Truffles are a fickle fungus, but skilled seekers in Eugene, OR, can come back from a hunt with up to a pound of truffles on a single foray. Sign up for the two-day Truffle Dog Training Seminar at the annual Oregon Truffle Festival, where you and Fido can learn about the different types of truffles, where to find them, and the fundamentals of scent training. The event culminates in a guided hunt where many “pawticipants” successfully find their very own truffles. No prior experience is required, and any dog is welcome.

The Inn at the 5th provides excellent accommodations for canines and humans alike in Eugene. Four-legged guests receive a customized amenity package with a welcome card, treats and pet bedding at check-in.

Turn “find it” into Fido’s favorite homework assignment with Truffle Dog Co. The Seattle-based company offers virtual classes, small group and private lessons, or a private Guided Truffle Hunting Experience. These unique lessons will teach you and Fido everything you need to know to become a successful truffle-hunting team, from the fundamentals of scent training to how to apply these newly acquired sniffing skills to forage for truffles on your own. Truffle Dog Co. classes are offered in person or via Zoom and start at $249.

If you sign your pup up for classes in Seattle, book a dog-friendly room at Hotel Sorrento and enjoy no pet fee and pet bowls to use during your stay.

There’s another kind of treasure waiting in California’s Gold Country. At Tesoro Mio Truffle Ranch, Truffle Huntress offers reward-based lessons that help you and your pup work together. Training starts with truffle scent and progresses toward orchard searching as your dog’s skills develop. Private lessons are available by request, so contact the ranch to discuss your team’s experience and arrange a visit.

After the hunt, relax with your hound in a comfortable room at Best Western Plus Placerville Inn.

Give your next Italian getaway a little extra sniff appeal with Truffle in Tuscany in San Miniato. Join an experienced hunter and a working truffle dog for a woodland outing and hunt. Fido can tag along on the pet-friendly experience while the local canine expert shows how it’s done. Private tours offer time to ask questions and soak up the stories behind this Tuscan tradition. Arrange your pup’s attendance when booking and check which experience best suits your pack, especially if you want to add a meal.

Your pup will feel like royalty when you check in at Palazzo Essenza, where your pet-friendly room includes food and water bowls.

Give Fido’s favorite pastime a gourmet upgrade with Wagnificent K9 Truffle Dogs in Arlington, north of Seattle. Private lessons are tailored to your pup’s experience, whether he’s just discovering truffle scent or getting ready to work outdoors. When your canine detective is ready, you’ll take the adventure to producing truffle locations in the Pacific Northwest. Most teams are ready for this next step after six to eight private lessons.

After class, rest weary paws at Best Western Plus Arlington Marysville, where canine guests can enjoy treats at the front desk and a designated pet relief area.

If you are intrigued by food foraging and scent-tracking, you might be pleased to know truffles aren’t the only delicacy you can train Fido to seek out. Other fungi like morels, chanterelles, lion’s mane, and matsutake can be found across the U.S. Tracking can be a fun and rewarding experience for your pup and is an excellent way to exercise a dog's brain and body. Before taking to the woods, your dog needs to learn basic scent-training tasks. If you plan to let him hunt in an area off leash, be sure he also knows the reliable . Finally, be prepared with lots of treats to reward your seeker for a job well done.

Many state parks and national forests have provisions that permit picking certain types of edible mushrooms for personal consumption. Harvesting vegetation and fungi in National Parks is highly regulated, so always check before embarking on your food-finding adventures.

Pack water, waste bags and plenty of treats for a job well sniffed. Keep Fido from eating unknown fungi, and have anything you plan to eat identified by a qualified expert. A nose-work adventure is a win for your pack even if the only thing you bring home is a muddy dog.