NAVHDA Toronto Chapter

04/23/2024

We have some exciting news to share! We currently have open spots available for our upcoming Natural Ability (NA) Test scheduled for May 25th and 26th, 2024.

This is your chance to showcase your dog's natural abilities and potential in the field. Whether you're aiming to earn your first NAVHDA certification or looking to advance to the next level, our NA Test is the perfect opportunity to put your training to the test.

Here are the details:

📅 Test Dates: May 25th and 26th, 2024

Don't miss out on this chance to participate in one of the most anticipated events of the season! Spots are limited and filling up fast, so be sure to secure your spot today.

To reserve your spot or for more information, please visit https://navhda.ca/navhda-toronto-testing/

Let's make this NA Test a memorable and successful event together!

06/06/2023

06/06/2023

🐾🌟 Toronto NAVHDA - Celebrating a Weekend of Success! 🌟🐾

What an incredible weekend of testing we had at Toronto NAVHDA! We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our NA dogs and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional handlers, remarkable dogs, and dedicated volunteers who made it all possible. 🎉👏

🐾 Our handlers demonstrated unwavering dedication, skill, and passion throughout the testing. They showed exceptional teamwork with their four-legged partners and navigated the challenges with grace and determination. We applaud each and every one of you for your hard work and commendable sportsmanship!

🐶 Let's not forget our amazing dogs! They showcased their incredible abilities, intelligence, and natural instincts, making us proud at every turn. Their hard work, training, and the bond they share with their handlers truly shone through during the testing. Congratulations to all the dogs who participated—you are the true stars of the weekend!

🙌 A special shoutout to our fantastic volunteers who selflessly dedicated their time and energy to ensure the success of the event. Your support and commitment played a vital role in creating a smooth and enjoyable testing experience for everyone involved. Your efforts are truly appreciated, and we couldn't have done it without you!

🎉🏆 We want to congratulate all the handlers, dogs, and volunteers on a truly fantastic weekend of testing! Your accomplishments, teamwork, and sportsmanship have not gone unnoticed. You have set the bar high for future events and continue to inspire us all with your love for the sport and dedication to the NAVHDA community.

📸🐾 We invite you to share your favorite moments and memories from the weekend in the comments below. Let's relive those incredible testing moments together!

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to the success of the testing. We look forward to seeing you all at our future events, and let's keep up the remarkable work!

05/31/2023

Toronto NAVHDA has some exciting news to share! We have ONE spot left for the highly anticipated Natural Ability test happening this weekend on June 3rd and 4th. 🐕✨

🗓️ Test Date: June 3rd and 4th
📍 Location: Seagrave Ontario
🐶 Test Type: Natural Ability
💼 Spots Available: 1️⃣

To secure the remaining spot, please send us a direct message. Remember, spots are limited, so act fast! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

04/15/2023

We had a highly productive day of training for our Pups and Handlers, and we couldn't have done it without our amazing members. Your energy and enthusiasm made this day truly awesome! We can't wait to see how much progress we'll make in the coming weeks. Thank you all for being a part of this fantastic community!

03/14/2023

NA Test: Field Phase. During the field phase of the NA test with NAVHDA, dogs are evaluated on their ability to track, point, as well as their sensitivity to gunfire. Evaluators will fire two blank shots to test the dog's reaction to the sound of gunfire. This phase is designed to mimic a real hunting environment, allowing evaluators to see how the dog behaves when confronted with actual hunting situations.

A dog's ability to work cooperatively with their handler and respond to cues and commands is also evaluated during the field phase. Evaluators take note of the dog's demeanor, energy level, and overall behavior while in the field.

The results of the NA test can provide valuable insights for both the dog and the owner. A strong performance in the test can be a clear indicator that the dog has the potential to become an excellent hunting companion. Conversely, if a dog struggles in certain areas, it can highlight where additional training is needed to help the dog reach their full potential.

03/08/2023

NA Test and The Tracking Phase: The goal of this test is to assess your dog's nose and focus abilities, specifically in their ability to recover an injured bird quickly and directly. During the test, your dog will be released to find the bird on their own, and they will need to display eagerness and perseverance on the track. The bird will have some feathers removed and will be released to run in slight cover, such as shin-high grass.
As a handler, you must patiently wait for your dog to complete the task, which can be stressful and nerve-wracking. The longest five minutes of your life as a handler will likely be spent watching your dog search for the bird. It's important to note that the dog's recovery of the bird does not affect their score, nor does their style.
It's recommended that you join your local chapter and practice this skill with your dog regularly. Socializing them to the situation is vital for success. Don't wait until the day of the test to see how your dog performs, as it's better to be prepared and confident.

