The NAVHDA Natural Ability Test shows the inherited hunting skills the puppy received from its sire and dam. A dog that successfully
completes the Utility Test demonstrates its train ability and success as a finished hunting dog for its owner. Desire to Work, Cooperation,
Stamina, Obedience, and Physical Attributes are judged throughout the Utility Test.
completes the Utility Test demonstrates its train ability and success as a finished hunting dog for its owner. Desire to Work, Cooperation,
Stamina, Obedience, and Physical Attributes are judged throughout the Utility Test.
The Water Group
Search for a Duck
Search for a duck is a test of the dog's ability to locate wounded waterfowl. It tests use of nose, cooperation, desire, perseverance, and stamina. This segment places the
dog in an environment where the handler often cannot physically follow the dog or even see the actual situation, thus requiring the animal to rely on its own initiative and
intelligence in going about the task independently.
The pond Jaika searched was approx 20 acres with many down timbers from when the pond was made. There was a lot of vegetation to allow the duck to get out of sight,
yet open enough to allow free movement of the bird is selected. Most of the area was swimming depth for Jaika.
Search for a Duck
Search for a duck is a test of the dog's ability to locate wounded waterfowl. It tests use of nose, cooperation, desire, perseverance, and stamina. This segment places the
dog in an environment where the handler often cannot physically follow the dog or even see the actual situation, thus requiring the animal to rely on its own initiative and
intelligence in going about the task independently.
The pond Jaika searched was approx 20 acres with many down timbers from when the pond was made. There was a lot of vegetation to allow the duck to get out of sight,
yet open enough to allow free movement of the bird is selected. Most of the area was swimming depth for Jaika.
The capable dog in this part, will systematically search likely cover and, if conditions are appropriate, will find and follow the scent path left as the duck moves through the aquatic
cover and over stretches of open water. If the scent is lost, the dog should not mill around aimlessly at the spot, but should start a systematic search to relocate the scent. Each
dog is allowed a minimum of ten minutes to search out the duck, unless it completes the task in less time. No retrieve of the duck is required. If the opportunity for a retrieve occurs,
such as the duck being caught or shot, the retrieve must be successfully completed.
cover and over stretches of open water. If the scent is lost, the dog should not mill around aimlessly at the spot, but should start a systematic search to relocate the scent. Each
dog is allowed a minimum of ten minutes to search out the duck, unless it completes the task in less time. No retrieve of the duck is required. If the opportunity for a retrieve occurs,
such as the duck being caught or shot, the retrieve must be successfully completed.
| On October 12, 2008 Jaika ran in a Utility Test at the Heartland NAVHDA Chapter in Thurman, Iowa. Here we are at the beginning of the test. |
Before Jaika and I came to the water edge, a healthy pen-raised mallard was rendered flightless by pulling the primary feathers of one wing. One of the Judges tossed the duck
out down wind of the edge of the water. When the duck was well hidden, we were called up and Jaika was placed in position off-lead. The Judge showed me the direction to
shoot. Then Jaika was sent to find the simulation of a 'wounded duck'. She remained quietly at my side until commanded to 'get it'. After I shot one blank shot over the water
and sent Jaika. I then stood still, not making a noise and looked out over the pond watching Jaika search for the duck.
out down wind of the edge of the water. When the duck was well hidden, we were called up and Jaika was placed in position off-lead. The Judge showed me the direction to
shoot. Then Jaika was sent to find the simulation of a 'wounded duck'. She remained quietly at my side until commanded to 'get it'. After I shot one blank shot over the water
and sent Jaika. I then stood still, not making a noise and looked out over the pond watching Jaika search for the duck.
The test is concluded when the Judges have seen enough to render fair judgment as to whether or not the dog used its nose, desire, perseverance, intelligence and sense of
cooperation to the extent that under normal hunting conditions, the game would be brought to bag. It is emphasized that this is an exercise in searching and is not a chase. If the
duck is retrieved in too short of a time to make a proper judgment of the search, the handler will be asked to send the dog again without a shot being fired or another duck being
released. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
cooperation to the extent that under normal hunting conditions, the game would be brought to bag. It is emphasized that this is an exercise in searching and is not a chase. If the
duck is retrieved in too short of a time to make a proper judgment of the search, the handler will be asked to send the dog again without a shot being fired or another duck being
released. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Walking at Heel
Heeling is a test of practical obedience. It is useful when hunting and also in situations not related to hunting. It must be remembered that the versatile hunting dog is also a
household companion. Any good versatile hunting dog should be able to follow his master at heel, on or off lead. The heeling course was conducted with white PCV stakes.
