NATURAL ABILITY SEMINARS

MONTANA SHARPTAIL CHAPTER

The NAVHDA Natural Ability (NA) Test Seminar

What to expect and how to prepare.

NA test overview- 

-Purpose 

The 3 “Practical” parts of the NA Test: (not necessarily in this order)

1.)Field 

2.)Tracking 

3.)Water work 

Other:) Gun Sensitivity and Physical Attributes

-Scoring and Understanding the “Scoresheet” (Scoresheet Provided)

-What the judges are looking for 

-Why Test?

Conditioning and exposure - preparing for the test- Views and tips from those that have tested 

-When and how to start (Formal and Informal Training)

-Proper Gun Introduction

-Understanding “Cooperation” and developing a “Cooperative Dog”

-Building “Desire,” “Search” and “Use of Nose.”

-Field work 

-Tracking tips 

-Introduction to water 

-Handler prep and skills (when to “handle” your dog, and why “less can be more”.)

-Dog and Handler - Confidence in each other and development of a good “Field Relationship”

-Preparing for the “Physical Attributes” Portion of the Test

-The “Big Day” – What to expect on Test Day

-Resources to help you get ready