“Through my research on breeds, I found the Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog of similar size and temperament as a Puli, but without the excessive hair,” says Brosnan. “My Lagotto research led to my discovery of truffles in the Pacific Northwest, and everything fell into place.” Nowadays, Brosnan and her dogs not only search for truffles but also teach others the technique. On a good day, in a good spot, they’ll find about a pound in an hour, estimates Brosnan. A truffle hunt
Gnocchi and Brosnan goofing off in the woods between hunts. Photo courtesy of Laura Brosnan.
“When she finds a truffle, she’ll indicate exactly where it is by gently pawing the ground. If I miss it, I’ll ask her to show me, and she’ll paw the ground again with impatience.” Truffle dogs are usually rewarded for each find with treats. But Brosnan notes that sometimes they’re so eager to keep hunting that they move right on to the next spot without waiting. Brosnan starts her truffle dogs practically from birth. She makes immediate connections for the puppies with the scent of truffles early on. “I am fortunate to be breeding my own truffle dogs,” she says. “Starting at three days of age, I create positive associations with the scent for my puppies by rubbing truffle oil on mom’s belly.” As the puppies get older and start moving around, Brosnan incorporates truffles into other enrichment activities. She starts by putting truffles into a container for the puppies to chase. At five weeks old, her puppies begin searching for the truffle container, which Brosnan buries slightly near trees, mimicking how truffles grow.
usually involves a few hours of searching out in the field with playtime breaks for the dogs. Brosnan describes a typical truffle search as “rainy and muddy, and the most fun you’ll ever have in the woods.” Once she pulls her boots out, Brosnan’s dogs are ready to go. They usually drive about 20- 30 miles to get to their truffle spots, and only hunt on private land with the permission of the landowners. Many of the truffles that Brosnan’s dogs find get used for teaching other dogs to find truffles. Some truffles get used in her own cooking, while others go to local chefs. Born To Search Brosnan’s dogs love the search for truffles. She proudly explains that Gnocchi knows just what to do once the pair gets into the woods. “She puts her nose down and sniffs so loud, you can hear her a few yards away,” says Brosnan.
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