Heeling is a test of practical obedience. It is useful when hunting and also in situations not related to hunting. It must be remembered that the versatile hunting dog is also a
household companion. Any good versatile hunting dog should be able to follow his master at heel, on or off lead. The heeling course was conducted with white PCV stakes.
A course was set up in a zigzag style using 10 pair stakes. They were placed about 36 inches apart, in a manner that allowed comfortable passage for Jaika and I. The course lead
to the blind on the shore of the lake where the remainder of the water tests were conducted. Jaika walked on lead that was loose. Voice or other commands given by me as we
proceeded along the path, and excessive pulling of the lead by either of us would have lowed the heeling score. I had to carry an unloaded break open gun. The dog that walks
beside the handler, off lead or on a loose lead, misses no trees, or stakes, and requires no command receives the highest score. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four.
to the blind on the shore of the lake where the remainder of the water tests were conducted. Jaika walked on lead that was loose. Voice or other commands given by me as we
proceeded along the path, and excessive pulling of the lead by either of us would have lowed the heeling score. I had to carry an unloaded break open gun. The dog that walks
beside the handler, off lead or on a loose lead, misses no trees, or stakes, and requires no command receives the highest score. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four.
Remaining by Blind
This portion is a test of obedience, control and calmness in the presence of gunfire when the handler is not within the dog's view. A blind is placed at water's edge near the end of
the heeling course. A rig of 6-10 decoys is set out in front of the blind. When we arrived at the blind, I positioned Jaika near the blind and told her to whoa (stay). I then walked to
a place behind a hill where Jaika could not see me and fired two blank shotgun rounds at an interval of approximately 10 seconds.
This portion is a test of obedience, control and calmness in the presence of gunfire when the handler is not within the dog's view. A blind is placed at water's edge near the end of
the heeling course. A rig of 6-10 decoys is set out in front of the blind. When we arrived at the blind, I positioned Jaika near the blind and told her to whoa (stay). I then walked to
a place behind a hill where Jaika could not see me and fired two blank shotgun rounds at an interval of approximately 10 seconds.
A dog under complete control will remain quietly at the blind awaiting the return of the handler. A dog that stays quietly in the blind with only minor changes in position should not be
penalized. A dog that takes only a few steps away from the original position on, but remains in the immediate vicinity of the blind may receive a Prize I score, but not the maximum
score. One that completely abandons the blind for any reason is deemed unsatisfactory. Whining or barking are to be penalized. This test is completed when the handler returns to
the dog. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
penalized. A dog that takes only a few steps away from the original position on, but remains in the immediate vicinity of the blind may receive a Prize I score, but not the maximum
score. One that completely abandons the blind for any reason is deemed unsatisfactory. Whining or barking are to be penalized. This test is completed when the handler returns to
the dog. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Steadiness by the Blind
This is a test of the dog's reliability in the presence of game while in the exciting atmosphere of repeated gun fire.
To begin the test, I entered the blind, leaving Jaika right outside the blind. Two assistants are required, one a "gunner" stationed out of sight to either the right or left of the blind,
and the other a "thrower" hidden in such a position that he can throw a dead duck high in the air so that it lands beyond the decoys in open water approximately 50 yards from the
blind. The thrower and gunner must be well separated. At a signal from a designated Judge, the gunner fires one shot. The handler will fire one shot. On signal, the gunner fires a
second shot. Next the judge will signal the thrower to launch the dead duck. When the duck is in the air, the handler, without prompting, fires his second shot to simulate shooting
the bird. In summary, the firing sequence is: (1) Gunner- (2) Handler- (3) Gunner- (4) Handler (the last simultaneously with the appearance of the duck). Blank shotgun ammunition
is mandatory.
