NAVHDA - The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association

Most of you know that I am a member of the Merrimack Valley Chapter of NAVHDA.  Some of you have asked "What K-Lee is learning?"  (Actually, I'm the one that's learning!)  

The purpose of NAVHDA is "to foster, promote, and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in North America; to conserve game by using well trained reliable hunting dogs before and after the shot; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging non-selective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared-for dogs."   Sounds like a mouthful doesn't it!  Each word is carefully crafted to capture the efforts of NAVHDA. www.navhda.org/about

The manner in which NAVHDA members measure their progress in their training regimens is by conducting "tests" along the way.  For instance, a young pup is entered into a "Natural Ability Test" which measures its inherent abilities as a versatile gun dog.  (K-Lee took underwent this test years ago.  Now,--though delayed by surgery-- she is working on the "Utility Preparatory Test" (UPT) which is a stepping stone towards the "Utility Test" (UT).  The "Utility Test"--in my opinion-- is the test that measures the amount of completeness in the training and discipline (manners) of a versatile hunting dog.  The "Utility" is the highest local test that is run, and anyone would be extremely pleased to own a dog that ranked high in the UT. www.navhda.org/testing

Did I mention that the dogs are measured against a strict written standard?  Unlike some tests that complete one dog against another, NAVHDA tests carefully compare the performance of each dog against a written standard.  Thus, a dog can be awarded a Prize I, Prize II, Prize III, etc. or can receive "no prize".  Personally, I like this because it is more specific as to abilities and weaknesses of the dog being tested.  A dog that receives the highest rating possible is invited to the International "Invitational", where the dogs compete to obtain the title of "Versatile Champion".

Last September, Scott Linden's "Wingshooting USA", filmed an episode at the 2015 "Invitational" of NAVHDA.  I enclose the "YouTube" link for your viewing pleasure.   I must say, I think "Wingshooting USA" did a great job in presenting  the story for viewers.  Thanks Scott!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3DVrReefWk 

If clicking the provided link does not take you to the video, simply copy and past the address into your browser.

The 2016 "Invitational" will be held in New Sharon, Iowa September 15-18.
If you would like to know more, go to the NAVHDA.org website, or visit your local chapter.  You may find a new friend there!