Meet Truffo & Vita: Find It, Don’t Eat It!

If you spend much time with Premier Truffles, you will soon be seeing two new faces in our blogs and newsletters: Truffo and Vita.

Truffo is the younger one—the chocolate-brown Lagotto with the white muzzle, heart-shaped patch on his chest, naturally uneven white boots, and white-tipped tail. He is curious, enthusiastic, and usually only one good idea away from getting into trouble.

Vita is the creamy-white Lagotto with soft apricot ears and a calm, knowing expression. She is focused, sensible, and usually the one reminding Truffo that there is a right way to do things.

Together, they will help us explore truffle hunting, puppy raising, life with a working dog, mushrooms, foraging, and whatever else Truffo manages to uncover along the way.

The Most Important Rule for a Truffle Dog

Truffo: “Knock, knock.”

Vita: “Who’s there?”

Truffo: “Truffle.”

Vita: “Truffle who?”

Truffo: “Truffle you’d better dig up quickly—because I might eat it.”

Vita: “Truffo, your job is to find the truffle. The human finishes the dig. Then you get your reward.”

Truffo: “I still think eating the truffle sounds like a reward.”

Vita: “This is why I supervise.”

Truffo may have his own interpretation, but Vita is right. A truffle dog’s job is not simply to locate a promising patch of forest. The dog must learn to communicate the exact location of the scent and remain engaged while the handler carefully uncovers the truffle.

That clear indication is precious. When a dog stops, focuses, paws at the ground, or otherwise gives the trained signal, the handler needs to pay attention. If we repeatedly call a dog away from a correct indication or abandon the dig without acknowledging the work, the dog can begin to wonder whether showing us the scent is worthwhile.

Early in training, we use a high-value reward and give it promptly when the dog succeeds. The reward tells the dog, Yes—that is exactly what I wanted you to show me. As experience grows, the hunt itself becomes exciting, but clear communication and genuine appreciation still matter.

Let the Dog Find It Then Help With the Dig

In the Pacific Northwest, many truffle dogs naturally want to dig. Those enthusiastic paws can be helpful, but the handler should take over before the truffle is damaged or eaten. Watch the dog’s nose, feet, tail, and intensity. Once the location is clear, gently finish the excavation by hand.

Afterward, fill the hole and leave the forest floor as you found it. Good truffle hunting is not only about finding something valuable. It is also about protecting the place that produced it.

Truffo: “So I find it, point to it, wait for you to dig it up, and then I get a treat?”

Vita: “Exactly.”

Truffo: “And perhaps I inspect the truffle for quality?”

Vita: “With your nose, Truffo. Only with your nose.”

We have a feeling Vita will be repeating that lesson.

You will be seeing more of Truffo and Vita as they share practical truffle-training tips, forest lessons, seasonal mushrooms, recipes, and a little mischief from life at Premier Truffles.

Until next time: reward the indication, finish the dig carefully, fill the hole—and keep an eye on Truffo.

Interested in truffle-dog training or learning more about Lagotto Romagnolo dogs? Contact Premier Truffles in Florence, Oregon through our website contact form.