In 2019 the Treasure Valley Chapter will be conducting training sessions and seminars to assist its member prepare their dogs for the different hunt test levels to become efficient versatile hunting dogs.

The Treasure Valley  Chapter of NAVHDA encourage every versatile gun dog to be NAVHDA tested, as the test results will indicate where you are in your dog's training program and serves as the foundation for improving our versatile breeds. The tests are qualitative evaluations against proven performance standards in simulated hunting conditions.

 

NAVHDA chapters sponsor four kinds of tests:

 

The Natural Ability Test which is designed to evaluate the inherent natural abilities of young dogs and gain insight into their possible usefulness as versatile gun dogs. It rates seven important inherited abilities: nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire and cooperation.

 

The Utility Preparatory Test measures the dog’s development midway through their training toward the Utility Test.

 

The Utility Test evaluates trained dogs in water and field, before and after the shot, as finished versatile hunting companions as well as many other specific tasks.

 

The Invitational Test is the highest level of testing.  Only dogs who have achieved a Prize I in Utility are eligible. This limits the entry to exceptional animals who have demonstrated a high level of training and tests their skills in the advance work.

 

In order to eliminate direct competition between dogs, entrants in a NAVHDA test are judged one at a time, by three judges, with their performance scored against a standard. Each dog that meets or exceeds minimum standards in all areas of work is placed in one of three categories: Prize I, II or III.  Prize I being the highest classification.

 

We hope this brief introduction to NAVHDA has been informative. The Treasure Valley Chapter of  NAVHDA is dedicated to improving, promoting and protecting the versatile hunting dog.