The Great British Truffle Festival

Truffle Hound Training

This bit is all about having fun. This experience is for newbies who want to see if they have what it takes to find a truffle in our Have-a-Go arena.

Experience our personalised, one-on-one 'have-a-go' Truffle Hound Training sessions. Led by our seasoned experts, these hands-on sessions are designed to introduce you and your dog to the exciting world of scent training and truffle hunting. If you're new to to scent training with your dog, our quick trainings offer a fun and educational experience for both of you. Your dog will learn the basics of scent detection in a kind and supportive environment, helping you both to begin to develop the confidence and precision needed to become a true truffle hunting partnership.

Our Have-A-Go Head Trainer

Helen Byrne is a Certified Gold Trick Dog Instructor and Trainer of the Year with Kyra Sundance’s Do More With Your Dog since 2020. In 2022, she completed The College of Scent Dogs, City & Guilds Assured Programme, gaining her CSD Scent Detection Dog Handler & Scent Detection Instructor credentials. Helen is a proud CSD Ambassador and an accredited Trials Manager & Judge for SWUK, a judge for Scent Ops, and a Nosework Games Organiser. Helen and her teammate Nellie have achieved great success in many sports scentwork organizations, competing at the highest levels and winning numerous championships. They are currently competing at Level 9, the highest working level in Scentwork UK. Helen and Nellie are one of only two teams nationwide to achieve Excellence in SWUK levels 1-8. Helen has long been passionate about training, earning her Certificate in Training Practice in 2004 and managing teams of trainers within prestigious national newspapers and well-known magazines. Combining her training skills, knowledge, and passion for scentwork and tricks, Helen founded K9 Scent and Tricks School in 2022. She and Nellie have since been captivated by truffle hunting and continue to learn about all things truffle-related. Helen is delighted to be part of the judging team for the second year, wishing all competitors fun and luck on the day.

What is the Have a Go Arena All About?

The Have-A-Go arena operates from 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. The area is lush and grassy but safely enclosed - for the more excitable pooch.

This arena is open to everyone who wants to test their dog's truffle-finding abilities. The experience is light-hearted and fun, with no strict rules. Here’s how it works:

Participation

You and your dog will have up to 10 minutes to participate per go.
Dogs must remain on their leads at all times.
Sign-up is required for a specific time slot; if you miss it, you'll need to sign up for another.

Guidance

A facilitator will guide you and your dog throughout the process, helping you follow these basic principles:
Ask your dog to sit.
Maintain eye contact.
Encourage them to smell the truffle scent.
Immediately reward them and use your working word to indicate the truffle.

Materials Provided

Hides with cotton wool
Truffle oil
Dog treats
A mentor to assist with the process

Fun Awards and Prizes

Best Dressed Hound & Hunter

This award celebrates the most stylish duo in the field! Whether you and your dog are matching or have complementary outfits, this prize goes to the pair that turns heads with their coordinated fashion and flair.

Best Dressed Guest and Hound

Showcase your dog’s unique style and flair. This award goes to the pooch with the most creative and fashionable outfit.

Best in Have-A-Go

Recognise the dog with the best sense of smell! This award is for the top dog that can sniff out hidden treasures in the have-a-go arena like a pro.

Best In House Winning Truffle Competition

Enter your Best in House Truffle in our “Presidential Wild Truffle Class” or the “Presidential Cultivated Truffle Class”.

Tickets available on line only £6 to enter this great competition!

Will wild or cultivated win? A question always asked.

Truffles will be judged on their aroma, flavour and quality! Get hunting!

Best in House Wild or Cultivated Truffle Product or Homemade Dish Competition

Show off your wild or orchard-inspired creation. Whether it’s a product or a dish made with your very own wild or cultivated truffles! Best one wins!

Interested competitors will need to purchase entry tickets on the website £6.00

Best in House Winning Truffle Woodland Scene Competition

Maybe your truffle isn’t the best but what you do with it, is where the magic happens!

This is a great opportunity for kids and adults alike to get involved, making a project for the festival which will be judged. We have an under 16’s category for this entry and a workshop on the day for the kids.

Create a stunning woodland scene for your truffle using natural materials, then have your masterpiece judged by industry experts.

Think Chelsea Flower Show meets Great British Menu - creativity and presentation are everything!

Interested competitors will need to purchase entry Adult tickets via Ticket Tailor for just £6.00 and kids entry £4.00 Pay in advance to secure your place, or purchase a ticket on the day. Good luck!