03/04/2023

Happy Setter Saturday! 🐾❤️

As a big fan of setters, We would love to see your beautiful dogs! If you have a NAVHDA setter, share a picture of them in the comments below! It doesn't matter if they're a puppy or a senior.

Here are some popular hunting setter breeds to get you started: English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Llewellin Setter, and Red Setter. But no matter what type of setter you have, we want to see them all!

Let's fill this post with lots of adorable NAVHDA setter photos and celebrate Setter Saturday together! 📷

02/22/2023

Happy Wire-Haired Wednesday! Calling all owners of wirehaired versatile hunting dogs! Let's see some pictures of your amazing furry friends in action. We know that these dogs are versatile and skilled hunters, but we also know they make great companions and family pets.

Some examples of wirehaired versatile hunting dog breeds include:

German Wirehaired Pointer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Spinone Italiano
Pudelpointer
Wirehaired Vizsla
Drahthaar
Cesky Fousek

Share your favorite pictures of your wirehaired versatile hunting dogs with us in the comments below! Let's celebrate these amazing dogs and all the joy they bring to our lives.

Don't forget to use the hashtag to join the conversation and connect with other proud owners of these amazing dogs. We can't wait to see all your wonderful photos!

02/21/2023

Ah, the infamous NAVHDA Natural Ability water test for our four-legged friends. It may seem like a walk in the park, or should I say a swim in the lake, but it's not all doggie-paddles and belly rubs.
Forget about your dog's swimming technique or if they can swim like Michael Phelps. It's all about the "I got this" attitude. Now, your dog will have to take a dip in the water, not once, but twice. They have to go deep enough that their feet can't touch the bottom, but not so deep that they need a scuba suit. Speed and style don't matter, as long as they get the job done. The score is based on their willingness to work, cooperate, and their overall desire.
But, if your dog needs a little extra motivation to jump in, like a dead duck, then the highest score they can get is a 2. So, let's not wait until test day to introduce them to the joys of water. Take them to the lake, river, or ocean, and let them splash around like the water-loving doggos they are.
Remember, confidence is key, and with a little practice, your pup will be doing the doggy paddle like a pro. So, don't be afraid to make a splash and have some fun.

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02/13/2023

The NA test is a performance-based evaluation designed to assess a dog's hunting potential. While it doesn't affect the score on the day of testing, the Judgment of Physical Characteristics phase is an important aspect of the test for those who want their dog to have a long and healthy hunting career. A purpose of the NAVHDA test is to promote selective breeding and population control of versatile hunting dog breeds.

Judges look at the Judgment of Physical Characteristics phase as a way to identify any potential physical defects that may hinder the dog's performance or affect the health of its future progeny. Breeding responsible breeders are often interested in this phase and may ask the owner to enroll their puppy in the NA test to receive the results. They want to ensure that the dog's physical attributes align with their hunting abilities.

The Judgment of Physical Characteristics phase typically occurs after the water phase and judges take the opportunity to examine the dog's coat while it is wet.

More information on the Water Phase will be discussed in the next post."

02/10/2023

The NAVHDA NA (Natural Ability) test is an evaluation of a dog's natural hunting instincts, such as pointing, tracking, and general cooperation. Puppies under 16 months of age can participate in the test, which assesses their abilities based on NAVHDA's standard criteria. This evaluation provides the handler with a gauge of the puppy's skills and serves as a valuable tool for improvement by highlighting areas where the puppy excels and where further training may be needed. The results of the test can also inform the breeder's breeding program by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of their dogs. By consistently producing high-quality versatile hunting dogs, breeders may be eligible for the NAVHDA Natural Ability Breeder's Award, which is granted to those who meet certain criteria, such as having at least 4 puppies pass the test with an average score above 90 points. Receiving this recognition can enhance a breeder's reputation in the hunting dog community and demonstrate their dedication to breeding top-quality hunting dogs. Note that the NAVHDA test does not include a retrieving component or any game shot over your puppy. This will be a 6 post series. The next post will contain details about the specifics of the test day itself.