Pre Advanced In Person Class

$89.00

Pre-Advanced Truffle Class

Instructor(s): Alana McGee (CPDT-KA), Aiko Vail, Erica Wells (CPDT-KA, CNWI), Victoria Gideon (KPA, CDPT-KA),

This class is taught as a 1-off class prior to entering fieldwork. In order to move into Advanced/ Fieldwork classes, you must have completed Pre Advanced AND reached the necessary level of requirements for fieldwork, or have instructor approval. If you are not sure if this is right for you, contact us. It may be necessary to take several Pre-Advanced classes or a private lesson in order to get ready for fieldwork. Generally, it takes 2-3 Pre-Advanced sessions, or a private lesson to be ready for field classes.

This class is designed to give you the opportunity to practice realistic scenarios in our “Mock” Truffle forest prior to heading out to the real thing, so you can make the most of your training time and experience during that class or lesson.

 

Pre-Requisites for Pre-Advanced Classes

In order to be eligible or ready to take this class your dog should be able to work for at least 10-15 minutes, and able to locate 3-5 buried hides (or truffles) 1-3 inches deep in loose soil in a natural environment (this does not mean your back yard- but could mean a park or forest setting). Most students who have completed Intermediate level Truffle classes with us will be ready for this class.

This class is also great for anyone looking for a tune-up prior to the season and heading out to the field!

You may sign up for, and take as many of these classes as needed in order to get ready for lessons and classes in the field (ie. in the truffle forest).

 

Details

After purchase, you will be sent a link to the signup form where you can sign up for the time slots. If you purchase multiple sessions, you are welcome to sign up for the corresponding number of slots in subsequent weeks on the signup sheet. If you end up not needing them, we will credit your account towards future lessons or fieldwork. Cut off for sign-ups is 24 HRS PRIOR to class. If you sign up after that 24 hr cut off we cannot honor your spot selection.

Classes will be held in 1 hr windows based on the number of students signing up on a particular date. We will do our best to accommodate requests.  There are a limited number of students per hour- up to 4.

*Based on sign-up numbers,  your individual class may be shorter than 1 hr and we’ll confirm date and time of class with you via email.

The sign-up sheet link below, please Purchase class and then select your time. 

*The dates listed are for the 2022-2023 Season

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BAAAC23AAF8CE9-preadvanced2

 

*additional times will be added, but please reach out and contact us if these don’t work for your schedule. Weekend time slots are limited.

There is not an online component for this class, but after your class, you will be added to our advanced Truffle forum and online materials.

Please allow 48 hrs for cancellation. 

 

Fine Print:

*all dogs must be current on vaccinations. 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.

***If you have not taken a class with us previously or are unsure if you are ready for this class, or can skip this class, please contact us directly or any of our instructors and we can chat with you if this is the correct option for you.

**** Please review our Cancelation Policy  & our Covid Policy prior to enrolling.

Information About Your Dog

 

Contact & Additional Information

 
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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 (no previous dog training expertise is needed) 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 orchards, this class will show you how to get started.

Level 2: (Intermediate) 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

Watch this video to see what tools are used in this course: Video: Truffle Hunting Aids

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