Your dog put in the effort to search so make it a happy exit every time. Happy exits include "gorilla hands" where you feed your dog repeatedly all the way back to home base, and play with your dog all along the way.
I'm working on body awareness and honoring Jackie's search. I let Jackie lead the search, but as soon as Jackie takes even the smallest step, I step off in her direction. Never back up or sidestep; rather, stay with Jackie's movement.
Keep the leash and leash hook off Jackie's back, somewhat taught as though it were a flexi-lead. Imagine the leash is attached to the front middle of your bra. Leash skills and body awareness are important.
If Jackie stops and looks at me in a search, wait her out. When she moves, then have a happy exit.
After Jackie finds a hide and I've paid her, the handler stays still. Cue "Find more!" and wait for Jackie to move and as soon as she does baby step toward Jackie's line of travel.
If Jackie stops, I stop. Pivot on a person-hole cover but never sidestep, step back, or lead the search. Video your runs and review what your dog is doing.
If Jackie gets frozen, it's ok to re-set her with nose touch or another quick game, then re-start the search. Keep Jackie's leash at least six feet distance between the dog and the handler. If the leash needs to be lengthened, walk baby steps with Jackie as she walks while paying out the leash to a longer length.
