Following the nose

What if the deepest secret to leadership, relationship, and connection was hidden in the damp soil of the forest, waiting to be found by a dog's nose?

Part ethological essay, part culinary journey, and part philosophical memoir, Following the nose offers a profound and revolutionary look at the world of truffle hunting through the lens of canine psychology and scientific dog training. Written by a professional psychologist and ethologist, this book dismantles old training myths based on coercion and deprivation, replacing them with a modern, evidence-based approach centered on mutual trust, emotional resilience, and the respect for biological rhythms.

Through the shifting scenery of the seasons, you will walk alongside Virgilio and Alma-a Drahthaar and a Korthals Griffon-learning to read the invisible geometry of scent that covers the forest floor. You will discover that following a dog's nose is not merely about finding truffles; it is a profound exercise in cognitive flexibility, a quiet reversal of roles where the human surrenders the need for absolute control to become part of a distributed sensory reality.

Inside this book, you will find:

• An accessible yet rigorous dive into canine ethology, olfactory development through play, and the "Attention Restoration Theory" applied to the wilderness.

• A seasonal culinary journey featuring authentic, refined recipes from the author's agriturismo, where traditional flavors meet modern olfactory infusion techniques.

• Practical and philosophical insights into building a solid, conflict-free partnership with your dog based on shared intentionality and mutual respect.

• A psychological reflection on how the rhythm of the forest restores our mental energy, granting us "the right to be small" and freeing us from the performance-driven anxiety of modern life.

Whether you are a professional dog trainer, a passionate truffle hunter, a lover of wild gastronomy, or simply someone searching for a slower, more authentic way of living, this book will change the way you look at nature-and your dog.