Truffle Dog Sulo and the "Treat Machine" – How Train’N’Treat Turned Training into Joy

When Päivi Pitkäniitty and her family started thinking about getting a pet, one thing was clear from the start – it had to be a dog. Päivi's husbend dreamed of a hunting dog, but Päivi didn’t want a barking yard dog. When they came across the Italian breed Lagotto Romagnolo – the Italian water dog – the decision was easy. The Lagotto is an allergy-friendly family dog with a natural talent for sniffing out truffles. Since Päivi loves cooking, the idea of training her own truffle dog felt perfect. Soon, a small puppy named Sulo arrived by plane from Italy – the family’s future truffle hero.

First Steps into Nosework

Sulo quickly proved to be a smart and eager-to-learn puppy. After puppy and obedience classes, Päivi enrolled him in a scent discrimination course. The training truffles came from Terhi Turkia, and they learned by watching an experienced truffle dog named Leo. Sulo learned to indicate truffles before he was even a year old. The family practiced scent work in their yard, in the forest, and under the hazelnut bushes at their grandmother’s home.

A Break and a New Beginning – Truffles in Their Own Yard

Life got busy, and truffle hunting was put on hold for a while. Then, one autumn, Päivi accidentally found real truffles growing in her own yard! That was a clear sign that it was time to revive the old hobby. Training started again with scent samples and scent jars. Sulo remembered everything he had learned – and his nose led him straight to the right spots.

The Challenge of Rewarding: When and How to Give the Treat?

Päivi soon realized that timing is everything when rewarding during scent work. Sulo is eager and curious, so if the reward comes too late, his focus drifts. Cheese cubes in the apron pocket were no longer enough – she needed a faster way to reward at just the right moment so that Sulo’s attention wouldn’t wander.

Train’N’Treat and Sausages – The Perfect Reward Solution

The solution came in the form of the Train’N’Treat device and its compatible dog sausages. With this tool, a treat can be given one-handed – quickly, accurately, and without fumbling. Now, the reward comes at precisely the right moment, keeping Sulo motivated. In autumn 2024, Sulo found truffles under the plum and pear trees in their yard – and of course, his favorite sausages were the prize. The winter arrived early, cutting the season short, but Päivi used the downtime to perfect her use of the device so that rewarding would become second nature. They eagerly awaited autumn 2025 – time to get back to work! Sausages in the dispenser, training apron on, scent sample ready, and search mode activated. Success! Finally, they had the skills, knowledge, and tools for smooth teamwork.

“Train’N’Treat has completely changed the way we train. My connection with Sulo stays intact during rewards, and his focus remains high throughout the session,” Päivi says.

Now, when the “sausage machine” slips into the training apron pocket, Sulo knows instantly that it’s time to work. Sometimes he thinks he deserves treats even without working, but Päivi stays firm – only a find earns a sausage.

Päivi’s Best Tips for Nosework Training

• Start training in a familiar environment to help your dog stay focused.
• Reward quickly and precisely – timing is everything.
• Use a highly motivating “super reward,” like tasty meat sausages for dogs.
• Keep sessions short and positive. Always end on a success with a clear scent clue.

Truffles, Sausages, and Shared Joy

Scent work has brought Päivi and Sulo closer than ever. Truffle hunting is more than just a hobby – it’s quality time, trust, and the joy of success. When the search is over, Sulo curls up contentedly in his spot and takes a long, well-deserved nap.

Thank you, Päivi and Sulo, for sharing your story.

Would you like smoother training sessions and a more motivated dog?

Order Now and try the Train’N’Treat device and delicious hotdogs. That combination makes rewarding easy, fun and effective.

Whether you’re practicing nosework, obedience, or everyday tricks, a quick and well-timed reward works wonders.

Give your dog a reason to do their best – one treat at a time!

Spending time with your dog every day is valuable for building trust and strengthening your bond. When a dog feels safe and appreciated, it is happy – and a happy dog behaves well in everyday life. Trust and shared activities benefit the whole family, making daily life smoother and bringing joy to both people and pets.