Turn Every Walk With Your Dog Into a Truffle-Hunting Adventure.
Learn to find naturally growing truffles with your own dog. You begin with scent theory and a real fresh truffle, then continue in the forest on genuine wild searches alongside Mariya and her experienced truffle dog, Arya.
From first scent to your first wild truffle.
Truffle hunting is a teamwork. Your dog learns to recognise, locate and indicate the scent. You learn where to search, how to read your dog and how to protect the forest while harvesting.
Start With the Scent
The first lesson is a practical theory introduction. You learn about truffles, where they grow, what signs to look for and how to introduce your dog to a real fresh truffle. You leave with clear homework.
Follow Arya Into the Forest
From the next lessons onward, training takes place where truffles naturally grow. Mariya's experienced truffle dog Arya helps guide the search while your dog begins working in the real environment.
Become an Independent Team
You learn to choose promising locations, support without distracting, recognise a genuine indication and harvest carefully. Most teams need around four to five sessions; some make a real find by session two.
We do not simulate the adventure. We go truffle hunting.
Every field lesson is a real-time search in a place known to hold naturally growing truffles. There are no planted or frozen truffles waiting for your dog.
Your dog does not need a special breed or previous scent-work experience.
Motivation and cooperation matter more than pedigree. Working breeds may learn faster because they often enjoy having a job, but almost any dog can learn the process.
- Puppies, adult dogs and seniors - there is no fixed age limit
- Small and large breeds, from Chihuahuas and Dachshunds to German Shepherds
- Rescue dogs and dogs with no previous scent-work experience
- Energetic or easily distracted dogs that benefit from purposeful work
- Nervous or reactive dogs - sessions are private and adapted to the individual
- Dogs with basic everyday commands; perfect obedience is not required
More than a walk. More meaningful than simply tiring your dog out.
Scent work gives a dog a complex problem with a clear result. They search, make decisions, communicate with you, dig and finally accomplish something tangible.
Your dog has the nose. You learn how to make the search possible.
Wild truffle hunting is not only about teaching a search cue. You also need to understand habitat, trees, soil, season, weather, your dog's body language and responsible harvesting.
- Recognise promising trees, terrain and search areas
- Introduce and reinforce the scent without creating confusion
- Read when your dog has picked up scent and is narrowing the location
- Support the search without taking over or distracting your dog
- Harvest carefully - we never dig too deep, because protecting roots and soil comes first
- Practise safely between lessons using the fresh truffles provided
From mushroom hunter to truffle-hunting teacher.
Mariya had always loved mushroom hunting. After moving to Switzerland, she did not yet know the local mushroom places - but then discovered that wild truffles grow here and that searching for them offers extraordinary enrichment for dogs. She began training Arya when Arya was five months old.
The first time Arya found a real wild truffle in a completely new place, Mariya could hardly believe her eyes. That moment still shapes the training today: the goal is for both dog and human to reach the point where they realise, “We can do this ourselves.”
Book one session to try it or continue until you can hunt independently.
Every session includes
- Approximately 60 minutes of private instruction (usually longer)
- Fresh real truffles for scent work
- Clear exercises to practise between lessons
- Fresh truffles to take home after the session also to eat when the quality allows
- Training adapted to your dog's age, motivation and experience
- A real wild search from the field-training stage onward
Common questions about truffle hunting with dogs in Switzerland.
How many lessons will my dog usually need?
Most dog-and-owner teams need around four to five sessions to build a reliable foundation. Progress varies with motivation, practice and teamwork. The fastest team found a real wild truffle after two sessions.
Can I book just one lesson to try truffle hunting?
Yes. You can book one private session without committing to a package. The first session gives you the theory, a real scent introduction and exercises to practise at home.
Do you plant truffles for the dogs to find?
No. Field lessons take place in locations where truffles grow naturally. Mariya does not plant truffles and does not use frozen truffles for the search.
When is truffle season in Switzerland?
Different truffles can be found through much of the year, but the strongest main season is generally from July to November, depending on weather and local conditions.
How deep underground do truffles grow?
Some are almost visible at the surface; others can be around 20 cm deep. Mariya prioritises the tree and soil and will not dig too deep or damage roots in pursuit of a truffle.
Does my dog need previous scent-work experience?
No. Complete beginners are welcome. Your dog needs basic everyday commands, but perfect obedience and perfect recall are not required.
Can a reactive, nervous or highly energetic dog participate?
Yes. Lessons are private and can be adapted to the dog. Purposeful nose work can be particularly valuable for dogs that benefit from focus, confidence-building and a calmer form of mental work.
What should I bring?
Bring a long leash, a well-fitting harness, water and high-value treats. Mariya provides the fresh truffles needed for training.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Light rain is normally not a problem. In severe weather, the session is rescheduled for a safer and more suitable time.
Can the theory lesson include more than one person?
The practical training is individual. The theory introduction can include multiple participants when agreed in advance.
Choose your next step with i-Dog School.
Book Truffle Hunting
Reserve a private session and begin working with a real fresh truffle.
View the truffle hunting course →Private Dog Training
Get individual support for behaviour, confidence or everyday training.
Explore private training →Ask Mariya
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