Truffle Hunting in the North Island
Welcome to Truffle Dogs Truffle Hunting service. We are based near Thames and travel to North Island truffieres in the winter.
We train our dogs to seek truffles, using techniques that produce reliable, controlled dogs that know exactly what to look for. We check all trees and take time to ensure the trees and surrounds are searched for truffles. We search on and off lead to ensure all available truffles are found and the dogs are focused and intent on their work. The dogs use a combination of air and ground scenting to locate truffles. When a truffle is located, the dogs indicate the find and we decide whether to harvest the truffle or leave it to further mature. We have very close bonds with our dogs and we notice small changes in their behaviours which would not be noticed by an observer.
In the truffle season, we recommend searching the truffiere at regular intervals. Once the dog indicates, we mark the spot and move on to search the whole area. The decision to harvest is made on colour and odour and we don't want to disturb the truffle until the optimal ripeness is reached. If truffles are not mature when indicated, then a follow up search can be scheduled. Truffle odour radiates from the source and more truffles are likely to be found when the dogs work methodically through the truffiere. We work through all trees to give the dogs the best chance of scenting and finding truffle. Methodical searching means that the dogs get the best opportunity to succeed in the task they have been trained to do.
Perigord (Peri) is a feisty little Jack Russell, who has been hunting for many seasons. She’s the Tina Turner of truffle hunting — simply the best. Peri is extremely accurate when it comes to locating truffles. She’s always right. Her record is 39 truffles under one tree.
Dusty is our new dog and is proving to be a good truffle locator. He’ll get better as he gets more hunts and truffle finds.
To book a hunt or ask a question, get in touch with Prue Church.
