Big Muddy NAVHDA

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to foster, improve, promote and protect the versatile hunting dog in North America; to conserve game by using well trained reliable huntings before and after the shot; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging non selective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.

As the areas of open hunting space decline and contunued urbanization precludes multiple specialty dog ownership, hunters are more frequently looking for the single dog that can do an efficient job both before and after the shot on any game the hunter wants to bag whether it be feather or fur. Additionally, they want intelligent hunting companions that are relatively easty to train which possess: a keen nose with strong pointing instinct, a pleasant temperament, stamina, and a durable coat and hide which does not hamper their work in cold water. Finally, they must have a character compatible with living within or at their masters' homes.

The organization's first goal is the presentation of a philosophy of training and training techniques which will enable the innovative hunter/trainer to overcome potential training pitfalls and develop a truly versatile and enjoyable hunting companion. Secondly, is to assemble and pass along information on the care of the versatile dog both at home and in the field. Any hunting companion responds better to training and works more efficiently in the field if it receives proper care, feeding, housing and grooming.

The Big Muddy Chapter of NAVHDA regularly holds training sessions and testing events in both Kansas and Missouri. These events are open to both members and the public. Learn first hand the various steps involved in training the versatile hunting dog. NAVHDA training includes: pointing, steadiness to wing, shot and fall; retrieval to hand from land or water; game tracking; gun sensitivity control; heeling; and backing or honoring another dog's point.

Interested individuals can complete and mail in their Membership Application today or for more information feel free to contact us by e-mail. (Membership form in PDF and requires Adobe Reader; if you don't have this free reader and want to download it, click on the icon. Simple steps to download will open in a new window.)

Each spring the roles of NAVHDA are filled with eager new members some with their first dog, some are old hands at training. A number of these new members are only there because the breeder told them to join or to get advice on training their dog, never to be seen again. That’s how I started; I never planned on testing my dog, becoming the President of the Big Muddy, or even a Judge. Some will make NAVHDA their life long hobby, others will not.

At the heart and soul of NAVHDA is the local chapter it’s our job as representatives of NAVHDA to welcome each new member into the family. New members are an opportunity to grow the organization at the local and national level, opportunities to help someone train the best hunting dog of their life. There is something special about having a dog you can be proud of and one that you trained yourself. NAVHDA is unique in the dog world there is no other organization that is so open, with members ready and willing to help you and your dog. Training days provide access to training fields, birds and equipment that a new member might not have access to. They are a place to interact with members; learn new skills, discuss training issues and solve training problems together. Your dog will not master the skills it needs to pass a test or become a good hunter without practice. Most chapters only have one training day a month not enough to build the foundation you need. Use the training day to learn the skills you need master a skill and practice with your dog until the next training day. If you’re coming to your first training day call the clubs Director of Training to discuss your training goals and understand the clubs etiquette.

Some General rules;

Keep your dog under control, leash, stakeout, or create are all acceptable.

Order your birds early.

Order plenty of birds, Bird dogs need birds.

Ask questions.

Get involved

Join the local chapter.

General Natural Ability (NA) Training Equipment;

Bird Bag

Blank Gun

Check Cord

Bumpers

Time

If training is the key stone of a sound bird dog testing is the cap stone. Testing validates your skills and hard consistent work with your dog. Tests are my favorite NAVDHA activity. I get to meet new people travel to new places. Tests are an all day family affairs. Activities generally start at 8 am and continue through early afternoon. The test ends with the reading of the scores and an opportunity for handlers to ask questions. Usually there’s a home cooked meal for lunch and a no-host dinner, if you know me I don’t look like I have skipped to many meals.

NAVHDA is about you and your dog working together to become the best hunting team possible. A dog can make or break your hunting experience NAVHDA is here to bring amateur trainers together to share resources and knowledge to train better hunting partner. Whether your a weekend hunter or have caught the testing bug and can't wait to show your stuff at the Invitational we can work together to meet your goals.

I look forward to see you at training days next year.
Lonnie Beverlin,
Big Muddy Chapter President
NAVHDA judge