Lagotto Country Litter Truffle Hunting Foundations I (ZOOM)

$249.00

Lagotto Country Litter, Foundations 1, Introduction to Truffle Hunting ZOOM Class Tuesdays 5:30 PM

Instructor: Victoria Gideon, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, TAGteach, Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer, Behavior Works LLA Designation, Family Dog, Dogs and Storks, Dogs and Toddlers licensed. 

No travel, No Covid, No weather issues, and just for your litter of pups!

We’re designing this class specifically for your litter of pups and it will start you on the way in the sport of truffle hunting! We will be following the format of our in-person classes and with practice and online guidance, you will be well on your way to harvesting truffles and ready for our advanced lessons & workshops in person down in California in September and December!

What you Get:

On Sat June 12th or Sunday, June 13th at Rossi Ranch we’ll do a basic orientation of supplies, gear, and how to get started pairing truffle odor and the basic games associated with getting your dog started to get them ready for truffle class and starting to truffle hunt! Low-key, fun- relaxed, you don’t need to have anything special with you this day. We’ll have lots of time to ask questions and have fun with the dogs.

We’ll have the supplies with us for you for your class that starts later in the month, including the truffle scent (and fresh truffles hopefully!) as well as training tins as part of our starter truffle kit.

On Wed. June 23rd at 7pm we’ll have the online orientation for your class, to go over a few more details of how the online classes work (they are pretty fun!) and troubleshoot any video issues, etc.  We will record this session for you as well in case you can’t make it.

Then, your class starts the following week, Tuesday, June 29th at 5:30 pm, on Zoom.

While you are in the comfort of your home, we will help you work with your pup, help you set up practice sessions, watch you, and give you feedback. You will also get access to your instructors Victoria Gideon, KPA-CPT, CPDT-KA, and Alana McGee, CPDT-KA, to help with any questions you have.

We will hold a once-a-week Zoom question call- what we call our Fireside Chats– between your classes so if you get stuck, we are here to help! We’ll discuss with you all, in person on June 12th or 13th, when we see you, what the best day might be for this during the week. Something like Friday morning or Sunday evening/ Happy hour time might be good options.

What you will learn:

In Foundations 1 we will begin by covering the theory, seasons, gear, and how to set you and your dog up for success as well as basic truffle searches and pairing odor.  By the end of the first class, you will be well on your way to helping your dog learn how to find the truffle scent as something wonderful! We will begin working on detection, distraction, and dog-gone fun!

We will provide a ZOOM link for your class after sign up as we get close to the actual class date at the end of June.

Dates & Times

THIS CLASS MEETS at 5:30 PM Pacific Time on Tuesdays, starting at the end of June. The goal is that after Foundations 1 you’d be ready to move onto Truffle Foundations 2 and after that Intermediate Truffle Hunting– and then we meet again in person in the fall & winter down in California for some more hands-on practice in the field finding truffles in real truffle settings.

We will hold once-a-week Zoom questions call between your classes each week as well, so if you get stuck, we are here to help!

Online class sessions:

Orientation: Wed, June 23rd, 7:00 pm

 

Tues, June 29th, 5:30 pm

 (Fireside Chat) TBD (no Fireside on July 4th for sure!)

Tues, July 6th 5:30 pm

(Fireside Chat) TBD

Tues, July 13th, 5:30 pm

(Fireside Chat) TBD

Please allow 60- 75 min for each ZOOM class. Fireside chats can sometimes run long, as we are happy to stay on the line and answer questions- so please let us know before the session if you have a conflict.

 

Equipment

We will cover gear and materials, such as your training kits you’ll receive during class.

No Prong, slip, choke chains or E-collars allowed during classes. There will be a list of other basic supplies you’ll want to get for use in class. They are simple and easy to source, we will send out a list prior to class so you’ll have time to prepare.

 

Additional Items

Online course materials and forums will reinforce the skills you learn in face-to-face classes in addition to teaching you about the science of truffles and scent detection, truffle habitat, truffle care and more.

We are excited for you to join us!

Fine Print:

* If you have any questions on if this class is right for you, please contact us directly, we are happy to chat.

**If you have two working dogs in your household you’d like to work, please purchase two spots.

**** Please review our COVID & Weather Policy and Cancelation Policy prior to enrolling. By enrolling, you agree to these terms.

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Description

Level 1: Introduction to Truffle Hunting (Foundations I & II)

Nosework is one of the hottest sports around and truffle hunting is a fun way to go a step further by applying those skills in the real world. This course is open to students and dogs of all levels (no previous dog training expertise is needed) and can provide a new challenge for nose work and tracking students – with edible dividends! Culinary varieties of truffles can be found all over the world, and it is possible they exist near you. Learn more about truffles by visiting our About Truffles page.

This class will introduce you and your dog to the exciting activity of truffle hunting. Truffle hunting can boost confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and provide controlled exercise and mental stimulation for your canine. Truffle dog training is also a great way to build focus and to improve your human-canine relationship. It is especially fun and rewarding for dogs and handlers recovering from injury or with limited mobility as well as shy and sensitive dogs to build confidence. Whether you are just looking for a new game to play with your dog or your goal is to locate native truffles in the wild or on orchards, this class will show you how to get started.

Level 2: Developing a Reliable Truffle Dog Team

Welcome back to the fun and exciting sport of Truffle Hunting!

Do you like truffles? These edible fungi are considered a delicacy in the culinary world. They can be found all over the world… maybe even near you! Take advantage of your dog’s amazing scent abilities and learn about recreational truffle hunting! This is a fun way to boost confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and provide controlled exercise and mental stimulation for your canine. Whether you are just looking for a new game to play with your dog or your goal is to locate native truffles in the wild or on orchards, this class will guide you in a fun adventure with your dog.

This class will focus on taking the knowledge and skills learned in Introduction to Truffle Hunting and turn that information into practical application in the field! You will introduce your dog to new elements and environments and learn skills that will aid in finding real truffles in the wild. This course is designed to move beyond foundation work and present real challenges that you will encounter when truffle hunting in the wild.

Level 3: Let’s Go Truffle Hunting: Practical Application and Sustainability

Get ready for a real truffle hunt! It’s no coincidence that we scheduled this course for fall because fall is the beginning of truffle season here in the Pacific Northwest and also in Europe. It’s time to get out there in the field!

This class will transition your truffle hunting skills into the forest to reliably scout out these culinary delights! You will learn to work in tandem with your dog to negotiate a variety of environmental factors when locating these underground treasures. We will guide you step-by-step to successfully transition you and your dog, as a team, to finding real truffles in the wild or on orchards. We will do this by introducing you and your dog to large and complex open area searches. We will then progress to buried hides in a forest or orchard, proofing for distraction, searching negative space, and solidifying alerts for precision in the field. The class also includes games and exercises to strengthen your bond with your canine and boost confidence.

Equipment needed:

Listed below are the tools and suggested equipment you will need (eventually!) to acquire to be able to take full advantage of the lessons taught during our courses. Some of these materials may be purchased directly from us. To view a full list of Training Aids currently available through Truffle Dog Company, visit our STORE.

  • Truffle scent solution
  • Real truffles (frozen or fresh)
  • Scent containers (scent buttons or scent tubes)
  • Scent boxes or hides
  • Cotton q-tips or cotton balls
  • High-value treats
  • Your dog’s favorite toy
  • Non-retractable leash
  • A Harness
  • Digging implements such as a garden trowel, spoon, or vanghetto

 

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