The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVDHA) is a group of people who enjoy hunting with bird dogs. With 85 chapters across North America, the organization helps members train their dogs for upland and waterfowl hunting. Individual NAVHDA chapters also put on hunt tests: Natural Ability, Utility Prep, Utility, and Invitational. NAVHDA also has a Youth Program to encourage participation in the next generation of hunters.
Look! A Weimaraner is on the NAVHDA home page!
As a breeder, participating in NAVHDA tests is a great way to evaluate our breeding stock for upland bird hunting capabilities. Weimaraners are hunting dogs after all, right?!
As an owner, participating in NAVHDA tests is a great way to bond with a dog while polishing their basic hunting skills. It’s exhilarating to train with a dog and be awarded with a Prize at a test.
The Autobots, Ticon, Turbo, and LunaBot, at their NAVHDA NA Test in Southern California
Natural Ability Testing. The Natural Ability (NA) Test includes three different elements: hunting in cover, tracking game, and willingness to swim. Tests are scored in “Prizes,” with Prize I being top tier, Prize II being second tier, and Prize III being third tier. Click here to see a collection of Barrett dogs who have tested in NAVHDA NA. There are a few of them!!! Including LunaBot, who received a perfect Prize I score of 112 back in 2016. There’s a great recap here written by Carlos DeTevis, who ran Luna in her NA test.
Thinking about getting involved?!
The best place to start is to read the NAVHDA website to get an organization overview. Reach out to a local NAVHDA chapter and join them on training days. Take a look at the test calendar to see which tests are coming up in your area. And then go out there and have fun! If you have a Barrett dog, call me and I’ll come out to join you.
Enjoy the journey, and HAVE FUN!!!
– Kim
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