NAVHDA Testing
Want to test your dog in the NAVHDA system?
Scablands NAVHDA is pleased to offer Natural Ability Testing May 4th and 5th in 2024. All handlers must belong to both the Scablands Chapter and NAVHDA International to be eligible to handle a dog on test day.
Scablands Chapter relies 100% on volunteer support. To ensure we have adequate volunteers available to perform all functions on test day, we have implemented a policy where handlers must choose to volunteer for at least one day that they are not running their dog, or pay a higher price. Volunteer positions range from bird planters, gunners, general assistants, etc. There are positions to fit any skill or ability level.
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Please register for the test using both links below. Your registration is not complete until BOTH steps have been completed.
Levels of Testing
NA / Natural Ability
The NA test 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: use of nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire to work, and cooperation. Dogs are eligible to run in an NA test up until (and including) the day they reach 16 months of age. Dogs over 16 months may be run for evaluation only. Dogs over 16 months may only be run if space is available. No prize classification can be awarded the dog run for evaluation.
UPT/ Utility Prepatory Test
The UPT measures the dog's development midway through their training toward the Utility Test. The UPT consists of a field portion where dogs are expected to find and point birds, be steady through the flush, and retrieve the shot bird. The dog must also retrieve a dragged bird. The water portion requires the dog to heel to the water's edge, remain steady by the blind through a shooting sequence, complete a marked water retrieve, and conduct a water search to locate a dead duck. No prior testing is required.
UT / Utility Test
The UT evaluates trained dogs in the water and the field, before and after the shot, as finished versatile hunting dogs. The test consists of a field portion where dogs are expected to find and point birds, remain steady through wing/shot/fall, and retrieve the shot bird. The dog must also retrieve a dragged bird. The water portion requires the dog to heel to the water's edge, remain steady by the blind through a shooting sequence, complete a marked water retrieve, and conduct a search of a pond behind a live duck. No prior testing is required.