A search cannot be conducted without consent or probable cause, or in some cases a search of the immediate area to look for weapons that could be used against an officer. Refusal to give consent does not create probable cause. That does not mean an officer can't call in and request a dog to sniff your vehicle. A sniffing drug dog is not considered a search. Once the dog alerts, probable cause is then established. It is perfectly acceptable to not consent to a search, but you run the risk of having the officer call a dog team and have you sitting on the side of the road for some time.
The same goes for your house, if an officer wants to search he needs probable cause or your consent unless he is in the process of apprehending you and you run into the house. There is also an expection to the search of the home rule when officers are aware a dangerous crime is being committed that puts someone life in danger.
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