{"id":1054,"date":"2024-06-20T18:56:29","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T18:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ovnavhda.org\/?page_id=1054"},"modified":"2025-04-08T08:44:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T13:44:04","slug":"navhda-testing-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ovnavhda.mazarol-gate.org\/index.php\/navhda-testing-2\/","title":{"rendered":"navhda testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Overview of Testing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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In 1969, NAVHDA established a system of comprehensive tests that truly measure all aspects of work for the versatile hunting dog breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trialing systems in use in North America before this time were established for specialists. The NAVHDA system provides for testing at various stages of maturity. Performance records are kept and made available through our Test Information Service since they provide invaluable information for both breeder and buyer alike. For complete testing information download the AIMS PROGRAMS TEST RULES<\/a> available both in English and in French. For more up-to-date information please visit the NAVHDA testing system page.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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The Natural Ability (NA) Test<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Natural Ability Test\u00a0Eligibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0 There is no set sequence for conducting the four general phases.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Natural Ability Test which is designed to evaluate the inherent natural abilities of young dogs and gain insight into their possible usefulness as hunting dog. The Natural Ability Test is organized into four main segments, or phases, as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Field Phase \u2013 The dog is hunted in cover where the presence of game has been assured by the releasing of game birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Tracking Phase \u2013 The dog is given an opportunity to track a flightless running pheasant or chukar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Water Phase \u2013 The dog is tested for its willingness to swim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Judgment of Physical Characteristics. No game is shot, and no retrieves are required during the Natural Ability Test.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    There is no set sequence for conducting the four general phases. It is desirable, though not necessary, to test the young dog on tracking after it completes the field test because usually by then the dog has settled down and is better able to concentrate. Also, it is desirable to evaluate the coat immediately after the dog completes the water test.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tshow more\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n

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    NA detailed evaluation:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1.\u00a0 Field Phase –\u00a0<\/strong>The dog is hunted in cover where the presence of game has been assured by releasing of game birds.\u00a0 Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 20 minutes and is evaluated on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n