2023 Fall Test - Accepting Entries
Dogs are eligible for a Natural Ability Test until and including the day they reach 16 months of age. Dogs over 16 months may be tested for evaluation if space is available, but no prize classifications are awarded dogs tested for evaluation. No game is shot during the NA test , and no retrieves are required. There is no set sequence for conducting the four general phases.
-
Field Phase
-
Tracking Phase
-
Water Phase
-
Evaluation of Physical Attributes
(https://www.navhda.org/about-the-navhda-testing-system/)
Natural Ability Test
Utility Test (UT)
The Utility Test is divided into three main segments:
1) Field Group – Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 30 minutes and is evaluated on:
-
Search
-
Pointing
-
Steadiness on Game
-
Retrieve of Shot Bird
-
Retrieve of Dragged Game
2) Water Group
-
Search for a Duck
-
Walking at Heel
-
Remaining by Blind
-
Steadiness by Blind
-
Retrieve of a Duck
3) Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.
The following are judged throughout the Utility Test:
-
Use of Nose
-
Desire to Work
-
Cooperation
-
Stamina
-
Obedience
Utility Preparatory Test (UT)
The Utility Preparatory Test is divided into three main segments:
1) Field Group – Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 25 minutes and is evaluated on:
-
Search
-
Pointing
-
Steadiness on Game
-
Retrieve of Shot Bird
-
Retrieve of Dragged Game
2) Water Group
-
Water Search
-
Walking at Heel
-
Steadiness by Blind
-
Retrieve of a Duck
3) Evaluation of Physical Attributes - Each dog's teeth, eyes, and coat are evaluated, typically after completion of the water phase.
The following are judged throughout the Utility Preparatory Test:
-
Use of Nose
-
Desire to Work
-
Cooperation
-
Obedience
How to Register
**We are still accepting test entries**
We will note when we switch to a waitlist
This is a two day test open to NA, UPT & UT Level dogs. There is a limited number of spots and tests do fill up quickly. If you are interested, please fill out the test entry form and mail it as directed to secure your spot. If your entry is incomplete, your dog will not be allowed to test. A complete entry includes:
-
The Dog’s NAVHDA Registration Number
-
The owner’s NAVHDA Member Number (located on the first line of your VHD magazine label)
-
The Handler’s NAVHDA Number
-
A complete Test Entry Form
-
Test Entry Fee payment (mailed check or PayPal to @bushkillnavhda - please include a copy of your paypal pmt)
ALL HANDLERS AND OWNERS MUST BE NAVHDA NATIONAL MEMBERS.
Test Date: August 18/19/20 2023
Location: Private Farm - Lackawanna County
Entry Fee:
UT/UPT: $150 for Bushkill Members; $175 for Non Members
NA: $135 for Bushkill Members; $160 for Non Members
Please pay via PayPal @bushkillnavhda - friends/family option
Mail or Email your completed entry form to:
Bushkill NAVHDA
c/o Jake Bartells
113 Fairview Ave
Perkasie, PA 18944
Contact for Questions:
Jake Bartells, Director of Testing
610-637-8484
Refunds: A refund equal to eighty percent (80%) of test entry fee will be provided for any dog withdrawn from the test more than 30 days in advance for which a fully paid replacement is found. NO REFUND will be provided for a test withdrawal less than 30 days prior to the test or if a fully paid replacement is not found.
Lunch: Please pack a lunch for the day.