2025 Test Dates:
- Spring Test: TBD
- Summer Test: TBD
Tests
We encourage handlers to try testing. It gives you a standard to measure your dog’s progress. provides structure and an outline of goals to work toward in your training, all of which will result in a more reliable hunting companion. The Sebasticook Chapter hosts two NAVHDA-sponsored testing sessions each year – a spring test generally held in early June; and a summer test in August. 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.
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 invitation only. Dogs that achieve a Prize I Utility score will be invited to the Invitational the following calendar year.