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Contact info:

eMail: Roger Hull

Chapter President

 

Phone: 907-346-6279 or

907-223-8000 (cell)

 

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Territory:

The Greatland Chapter is currently the only NAVHDA-sanctioned chapter in Alaska. Therefore, we welcome members from throughout the State of Alaska. We endeavor to conduct clinics and tests in locations that best serve those members participating in each event.

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navhda

Greatland NAVHDA

Promoting versatile hunting dogs

in Alaska

versatile hunting dog

 

Alaska Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association

Start thinking about the 2009 training season ... click for info

Please remember to join the Greatland Chapter for the 2009-2010 season!

And don't forget to join NAVHDA International!

Enjoy the photos of our dogs at work on the "Hunting" page.

Slam Point

"If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go where they went."
Will Rogers

Training and testing in 2009 ... a letter from the chapter president

The Greatland chapter has not held a NAVHDA-sanctioned test for the past two years, following two well-attended tests in 2004 and 2005. There have not been enough committed and registered dogs to allow the chapter to break even on the costs of running a test. These costs include transportation and lodging for judges, payment for birds and the test registration fee.

An economically feasible test requires a full slate of dogs for each day, ranging from 5 to 8 dogs per judging team, depending on the mix of tests being run for the day. With more dogs, we could field two judging teams and double the number of dogs, but the economics are about the same.

We have had a substantial increase recently in the interest expressed by VHD owners in Alaska in holding scheduled training sessions this spring and summer, and a test in the fall. The demand is driven by some breeders' requirements to test a pup in NA as a condition of sale, and the general interest of VHD owners in training a dog to progress through NA, UPT and UT tests.

There is no doubt that training a dog (and yourself) to perform well in a NAVHDA test makes you a better hunting team in the field on wild birds.

Past attempts to organize training sessions at various locations in the vicinity of Anchorage/Wasilla have met with mixed results in terms of turnout. We have, in past years, run a variety of formal clinics (NAVHDA Handler's Clinics, professional trainers, etc.) with some success. These types of events require both people and dogs to participate and people to organize and run them.

The other issue is logistics. Falcon Ridge is a great place to train, but it is a long drive for many of our members who live in the Anchorage area. There aren't any closer places that we are aware of where it is legal to shoot. There is also the issue of getting birds if you train somewhere other than at Falcon Ridge. For those VHD owners who live in other areas of Alaska (Fairbanks, Nome, Ketchikan, etc.) there are similar issues.

Despite the challenges, we (whatever "we" means at the moment) are willing to continue chapter operations for 2009. Continuing means paying the NAVHDA insurance premium and handling the paperwork for keeping the chapter viable with the national organization. We'd like to try an approach to assessing the demand for an August test by asking for commitments early in the year. In order to get on NAVHDA's master schedule and get commitments for judges, and to reduce the risk of having to cancel the test for lack of sufficient participation (as we have in the past), here's the deal:

  • We'd like anyone interested in participating in chapter activities this year (training, clinics or tests) to join the Greatland chapter by paying your annual dues. There is a link to the membership form on the left side of the page. Fill it out and mail it to me or to Judy Deaver with your check.
  • We encourage you to join NAVHDA International, but it isn't required unless you want to become a judge, be a chapter officer or run a dog in the Invitational. With that membership, you get the VHD magazine and a number of other benefits.
  • If you intend to run a dog in our test in August (probably the 8th and 9th at Falcon Ridge), we'd like you to register by 31 January and pay the fee. We will use the number of registrations to determine if it is feasible to run a test. If so, we'll register the test with NAVHDA and start getting it organized. Please mail your form and your entry fee check to me or to Judy Deaver as soon as you can.

The registration will be considered a commitment. That means that the fee is non-refundable. Once we pull the trigger with NAVHDA, canceling the test later in the year would cost the chapter money we don't have. If not enough dogs are registered by 31 January, we'll refund all of your entry fees and try again next year.

Non-refundable means just that. As sympathetic as we might be if your dog dies, gets sick, runs off, gets sold or can't quite learn to figure out what you want him to do in the field by early August, the only "out" you might have is finding another dog and handler to fill your slot. A straight refund just won't be an option. This is typical, by the way, of most NAVHDA chapters.

If we get enough registrations, we will consider requesting two judging teams, but that would require 10 to 16 registered dog/test days by 31 January. I'll probably use several of those slots myself with my three dogs, so we at least have a head start on the quota.

We strongly encourage you to consider multiple dogs and multiple tests, if you are in a position to do that. It is perfectly legitimate to run a dog in the same test two days in a row, or to run more than one dog in a single day. Remember that each day is a separate test. It isn't unusual at all to see a dog run a UT two days in a row and turn in a better score the second day, assuming the problem on day one was a "bad day" issue and not a training issue.

Remember the big picture when it comes to the cost of test registration fees. If you take a dog Outside to test at another chapter, unless you were headed on a vacation anyway, you're looking at $1000-$2000 for the privilege. Running a dog in a test here in the state, even twice in a weekend, is a real deal.

The chapter has not typically held chapter meetings, mostly because we're so geographically dispersed. A good turnout at the first training session (probably late April) would be a good opportunity to talk about training for the balance of the year.