There should be a distinct time interval between the fall of the bird and the handler's command to fetch, but no specific time is prescribed, and the Judges will not signal the handler
to send his dog. The highest ratings are awarded when both dog and handler are silent and the dog remains at the blind until commanded to fetch. A dog requiring many
reprimands, or one that leaves the blind, or whines and barks will be severely penalized. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
This is a test of the dog's reliability in the presence of game while in the exciting atmosphere of repeated gun fire.
To begin the test, I entered the blind, leaving Jaika right outside the blind. Two assistants are required, one a "gunner" stationed out of sight to either the right or left of the blind,
and the other a "thrower" hidden in such a position that he can throw a dead duck high in the air so that it lands beyond the decoys in open water approximately 50 yards from the
blind. The thrower and gunner must be well separated. At a signal from a designated Judge, the gunner fires one shot. The handler will fire one shot. On signal, the gunner fires a
second shot. Next the judge will signal the thrower to launch the dead duck. When the duck is in the air, the handler, without prompting, fires his second shot to simulate shooting
the bird. In summary, the firing sequence is: (1) Gunner- (2) Handler- (3) Gunner- (4) Handler (the last simultaneously with the appearance of the duck). Blank shotgun ammunition
is mandatory.
There should be a distinct time interval between the fall of the bird and the handler's command to fetch, but no specific time is prescribed, and the Judges will not signal the handler
to send his dog. The highest ratings are awarded when both dog and handler are silent and the dog remains at the blind until commanded to fetch. A dog requiring many
reprimands, or one that leaves the blind, or whines and barks will be severely penalized. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Retrieve of Duck
The place of entry may be a short distance on either side of the blind. A dog that leaps into the water will not be scored any higher than one with a deliberate entry that is also bold
and unhesitating. The dog should swim around or through the decoys without paying undue attention to them. The Jaika picked up the duck without hesitation and return it to me
without delay using a water route.
The place of entry may be a short distance on either side of the blind. A dog that leaps into the water will not be scored any higher than one with a deliberate entry that is also bold
and unhesitating. The dog should swim around or through the decoys without paying undue attention to them. The Jaika picked up the duck without hesitation and return it to me
without delay using a water route.
Because releasing the duck during the retrieve could invite the escape of a cripple, the dog should not drop the duck while en route to the handler, unless it is obvious that the
hold is so insecure as to seriously impede the retrieve. In this case, the dog is permitted to put the game down in order to secure a better hold, provided it does so quickly, without
loss of control and then immediately continues the retrieve. Putting the game down merely to play or tussle with it must not be confused with an intelligent effort to improve a
tenuous hold. Shaking upon emerging from the water should not be penalized unless the game is dropped in the process. Upon arrival at the handler's position, the dog should sit
or stand quietly close to the handler until commanded to release the duck to hand. Anticipating this command or dropping the game must be penalized. A dog that willfully mutilates
the bird as to render it unfit for the table, cannot receive any prize. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
hold is so insecure as to seriously impede the retrieve. In this case, the dog is permitted to put the game down in order to secure a better hold, provided it does so quickly, without
loss of control and then immediately continues the retrieve. Putting the game down merely to play or tussle with it must not be confused with an intelligent effort to improve a
tenuous hold. Shaking upon emerging from the water should not be penalized unless the game is dropped in the process. Upon arrival at the handler's position, the dog should sit
or stand quietly close to the handler until commanded to release the duck to hand. Anticipating this command or dropping the game must be penalized. A dog that willfully mutilates
the bird as to render it unfit for the table, cannot receive any prize. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
| One is the Water Group that consists of: * Search for a Duck, * Walking at Heel, * Remaining by Blind, * Steadiness by Blind and * Retrieve of a Duck. |
| The other is the Field Group that consists of: * Field Search, * Pointing, * Steadiness on Game, * Retrieve of Shot Bird, and * Retrieve of Dragged Game. |
Judgment of Physical Attributes
The Judges examined Jaika's physical attributes after the retrieve of duck in order to take advantage of the wet coat. They first checked her eyes, bite, teeth and finally coat. All
checked out to be correct.
