Truffle Dog Blog

Welcome to episode 2 of What The Dog Nose! One of the first topics I discuss with new clients is context. Context informs a dog about what is happening next. In this episode I'll talk about: What is context Why is it important How you can apply what you learn Context is incredibly important to our dogs. When we understand the role context plays in our dogs' lives, we can choose to use those context cues to our advantage by informing our dogs about what is about to happen. The more information we can give our dogs, the more success we will enjoy in any activity with our dogs. Context gives our dogs the ability to make predictions about what is coming. Games & Observations It's time to apply what you learned about context! Consider two scenarios that seem relatively similar to you but elicit very different responses from your dog. In my example, I used car rides to different destinations. You can choose anything. First, identify the conditions that those two scenarios have in common. Next, identify the conditions that are different and consider what those combinations of conditions mean to your dog. Now you have some clues into

It’s one of my favorite things!  This annual tradition we have.  Each year, Mom and Dad take me Christmas tree hunting.  We pile into the car and head out to the u-cut Christmas tree farm to search.  We search for the perfect tree.  The one that calls to us!  I’m the only one who gets to go.  You see, I have a talent for finding special Christmas trees!  I find Christmas trees that also grow truffles! It’s true!  I’ve found truffles on our Christmas tree hunts for several years.  The first time I was uncertain if we were allowed to play this “truffle game” while perusing the farm.  That year was pivotal in my love for truffle hunting.  That year, I realized that Mom will, without a doubt, ALWAYS listen to me when I alert.  Every single time!   Here I am with some of the truffles I found. Let me take you back to that first time I found a truffle next to the Christmas tree… We were strolling along among some beautiful trees, everyone looking up at the shapes and sizes of each option.  I caught a whiff of something.  It was familiar.  I lagged back a bit

Hey everyone! Da Vinci here. I just had to share our latest truffle hunting adventure with you! The forest we went to yesterday looked like another planet! It’s snowing in our neck of the woods and that means truffle hunting gets interesting. Mom took me to one of our usual forests and, to our surprise, there was snow actually covering the forest floor. It’s been an interesting winter! The snow was melting quickly and Mom probably should have been wearing rain pants. My paws were getting cold when we weren’t moving. Her knees must have been freezing! I love snow and thought it was fun to see our usual hunting spot transformed to a bright and shiny forest. It’s usually dark in there. That day it was brilliant with light, illuminating parts of the forest we don’t usually see. We were having a great time until the trees threw their first snowball down at us. That first thud caught us by surprise. We realized that it was just melting snow but I crossed my paws that none of it fell on us. They were small clumps of snow and wouldn’t have hurt either of us but I prefer not to

Just the other day I was contemplating the best way to explain why I don't guide truffle hunting forays.  I struggled with this because my way is not the only way and what is most important to me, may not be a priority for another hunter.  So, how do I explain my decision without discrediting someone else's personal choice to guide forays.  You see, with truffle hunting, each team gets to make up the rules for their own process, their own relationship...their own language.  I spent a lot of time contemplating this because I believe in my reasons but I also respect everyone's right to choose what works for them. Then, as if answering my question for me, MacGyver SHOWED me exactly why I don't guide truffle hunting forays.  We went out to a known patch today just for a short hunt and to get some experience under our belts.  The last time we were here, this dog showed me the most incredible focus.  He hopped out of the car ready to search and persisted at hunting even when I was trying to make our way back to the car. Those of you who don't know me...I LOVE that!  We

December 11, 2015 MacGyver is an OFFICIAL Truffle Dog! Today was his 10th learning session and it was an awesome one! He found five truffles (not pictured because...he is a puppy)! This boy demands that I operate from a grounded state and with heart-centered action...in anything we do together. I am so proud of this pup and our developing partnership. Our path has been nontraditional and "outside the box", one of reciprocal learning based on organic conversation, respect, transparency, intuition, and mindful action in the present moment. Dogs are amazing teachers! The newest member of my truffle dog crew in action! This is MacGyver's first truffle hunt and it was awesomely fun to see how he put all the pieces of this game and our foundation training together. He offered to include the "face down" at the truffle and I LOVED it! MacGyver finds his first truffles after just 10 sessions with truffle odor! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7orRok4f5wg?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=640&h=360]