Tests

The Central Dakota NAVHDA chapter sponsors three types 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.

See Pictures of the Natural Ability Test Areas

The Utility Preparatory Test measures the dogs’ 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.

See Pictures of the Utility Preparatory Test and Utility Test Areas

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. The only exception to this is the Invitational Test, in which dogs are braced in the field so each dog can demonstrate his willingness to back and work effectively with another dog. Prizes are awarded on the basis of numerical scores achieved in the test. 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. If all dogs entered in a NAVHDA test perform well, all can receive a prize.

August 28 & 29, 2010
Natural Ability Test, Utility Preparatory Test & Utility Test
at Sweet Briar Recreation Area
West of Bismarck/Mandan

Interactive Fillable Test Form
Return test form and entry fee to:
Pete Wax, Test Secretary
909 West Ave. B, Bismarck, ND 58501
Please direct questions on the test to Dan Dorfschmidt
701-391-2828 or e-mail Dan

* Central Dakota Chapter members receive a $10 discount on the test entry fee. If you are not a member, you may join and receive a one time $20 discount with the new membership. Additional test entries will be eligible for the $10 member discount. Membership benefits and form are found on the Membership Page.

All testing slots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Test applications and payments must be received in order to reserve a test slot. In the case of a full test day, potential testers may be put on a waiting list. To be placed on a Waiting List, the Test Secretary must receive a completed NAVHDA Test Entry Form and Test Fee.

Entries will not be considered accepted until a completed NAVHDA Test Entry Form and Test Fee are received by the Test Secretary. A completed NAVHDA Test Entry Form must include the dog's NAVHDA registration number and all other required information that must be obtained by the Owner or Handler.

The preferred running date that you select will be considered, but not guaranteed. All entries need to be flexible so the chapter can fill slots in a way that allows testing the maximum number of dogs.

Participants must be at the test grounds by 7 AM each day. Lunch will be available for a small fee. Plan to join us for a no host judges dinner after the reading of the scores on Saturday. Remember to bring food and water for your dog!

Refund Policy: If you withdraw from the test 2 weeks prior to the test, your entry fee will be refunded only if there is a dog on the waiting list. If you withdraw within two weeks of the test there will be no refund. If your dog cannot run due to an injury, your entry fee will be refunded (A note from your Veterinarian is required).

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