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"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
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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.
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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.
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.
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"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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