Description
Level 1: Introduction to Truffle Hunting
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 and can provide a new challenge for nosework 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 your orchard, this class will show you how to get started.
This class is the first of a three part series of courses offered as a DIY option. Students with scent work experience who can meet the success criteria outlined in Introduction to Truffle Hunting may be able to jump ahead to our Intermediate level Course: Developing A Reliable Truffle Dog Team.
Truffle Dog Training Series (DIY):
Level 1: Introduction to Truffle Hunting
Level 2: Developing A Reliable Truffle Dog Team (Intermediate Level)
Level 3: Let’s Go Truffle Hunting: Practical Application and Sustainability (Advanced Level)
Registration
When you register for a class, you will receive an email confirmation of your account with Truffle Dog Company. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam folder and add our email: info@truffledogcompany.com to your safe sender list to ensure you receive important electronic communications regarding this course.
Following registration you will immediately have access to your first lesson. Course content is available by clicking on Introduction to Truffle Hunting under the My Classes menu.
Course Structure
The program commences with an introduction to basic groundwork for truffle scent training including games and exercises to strengthen your bond with your canine and boost confidence. It proceeds with a step-by-step guide to include how to create reliable alerts and strengthen searching behaviors.
Objective: By the end of the course most student’s dogs will be able to:
- Identify the source scent of a truffle.
- Locate a hidden truffle indoors with limited distractions.
- Begin developing consistent alert behaviors.
Some dogs progress much faster than others and may be able to perform more complex behaviors by the end of this course.
Success Criteria:
- When presented with more than one identical targets, the dog will correctly identify the one containing truffle scent with at least 80% accuracy.
- When given a verbal cue, the dog will correctly locate a single hidden target indoors 4 out of 5 times without showing signs of frustration or stress.
- When locating a truffle scent, the dog demonstrates an initial identifiable alert with 90% consistency.
Lesson Plan:
Week 1: Designing Sessions for Optimum Learning, Scent Imprinting/ Identifying the Correct Scent, Basic Indoor Box Hides
Week 2: Shaping an Alert, How Scent Moves
Week 3: Teaching Reliable Alerts, Intermediate Indoor Box Hides
Week 4: Advanced indoor box hides
Week 5: Advanced Indoor Hides (without boxes)
Week 6: Multiple Hot Targets, Scent Discrimination
Each lesson will include written instructions and video demonstrations for exercises.
You are always welcome to join us in our Facebook Forum Online.
It includes other students, clients, truffle growers from around the world, and our instructors & hunters at Truffle Dog Co, and it’s a great place to learn and ask for information.