The Judges examined Jaika's physical attributes after the retrieve of duck in order to take advantage of the wet coat. They first checked her eyes, bite, teeth and finally coat. All
checked out to be correct.
The Field Group
Search
Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 30 minutes over varied terrain known to contain game. During the search, the handler will carry an unloaded, break-open shotgun. On flushed
birds, the handler will swing the gun as if shooting the bird. Quail and chukars were used for each dog. Two experienced gunners were required during the search and they did a
great job shooting all birds except one. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Search
Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 30 minutes over varied terrain known to contain game. During the search, the handler will carry an unloaded, break-open shotgun. On flushed
birds, the handler will swing the gun as if shooting the bird. Quail and chukars were used for each dog. Two experienced gunners were required during the search and they did a
great job shooting all birds except one. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Retrieve of Dragged Game
The utility dog should be a reliable retriever of game under all hunting conditions. Since such situations cannot be exactly simulated in a test, the drag track has proven to be a
most satisfactory test of the versatile dog’s retrieving ability. The drag is purely a mechanical means to get the dog from point A to point B, i.e. from the start of the drag to the
end where the dragged dead game is left, and where the dog should find it away from any influence of the handler with the feeling of being “all on its own” with no help, no praise,
no pressure. The drag is man made, and through training can be taught to any dog. It is strictly a retrieving test and demonstrates only the dog’s cooperation and obedience.
The dog must display its willingness to find and retrieve game without the direct influence of his handler. Since the scent of the dragged dead game and the foot scent of the
person dragging the game is abundantly present, it is not a test for the quality of a dog’s nose. The drag track should be between 100 and 200 yards depending on the terrain
with one bend (not a sharp hook) near the center of the course. The first part of the drag should be over fairly open cover so the dog’s attitude and actions can be observed.
The balance of the track should be out of sight of the handler. This is important since some dogs, when they feel they are out of sight, abandon the search or mishandle or bury
the game.
The utility dog should be a reliable retriever of game under all hunting conditions. Since such situations cannot be exactly simulated in a test, the drag track has proven to be a
most satisfactory test of the versatile dog’s retrieving ability. The drag is purely a mechanical means to get the dog from point A to point B, i.e. from the start of the drag to the
end where the dragged dead game is left, and where the dog should find it away from any influence of the handler with the feeling of being “all on its own” with no help, no praise,
no pressure. The drag is man made, and through training can be taught to any dog. It is strictly a retrieving test and demonstrates only the dog’s cooperation and obedience.
The dog must display its willingness to find and retrieve game without the direct influence of his handler. Since the scent of the dragged dead game and the foot scent of the
person dragging the game is abundantly present, it is not a test for the quality of a dog’s nose. The drag track should be between 100 and 200 yards depending on the terrain
with one bend (not a sharp hook) near the center of the course. The first part of the drag should be over fairly open cover so the dog’s attitude and actions can be observed.
The balance of the track should be out of sight of the handler. This is important since some dogs, when they feel they are out of sight, abandon the search or mishandle or bury
the game.
Pointing
Judgment of pointing begins when a convincing point is established. Judgment of pointing ends when the dog is aware of the presence of the handler. Pointing is not part of
steadiness; however, it is the beginning of the sequence. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Steadiness on Game
Of utmost importance is the fact that well executed steadiness gives the hunter the opportunity to concentrate on safe and skillful handling of the gun. The highest score in
steadiness can only be awarded when quiet, confident and sportsmanlike team work between handler and dog is displayed during most of the bird contacts. The more this type of
team work is lacking, the lower the score must be. No fast rules can be given. Of primary importance in judging steadiness is an evaluation of the dog in the context of the
hunting situation. For example, if the bird is missed by the gunner, the dog should remain steady until commanded to continue the search. A dog that takes three or four steps
when the gun is fired should not be penalized, particularly when the dog’s view of the falling game is obstructed. Jaika scored a three (3) since she chased a bird that was missed.
