To hold your pendulum properly arch the wrist so that the thread is clasped between the forefinger and the thumb so that it can have a direct drop. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed by phones, kids, or road noises. Take a few deep cleansing breaths and visualize yourself connected to the earth through your feet which are placed firmly on the ground beneath you, this is called grounding and centering yourself. The body acts as a magnet, it has a positive and negative side. Avoid neutralization, do not cross your hands or feet from one side to another while dowsing.
Techniques often do vary from person to person, there is no absolute 'right' way.
You customize it to your liking. If you receive a no to any of these questions it is best to stop and try again later. Your frame of mind and emotional state is important to your ability to dowse effectively. To avoid the possibility of auto suggestion you may want to close your eyes when starting an experiment. Try testing foods.