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Pictures of Spring 2008 Test:

We had a very successful test on May 17 and 18, 2008. We ran 20 Natural Ability dogs with perfect weather both days. Our out of town judge was Bob Farris and he did a great job. Thanks Bob! There were many chapter members helping and the test could not have been held without them. Thank you everyone!

Enjoy the pictures. If you have some of your own you would like added please send to Cheryl.

How to enter a test at the RMC-NAVHDA chapter:

1. Contact Brian Thoman at 303-805-5733 or navhda@bambooflyrods.com to make sure of availability.
   Fall test is full with a waiting list.
2. Fill out an interactive test entry here Complete the form and mail it with your entry fee to: Brian Thoman, Test Secretary 16144 Stonebriar Drive Parker, CO 80134
3. Make checks payable to "RMC-NAVHDA"
4. Slots are filled on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. If there is a wait list, the same rule applies.
5. If you must withdraw from the test, you may recieve a refund if you (1) have a written document from your veterinarian; OR, (2) you give at least 14 days notice to the Test Secretary; OR, (3) if there are others on a wait list to fill your slot.
6. Once your entry is recieved, the Test Secretary will send you confirmation of entry with directions on when (time to be there) and where the test will take place. If your application is incomplete, the Test Secretary will let you know what additional information is needed. If the test is full, the Test Secretary will notify you that your application is complete and you are on a waiting list.

2008 RMC NAVHDA Test Entry Fees:

NA test - $100
UPT test - $110
UT test - $110

The Natural Ability Test consists of three parts. Each is designed to test the inherited hunting instincts of versatile hunting dogs up to the age of 16 months. Field: the pup must search for, find and point game. The pup must point when he finds game, but he does not need to be steady. To test for gun sensitivity or gun shyness, two blank shots are fired while the pup is searching in the field. Water: The pup is expected to enter the water and swim twice for a retrieving dummy. A retrieve is not required, but the pup must swim at least twice. Track of a wounded bird tests the pup's ability to concentrate and follow the scent of a crippled bird. Throughout all three segments, the pup is judged on use of nose, cooperation and hunting desire.

The Utility Preparatory Test evaluates the versatile dog as his training and experience progress from Natural Ability testing to Utility testing. In the field, the dog is required to find and point birds and to remain steady until the gun is fired, retrieving the bird within one step of the handler. At one segment of the water, the dog is expected to heel for a short distance and retrieve in the water a "Shot" duck (dead duck thrown approximately 30-40 yards out in the water). The dog can leave for the retrieve at the shot. Another water test has the dog search independently for a dead duck in water that also includes cover (vegetation). The dog must also track and retrieve a dead bird (duck or pheasant) that has been dragged 50 yards out of sight of the handler. This test is not a tracking test, but it is a test of the dogs' cooperation and obedience. Throughout the entire Utility Preparatory Test, the dog is being judged and evaluated for nose, desire, obedience and cooperation.

Utility Test

The Utility Test is one of the ultimate tests in the world of bird dogs. It is designed to test the finished hunting dog. In the field, the dog must, as a team with his handler, search for, find, point game and retrieve the shot birds to hand. He must be steady to wing, shot and fall. Like the UPT dog, he must track and retrieve a dead bird dragged 100-200 yards out of sight of his handler. At the retrieve of duck water sequence, the dog will heel through a serpentine course to a blind and then remain quietly by the blind while the handler leaves, goes out of sight and fires two blank shots. The handler then returns to the blind and the dog must remain steady through a sequence of shots (handler and another "hunter") culminating in a retrieve of a thrown duck from the water about 40 yards out. The search for a live duck across water with cover or vegetation must be independent and show high desire through any circumstances and environment to locate the duck. Though the dog does not have to find the duck, he must actively expand his search until he either finds the duck or is called back by the handler (about 10 minutes). During the entire Utility Test, the dog is scored on use of nose, desire, stamina, cooperation and obedience.

Invitational Test

The Invitational Test is a test of some of the most exceptional animals known to the world of versatile hunting dogs. Only dogs that have received a Prize I in a NAVHDA Utility test are eligible to participate.
In the field, dogs are run in braces for one hour. In addition to finding, pointing, steadiness and retrieving, the dog is also expected to "back" or honor a point of his bracemate all the way through the retrieve by the other dog. Heeling is off leash and the dog must find and return to hand within 20 minutes a crippled duck that is thrown into water with heavy cover at a distance of 80 yards. The dog must also make a 100-yard "blind" retrieve of a dead duck and honor another dog as it retrieves in the water. This is a pass or fail test. Dogs achieving a passing score in the NAVHDA Invitational are awarded the title "Versatile Champion."