Judgment of pointing begins when a convincing point is established. Judgment of pointing ends when the dog is aware of the presence of the handler. Pointing is not part of
steadiness; however, it is the beginning of the sequence. Jaika scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
Steadiness on Game
Of utmost importance is the fact that well executed steadiness gives the hunter the opportunity to concentrate on safe and skillful handling of the gun. The highest score in
steadiness can only be awarded when quiet, confident and sportsmanlike team work between handler and dog is displayed during most of the bird contacts. The more this type of
team work is lacking, the lower the score must be. No fast rules can be given. Of primary importance in judging steadiness is an evaluation of the dog in the context of the
hunting situation. For example, if the bird is missed by the gunner, the dog should remain steady until commanded to continue the search. A dog that takes three or four steps
when the gun is fired should not be penalized, particularly when the dog’s view of the falling game is obstructed. Jaika scored a three (3) since she chased a bird that was missed.
Retrieve of Shot Bird
A good versatile hunting dog will accomplish the retrieve quickly, happily and eagerly. On command, the dog should go quickly to the fallen bird, pick it up, return directly to the
handler and then wait calmly until told to release the bird to hand. The dog should hold the bird gently, but firmly, with a balanced grip. Unduly damaging the bird during the retrieve
may be faulted. A dog that so willfully mutilates the bird as to render it unfit for the table, cannot receive a prize. The Judges may examine retrieved birds and determine whether
any significant damage was the result of shot or mishandling by the dog. Jaika did a fine job and scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
A good versatile hunting dog will accomplish the retrieve quickly, happily and eagerly. On command, the dog should go quickly to the fallen bird, pick it up, return directly to the
handler and then wait calmly until told to release the bird to hand. The dog should hold the bird gently, but firmly, with a balanced grip. Unduly damaging the bird during the retrieve
may be faulted. A dog that so willfully mutilates the bird as to render it unfit for the table, cannot receive a prize. The Judges may examine retrieved birds and determine whether
any significant damage was the result of shot or mishandling by the dog. Jaika did a fine job and scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
The game used is dispatched and cold. The start of the drag was easily be marked with some feathers and the game was deposited at the exact end of the drag in cover, but not in
a hole or depression. The Judge who made the drag continued walking in the same direction and conceal herself I5 to 20 yards (depending on the density of the cover or terrain)
from the game on the downwind side to observe the dog's actions when it arrives at the game. When this Judge is concealed, she signaled her colleagues to start the test.
As I brought Jaika up on a lead I commanded "Track, track, track", and the Judge pointed out the start of this drag. I showed Jaika the start of the drag and commanded her to
"fetch" the duck. At this point, Jaika on her own and with no further signals tracked and retrieved the duck.
The manner in which the dog works the drag matters little. This can vary widely with the weather, experience, and temperature. If there is a side wind the dog may run the drag on
the down-wind side. Some dogs work with head high, others with the nose touching the ground. A dog performs well when it finds the game quickly, picks it up, and returns eagerly
to the handler. The dog should sit or stand close to the handler and hold the bird until the handler takes it. The dog who fails to retrieve even though he has worked the drag track
well does not receive a qualifying score. The dog cannot qualify for a Prize if it willfully mutilates the game. Jaika did a fine job and scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
a hole or depression. The Judge who made the drag continued walking in the same direction and conceal herself I5 to 20 yards (depending on the density of the cover or terrain)
from the game on the downwind side to observe the dog's actions when it arrives at the game. When this Judge is concealed, she signaled her colleagues to start the test.
As I brought Jaika up on a lead I commanded "Track, track, track", and the Judge pointed out the start of this drag. I showed Jaika the start of the drag and commanded her to
"fetch" the duck. At this point, Jaika on her own and with no further signals tracked and retrieved the duck.
The manner in which the dog works the drag matters little. This can vary widely with the weather, experience, and temperature. If there is a side wind the dog may run the drag on
the down-wind side. Some dogs work with head high, others with the nose touching the ground. A dog performs well when it finds the game quickly, picks it up, and returns eagerly
to the handler. The dog should sit or stand close to the handler and hold the bird until the handler takes it. The dog who fails to retrieve even though he has worked the drag track
well does not receive a qualifying score. The dog cannot qualify for a Prize if it willfully mutilates the game. Jaika did a fine job and scored a maximum number which was a four (4).
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2008 NAVHDA Utility Test
| Loose's Jaika 2008 NAVHDA Utility Test / Prize I, 198 points |