We have several Training Clinics throughout the training season and generally one indoor clinic in winter.
Our clinics are designed to help handlers and dogs, from novice to advanced, and are a great way to learn all that goes into owning and training a versatile hunting dog. If you are thinking about getting a versatile breed, clinics offer an opportunity to see the different breeds in action and chat with owners and breeders before you decide. We have many talented and experienced members who volunteer to help you learn how to train your own dog. Activities target skills your dog needs to become a successful versatile hunter and great companion, whether or not you plan to test in the NAVHDA program. We encourage all handlers, novice through advanced, to lend a hand clinics. It’s a great way to learn more and interact with the others in our chapter.
Clinic Day
Participants must sign up and order training birds ahead of the clinic. (See bird order link below.)
Check in at the Versatile Place is 7:30 a.m. at which time we determine running order for the field and water sessions. We allow volunteer leaders to adjust this to fit their own dogs in when they can break from helping. Clinics officially start at 8 a.m. with introductions, announcements and deployment of the training teams by training level and training site (field or water). The clinics conclude only when all dogs have completed training for the day at both the water and field, usually mid to late afternoon.
Field: In the field session, dog/handler teams will be accompanied by the volunteer field trainer for work over birds. Dogs will be shot over depending upon age and training level. Only designated chapter members may serve as gunners at the clinics. Anyone accompanying a dog in the shooting field must be wearing an article of blaze orange.
While you wait your turn in the field or water, take advantage of other opportunities to train. Ask other handlers who are also waiting to help run drills with you and your dog. Throw marked retrieves, practice healing and the basic obedience commands, do table work, and run drags. The controlled chaos of a training clinic helps expose your dog to other dogs and to the test environment. We only ask that all dogs remain on a leash or long lead unless it is their turn to run in the field/water. While you wait, you can also take the opportunity to help out, see volunteering.
What to Bring
For your dog:
- Plenty of water. There is no running water so bring enough water for you and your dog for the day.
- Short lead and long line.
- Kennel crate or tie out stake. Dogs should not be tied to a vehicle.
- Tarp or other means for shade. The field site has no shade trees or shade pavilion.
- Other training gear you may want to use, such as bumpers, e-collar, etc.
For yourself:
- Lunch and snacks.The Chapter does not offer food at the clinics.
- Plenty of water or other beverages.
- Cold gear and/or rain gear. Clinics are held in rain or shine so be prepared.
- Good boots. Waterproof boots recommended.
- Sunscreen and bug spray.
- Folding chair.
