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If you go down to the woods…

07th November 2025

One of the most fascinating heritage practices that a dog can enjoy alongside its owner is the ancient art of truffle hunting. This is where specially trained dogs use their strong sense of smell to find truffles, a highly prized fungus found underground. We are delighted that truffle hunting expert, Stephanie Roulet will open up this exciting pastime to dog owners at Goodwoof in May.

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Stephanie explains how she got started, “I’ve spent the last decade immersed in the fascinating world of canine scent detection and, for the past four years, I’ve had the particular pleasure of specialsiing in truffle hunting dogs. I’ve been involved with various aspects of scent work along the way, from designing trials and teaching dogs to detect anything from tobacco to human remains. I’m also rather proud to have trained the UK’s only qualified gluten detection canine, but it’s truffle hunting that has truly captured my heart.

“Working exclusively with British truffles, I’ve discovered that this ancient practice combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the deep satisfaction of watching a dog do what they were born to do, using their extraordinary noses. There’s something wonderfully democratic about it too, any breed can excel at truffle detection. It’s all about instinct, curiosity and that magical partnership between human and canine.”

Truffle hunting, Stephanie says, celebrates the dog’s natural instinct. “When a dog searches for truffles, they’re problem-solving, using their brains in the way evolution intended and experiencing the profound satisfaction of a job well done. It’s mentally enriching without being stressful, physically engaging without being exhausting and it builds confidence beautifully. I’ve watched hesitant dogs blossom into focused, purposeful hunters within a single session. Every dog works at its own pace and there’s no competition and no pressure to perform.”

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And what benefits are there for humans? Stephanie explains, “For us humans, truffle hunting offers something increasingly rare – complete presence. When you’re in the woods watching your dog work, the rest of the world simply falls away. It’s just you and your dog and the quiet magic of the forest. Beyond that, it gets you outdoors, moving gently, breathing fresh air, and experiencing the seasons in a meaningful way. At the end of the day, even if you haven’t found a single thing, it doesn’t matter because a day spent in the woods with your dog is never a day wasted! The mental health benefits are profound too and work on multiple levels. For dogs, scent work provides what I call ‘good tired’ – that deep, satisfied exhaustion that comes from proper mental stimulation rather than just physical exercise. It reduces anxiety in dogs and channels energy positively. Dogs really thrive when they have a job to do. For humans, truffle hunting offers mindfulness without meditation and, perhaps more importantly, it really strengthens the bond with your dog in a way that’s collaborative, not instructive. You’re partnering with your dog, not commanding them and you’re watching them succeed and sharing their joy.

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How hard is it to train a dog to seek out truffles? “Here’s the marvellous thing, truffle hunting is remarkably accessible. Dogs’ noses are already perfectly equipped for the job; we’re simply showing them what to look for. At the Have-a-Go sessions at Goodwoof, we start with a straightforward pairing exercise where dogs get to sniff a truffle and then, when it’s their turn in the woodland ring, they’re searching for multiple real truffles hidden in the ground. Complete beginners are absolutely welcome. The truffle’s aroma is so distinctive and compelling to a dog’s nose that many take to it straight away. Whether your dog is a couch potato, or a working breed, whether they’re two years old, or twelve, they can surprise you!

Stephanie, along with co-founder Jules, are bringing their full truffle hunting experience to Goodwoof on 16 and 17 May. Their Team Truffle Hunter opportunity offers eventgoers the chance to get up close with real British truffles, handling them and inhaling their extraordinary earthy aroma. Next the dogs meet the scent too, perhaps for the first time and then human and hound enter the woodland ring where real truffles are hidden beneath the surface waiting to be discovered.

Stephanie adds, “What we’re really offering is a window into a different way of spending time with your dog, one that’s been practised for centuries, but which feels wonderfully fresh and exciting. We hope that after having a small taste of what truffle hunting is while they’re at Goodwoof, that dog-owners will want to continue to experience a whole world of adventure in the British woodlands.”

 

 

Don't miss your opportunity to have a go at truffle hunting at Goodwoof in 2026. Early bird tickets are now on sale.

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