key Takeaways

• “Find It” is a behavior toolbox MVP – Use it to support a range of goals, from helping your dog relax while you work to keeping them grounded when the world gets a little uncertain.
• Set your dog up for success from the start – Begin the game on a hard, clear surface so your dog can use all their senses to build confidence and momentum.
• Use “Find It” strategically across contexts – Before creating a whole new training plan, ask yourself: could “Find It” help here?

Links & Resources from the Episode

• 🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial l OpenDyslexic.
• 🎧 #111 - Scent Work for Dogs: Enrichment That Supports the Whole Household
• 📽️ Turn the volume up to hear what a dog sounds like when they have their snuffles on.

Going Down a Rabbit Hole?

• Watch Find It in Action – Ellen adds physical complexity to the game with her senior pups.
• Come on a CounterSurfing Safari with Me - MaryKaye’s blog on using scent work to tackle countersurfing.

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