This episode of Dogs with Jobs gives a rare glimpse into truffle hunting at the highest level, from the Italian National Working Trials, which took place in October. 

Louise Mizen Ferguson, chairman of the Chairman of the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain takes Dogs with Jobs to Italy.  Her own Lagottos, Dario and Sage, have had a lot of success in the show ring both in the UK and Italy. Indeed Dario has previously been graded in both the show ring and the working trails in Italy at this same event. 

This episode is an excerpt from an audio diary recorded by Louise in Italy. Louise discusses the intricacies of the working trials with fellow British Lagotto owner Lynn, who works Sibby.  She also talks to Lucy, whose dog Elsa performed well in the "tourist" class and about this wonderful breed in general.

It's great to have to gain a first hand account of what it is like to compete at this level, with the world's top truffle hounds.

We'll be back in the next epsiode with highlights of Dario and Sage's performances in the working trails.

• Listen to Louise's full length audio diary of the trip.

Connected episodes

If you enjoyed hearing about these working trials for truffle hounds, you may also like these episodes:

• Diva at the the UK's National Sheepdog Trials
• Clover, who competes at scurries in the UK at country shows
• Drake, a gun dog champion at working trails
• Another truffle hound, Giglee 

Do you work your dog or dogs? 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch - I LOVE to meet working dogs. You can reach Kate on team@shineradio.uk and explore the webpage for the series at shineradio.uk/dogswithjobs.