I watch a lot of nosework teams do their thing. One of the most common concerns I hear is that the dog doesn't seem focused or sure of what they're doing.
This makes sense to me, given that the most consistent pattern I see fits the following picture:
The handler and dog approach the search line. The handler is exhibiting stress signs. (Often alongside more positive signals, but the overall picture is still one of strain.)
They move off, find a few hides.
Each is marked and celebrated with a stream of kibble and a few short words that might be soothing in tone, or high and bright in the way one does when they're trying to get an animal's attention.
As the handler starts trying to figure out if they're done, stress rises. There's often a long moment of standing still, eyes flicking to the periphery, short breaths, physical tension evident from a distance in how they carry their hands (higher, close to the body).
They tip over decision's edge and call it. Oh, what relief. Their shoulders flow downward, hands drop, big breath, softer, more open body...
..and then the party begins. People bring out their high excited musical voices free of tension, the best toys. They dance their feet, and their dog joins them, jubilant. They toss a rain of kibble to the grass.
What has this communicated?
That the most important thing happens after the search.
If you want your dog to consider finding the hide and telling you about it the most important thing, you have to treat it as the most important thing. Tell that dog that they've done the right thing and throw an extravagant party. Do it at every hide, and save the 'what a good job!' in pleasant but moderate tones for walking away after.