Who are we?

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

The local Southern Tier of New York Chapter is now in its 20th year of existence, and encourages area hunters and versatile hunting dog enthusiasts to join us in training and testing our canine companions.

Fill out and mail in your Membership Application today! (in pdf format, see Newletters for link to Acrobat Reader)

NAVHDA Tests

The Southern Tier of New York Chapter usually holds two tests per year. One test is held in the spring and one in the fall (Schedule). Dogs are evaluated in both field work and water work. In a NAVHDA test, all dogs are competing against a theoretical standard, not against one another. It is possible for all dogs in a test to receive a top score.

Three levels of NAVHDA tests are held locally. The Natural Ability Test is intended to demonstrate the inherent abilities of the young dog. The intermediate Utility Prepatory Test is for more advanced dogs, midway through their training, and the Utility Test challenges the finished field performer. Dogs receiving a Prize 1 in the Utility test are invited to the NAVHDA Invitational, a national event held every two years.

Southern Tier of New York Chapter NAVHDA test fees are:

  Test entry forms are available from the NAVHDA web page, which also includes other official NAVHDA forms . The entry form should be sent to the Test Secretary (address listed under Contacts). Our tests tend to fill early; please contact the Test Secretary prior to submitting the entry form to verify space is available.

Check the NAVHDA web page for details on NAVHDA tests.

Training Days (Schedule)

The Southern Tier of New York Chapter holds formal Training Days about once a month, on Sundays starting at 8:00 or 9:00 and running until finished. Training Day locations will vary; get in touch with any of the chapter contacts for additional information or check the events schedule for time and location.

Chapter members generally own one of the versatile breeds, but all breeds are welcome. The chapter often makes quail, pigeons or ducks available for use in training, and our members have a large variety of equipment they're willing to share. A typical training day will find several members working with quail or pigeons on pointing and steadiness, while others will engage in water work with dummies or ducks.

Come join us at a training day to see what NAVHDA is all about. Spend some time with people who have experience with versatile hunting dog training and with NAVHDA testing and philosophy.