Events: Testing

Tests as measurements

The NAVHDA system tests dogs at various levels of maturity and development. Testing reflects actual hunting conditions and situations in the fields and at the water and each dog is evaluated individually against a standard by a team of three judges. This is different from other types of breed tests where dogs might compete against each other. The NAVHDA system offers four levels of testing, three of which are offered at Sebasticook Chapter:

• Natural Ability Test (NA) evaluates the inherent hunting abilities of young dogs. Test components rate dogs regarding use of nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire, and cooperation. Only dogs 16 months or younger on the day of the test are eligible to run. Dogs over 16 months may run as space allows for an evaluation only with no prize awarded.
• Utility Preparatory Test (UPT) evaluates dogs more advanced in their training. Among other elements, test components rate dogs on their steadiness in the field and their diligence in water searches.
• Utility Test (UT) examines trained dogs as finished versatile hunters. Test components rate dogs on steadiness before and after the shot, the retrieve, and all aspects of the water search.
• The Invitational Test (IT) is the highest NAVHDA testing level and is only offered once per year at one central test location in the US. It is by invitation only. Dogs that achieve a Prize I Utility score are invited to the Invitational the following year.

  For more information on NAVHDA testing, see the NAVHDA Aims, Programs and Testing booklet.

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  Test Entry Process

  Test Fees:

  • Natural Ability Test: $130  by check  ($135 if paid online)
  • Utility Preparatory Test: $150 by check ($156 if paid online)
  • Utility Test: $150 by check ($156 if paid online)

  Test Entry:

  We encourage members to use your NAVHDA portal for the entry form. If you haven't yet created your portal, you'll find it to be an easy way to keep track of your dogs and your membership information. Your portal will autofill your information, including your dogs registered with NAVHDA. Completing this form, which is automatically emailed to our Test Secretary, is one part of the process. Your entry will not be complete until payment has been received. Once both the form and the payment are received by the Test Secretary, your entry is complete and recorded in order. That order makes a difference in determining what dogs fill what available slots and which may need to be on a wait list.

  If you prefer to mail the form, you may fill it out and print at your portal or, if you do not wish to use your portal, by filling out the NAVHDA ENTRY FORM, printing it and mailing it with your check to the address below.

  Payment:

  • By check via USPS. Checks should be made payable to Sebasticook Chapter of NAVHDA. Mail with your printed form to the address below:

  Marie Wade
  Sebasticook Chapter Test Secretary
  115 Elm Street
  Farmington, Maine 04938

  • Online via credit card or PayPal HERE. (Please be aware that online transactions incur an additional service fee.)

  Early Bird Entry:

  Chapter members who have paid their dues for both the Chapter and NAVHDA International are eligible for early submission, January 15. Entry submission opens to those outside the Chapter is February 1st. Test entries are first-come, first-served until the tests are full. A wait list is kept after that.
  

  Questions?

  Please call or email Test Secretary Marie Wade with any questions or concerns regarding the test. You may reach her at (207) 491-5797 or email uplandhuntress@myfairpoint.net prior to test day; or at (207) 491-5797 on test day. Marie will notify you upon receipt of your entry form that you have been placed on the running order or, if the test is full, the waiting list.

  Cancellations and Refunds

  If you pull your dog from any test, the Sebasticook Chapter of NAVHDA Test Secretary must be notified by email at uplandhuntress@myfairpoint.net. Your entry fee, minus any online charge, will only be refunded for the following reasons:

  • A medical condition arises for either the dog or the handler which must be documented by a Doctor’s or a Veterinarian’s note
  • You are on the waiting list and no openings occurred to permit you to test your dog
  • NO REFUNDS for any other reason. If you are on the waiting list and offered a slot in the test and you decline that offer, you WILL NOT receive a refund. If you have entered more than one test and pull from a subsequent test, you WILL NOT receive a refund.