Searching With Purpose: Part 3 — The Decision Tree

This is the final piece in a three-part series on searching with purpose. In Part 1, I covered how to build a search plan rooted in productive zones. In Part 2, you built a checklist to help you decide when you’re done. But what about the stuff that happens in between: when your dog gets distracted, the plan falls apart, or you freeze mid-search? That’s where decision trees come in.

You created your plan. You have your checklist. But none of that stops the split-second freeze when things go sideways in the search area. One odd look from your dog, a corner skipped, a sudden distraction, and suddenly your brain locks up. You hesitate, second-guess, or stall out altogether. That isn’t a lack of preparation. It’s decision paralysis. And the way through it isn’t trying harder in the moment, it’s giving yourself a simple, reliable framework ahead of time: a decision tree.

Why You Freeze in the Moment

It’s not a lack of knowledge. You know your dog. You’ve trained for this. But when something unexpected happens—your dog gets startled, checks in with you, skips a corner, or just… stops—the pressure ramps up. You hesitate. You overthink. You get stuck.

That’s decision paralysis. And it happens to everyone.

The solution isn’t to avoid decisions. It’s to prepare for them.

That’s what a decision tree is: a simple, repeatable way to think through what’s happening and what you need to do next.

What Is a Decision Tree?

Think of it like a flowchart in your head. You’re walking through a series of yes/no questions that help you make clear decisions without spiraling.

Here’s an example:

Did my dog search this space?
→ Yes → Next step
→ No → Go back and search it

Or:

Was my dog hunting or just hanging out with me?
→ Hunting → Proceed
→ Hanging out → Time to re-engage

These sound basic—and they are. That’s the point. The simpler your decision tree, the more likely you’ll actually use it in a moment of stress.

Common In-the-Moment Trees

1. The Productive Space Tree

Did we get to all the productive spaces?
→ Yes → Can I call Finish?
→ No → Go back and work the ones we missed

2. The Engagement Tree

Is my dog hunting or sourcing?
→ Sourcing → Support them
→ Hunting → Keep them moving
→ Not engaged → Redirect and reset

3. The Distraction Tree

Did my dog startle or check out?
→ Yes → Wait 15 seconds
→ Did they re-engage on their own?
→ Yes → Keep going
→ No → Step in and redirect

You don’t need every variation, but knowing your team, you can pre-build the ones that matter.

Make Some Decisions Ahead of Time

One of the most useful things you can do is decide certain things before the search starts.

• If my dog is sourcing but I find nothing, how long do I stay?
  

• Do I allow myself to move on after a set time, or do I revisit?
  

• If we’re working for time, do I stay until I’m sure, or do I leave and possibly come back?
  

There’s no universal answer. Some teams do better leaving a space and returning if needed. Others prefer to stay and finish it out. Either way is valid—as long as you decide in advance.

That pre-decision gives you freedom in the moment. You’re not scrambling. You’re executing.

Why This Matters

The truth is, even with a perfect plan and a great checklist, things will go sideways.

• The wind changes.

• The heater kicks on.

• A dog barks behind the search area.

• Your dog looks at you like they’ve never searched a day in their life.

That’s normal. What matters is what you do next.

Don’t Wait Until the Trial

You can practice decision trees in training. In fact, that’s the best place to learn. Here’s how:

• Set up a challenging search.

• Before you start, write down three decisions you might need to make.

• Then see if they come up—and if your response matches your plan.

• Watch the video. Where did you freeze? Where could a decision tree have helped?

This is how you train yourself, not just your dog.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection—It’s Clarity

A search with purpose isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being clear.

You make a plan rooted in odor. You follow a checklist so you know when you’re done. And you use decision trees to stay in motion when the unexpected happens.

That’s how you build consistency. That’s how you learn to trust your dog and yourself.

This concludes my three-part series, “Searching With Purpose.” If you missed them, be sure to read Part 1: Start with a Plan and Part 2: The Checklist. If you would like more personalized coaching or prefer to arrange an in-person seminar at your location to help you implement these concepts, please don’t hesitate to contact me.