With short hair dogs, like mine, you can usually spot a tick with the naked eye. Run your hand along your dog's entire body searching for unusual bumps. Deer ticks are extremely small, so take your time and feel carefully. Longhaired dogs may benefit from putting a comb through their coat to find ticks that are hidden and have not yet burrowed. Be sure to check areas like the inside and outside of the ear and their armpits for hidden suckers.
Ticks typically drop onto animals and they are extremely easy to pick up in the woods.
Do a quick once over before your dog comes back instead. Be aware that ticks may already be in the house if you have an animal. Take extra care to clean areas that your dog frequents. A great overlooked hiding place your ticks is your car. If you find a tick on your dog during a search, don't panic.