I am wide open to discussion on this approach, and to people who would like to take an active role in running the chapter, particularly if you'd like to schedule and organize training sessions this summer. We'll also be looking for people to assist with running the test in August, if we get to that point. Give me a call or drop me a message.

    Thanks, and good hunting,

          Roger

 

Chapter events for 2009

The 2009 Chapter training and testing schedule will start in April. Click here for the complete schedule of events.

If you are new to NAVHDA testing, and are considering running a pup in a Natural Ability Test, read this article by Steve Graham from the Pacific Northwest Chapter.

 

Greatland NAVHDA Chapter

The Greatland Chapter of NAVHDA is one of many sanctioned chapters in North America, and operates as a separate nonprofit corporation in the State of Alaska. We are a statewide organization, and the only NAVHDA-sanctioned chapter in the State, with members living in geographically dispersed locations in this Great Land we call Alaska.

The Chapter was originally formed in February of 2004 and has a current VHD owner base of around 40 versatile hunting dog owners.

Our purpose is to provide a source of camaraderie for our members with a common interest in sharing training and hunting opportunities with our versatile hunting dogs. We also intend to conduct NAVHDA-sanctioned tests and clinics in Alaska, provide training resources for our members, and a path for members who have an interest in becoming NAVHDA judges.

For additional information on the Greatland Chapter, please feel free to contact us by eMail at Greatland Chapter or by phone at 907-346-6279.

What is NAVHDA?

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to foster, promote and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in North America, to conserve game by using well-trained reliable hunting dogs before and after the shot, and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.

On the Scent

German Shorthaired Pointer at work during training day at Falcon Ridge

What's a versatile hunting dog?

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association defines versatility as "the dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water."
~ NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules

In the field, a versatile dog should exhibit a fine nose, staunch pointing and the desire to search for, track and retrieve game in a cooperative manner. A versatile dog needs to further prove its independence, stamina and quality of nose by transferring the search for, and retrieving of, game to the water. NAVHDA's testing program provides an opportunity for dogs to exhibit these characteristics while remaining obedient and in control at all times. True versatile dogs should perform all tasks with enthusiasm and be willing to work with, and for, their handlers.
    The versatile breeds, as we know them today, are products of Europe. No distinctive versatile hunting breed has been developed in North America.

"Fossil", a German Shorthair Pointer on a ptarmigan hunt near Soldotna, Alaska


What does the Greatland Chapter offer you?

Tests ... The Greatland Chapter organizes and conducts NAVHDA-sanctioned Tests with a goal of two events a year in Alaska. Judges for these Tests are NAVHDA-approved, and come from the Lower 48 (until we develop approved judges within Alaska!). The tests include the Natural Ability Test, the Utility Preparatory Test and the Utility Test. Each test allows an owner or handler to have a dog tested without placing it in direct competition with the other dogs in the test. The dog is evaluated strictly on the basis of guidelines set out by NAVHDA. In a specific test, any number of dogs may receive any of the Prizes described in NAVHDA's Testing Manual.

Training Clinics ... The Greatland Chapter conducts dog training clinics based on the NAVHDA methods contained in the "Green Book" and the NAVHDA-produced video that come with NAVHDA International membership. These training clinics are held throughout the summer, starting in April, and are an excellent opportunity for owners new to dog training beyond basic obedience, owners with their first versatile hunting dog, and experienced owners/handlers. These clinics are a source of hints for managing problem dogs, starting puppies, refreshing your experienced dog, and refocusing on test-related skills prior to an actual Test. The training sessions are an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions (and get answers!), socialize your dog, and demonstrate what you and your dog have learned.

Finally, and most importantly, these training clinics provide access to ideal grounds and water, tracking areas, training tables, and other "tools of the trade" that may not be available to you at home.

NAVHDA-sanctioned Handler Clinics ... These are formal clinics run by NAVHDA-approved judges, and are a rich source of tips and tools for VHD owners contemplating participation in a formal Test. The Greatland Chapter can offer a Handler's Clinic in the local area with sufficient interest and participation.

Contacts ... The Greatland Chapter members include owners of a variety of VHD breeds, several hunting guides, veterinarians, veterans of NAVHDA tests, members of other hunting dog organizations and kennel clubs in Alaska, and people who have experienced just about any training difficulty you can imagine. Membership in the Chapter is a great opportunity to take advantage of this knowledge, and an excellent source for finding like-minded people to hunt with.

Pre-ownership information ... People who are contemplating acquiring their first versatile hunting dog, or a breed different from one you have trained or hunted with in the past, will find the Greatland Chapter a good way to benefit from a broad range of experience. Attending a training clinic where a variety of VHD breeds are present is the best way to see your breed in  action close-up and to ask questions of an owner rather than a breeder. The relationships you develop within the Chapter can be long-lasting and a real benefit throughout your training and hunting experiences with your new dog.

How to join:

To join the Greatland Chapter of NAVHDA, please print out the membership application form and mail it to us with a check for your annual dues. We do not have the capability to accept credit card payments. Please include your eMail address so we can add you to our mailing list for announcements. Also, please check this site for the Chapter newsletter, announcements regarding Tests, clinics and other events.

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