photo of pointing dog

Events


We have several Training Clinics throughout the training season and generally one indoor clinic in winter. We have two Test Weekends each year. In addition, NAVHDA International hosts an annual fall Invitational for dogs and handlers who earn a Prize I in the Utility test.
Training | Testing | Calendar

 

Training Clinics


We have several Training Clinics throughout the spring and summer and generally one indoor clinic in winter. If you are new to dog training or NAVHDA, we welcome you to visit any of the training clinics throughout the year. Families are welcome.

Our clinics are designed to help handlers and dogs, from novice to advanced, and are a great way to learn all the aspects that go into owning and training a versatile hunting dog. If you are thinking about getting a versatile breed, clinics are an opportunity to see the different breeds and chat with owners and breeders before you decide. We have many talented and experienced dog trainers and handlers who volunteer to help you learn how to train your own dog through activities that target skills your dog needs to become a successful versatile hunter, whether or not you plan to test in the NAVHDA program. We also encourage all handlers, novice through advanced, to lend a hand at each clinic – it’s a great way to learn more and to interact with the many great members of our chapter.

TESTING


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.

 

Find Us


Directions via Google Maps

Our address is 1014 Village Road, Smithfield, ME 04978 Google Maps


NAVHDA International


We are a Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. You must be a member of NAVHDA to be a member of our Chapter. For more information on NAVHDA, click HERE.

link to NAVHDA International


 

Our Sponsors


We Encourage You to Support Our Sponsors


link to NAVHDA International

Logo for Garmin.
Logo for Franklin Savings Bank.

Logo for Pheasants Forever.
Logo for Ruffed Grouse Society.

Logo for Purina.

Logo for Ugly Dog Hunting.