The lagotto's ability to use brain and nose has enabled them to be easily trained to find truffles. Puppies can be assessed for their potential for training. Rewarding puppies for touch or sniffing truffle scented objects followed by games of 'hunt the truffle' helps build the skills required to hunt for longer periods of time on truffle grounds. Although truffle conditions in the UK are rarer than in Europe, and likely areas are always a closely guarded secret, at least one person in the UK runs truffling finding classes, which are great fun for owner and dog alike. This also means that damp soils at home or in the garden after the rain will bring their natural instinct to the fore. So, if you like your lawn or shrubbery pristine, this may not be the breed for you.
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