Testing Policies and Procedures
In accordance with NAVHDA’s sanctioned testing program, the Yellowstone Chapter offers three levels of testing aimed at assessing versatile hunting dogs in an environment that reflects actual hunting conditions. Each dog is individually reviewed in multiple field settings, by three judges, assessing the expression of important qualities of a versatile hunting dog.
Test Dates 2025
May 30 - June1: Natural Ability, Utility Prep, and Utility Test
August 29 - 31: Natural Ability, Utility Prep, and Utility Test
Yellowstone Chapter Members will gain exclusive registration rights to our tests for the first 2 weeks they are open. Once that 2-week time period has passed, you can find our tests listed here if they are open.
Requirement: Register your dog with NAVHDA Handlers wishing to test their dogs in any NAVHDA test must have their dog registered with NAVHDA International. Your Breeder should have started the process for you. Please contact them and/or refer to NAVHDA International for more information. Unregistered dogs will not be allowed to test.
Requirement: Owners and Handlers must be NAVHDA International Members All owners and the handler (if different from the owner) must be current members of NAVHDA International to test. This covers all handlers and our chapters with liability insurance and is a requirement of all present at testing events. Visiting guests are allowed to fill out a waiver form to attend and observe.
Why is membership important to you with regards to testing? If you plan to test your dog with our chapter, we highly recommend becoming a chapter member. Verified chapter members receive notification as to when tests will open for registration two weeks prior to test registration becoming available to all general NAVHDA International members. Tests almost always fill quickly and have waiting lists.
Test Entry Fees
Utility and Gun Dog Test
$250 - per dog for a non-working handler
$200 - per dog for handler that volunteers to work the event
Natural Ability Test
$250 - per dog for a non-working handler
$200 - per dog for handler that volunteers to work the event
Refund Policy
All fees for testing are non-refundable once submitted unless one of the two conditions are met:
1.) There is a waiting list for the test and a replacement dog is available to take the spot.
2.) If the dog is found medically unfit as documented by a note from a veterinarian.
Is Your Dog In Heat?
With respect to providing the most unbiased/unaffected testing environment for all participants, you must inform your test secretary and test coordinator if your dog may be, or was recently in-heat.
Your fellow test participants will greatly appreciate your consideration!
Why is this important?
The daily run order will be adjusted with dogs which are currently/or recently in-heat following all other dogs, especially males.
Additionally, you will need to park, camp, and air your dog well away from established groups and always, have your in-season dog on leash.
Finally, please be conscious of the wind. We want all dogs to have the highest opportunity at success and don't need the boys any more distracted.
Your test coordinator will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding appropriate camping, airing, pre-testing necessities you may have.
Additional Information
What to expect if you are waitlisted for a test. If a spot opens up, the Test Secretary will reach out via email to those waitlisted. We understand that you may have made other plans for testing or the test weekend. Please respond as quickly as possible, whether you want the spot or not, as we will need to reach out to the next person on our list. Generally, you will have less than 48 hours to respond before we move on to the next person on our list.
Test Day Overview: Information for First Time Handlers Test days are both exciting and sometimes can be overwhelming if you’ve never participated before. Test weekends are typically 2-3 days depending on the number of dogs that have been registered. However, you will be assigned to one particular day. Tests fill up fast so if you think you may want to participate get on the list as soon as possible. Fees are non-refundable 30 days or less from the test date. Come early. Typically you will be notified in advance what day your dog will run if the test goes for multiple days. Often the test secretary and the judges will have an early meeting to tell you the order your dog will run and give you instructions regarding how the test will be conducted. Pay close attention to running order and make sure that your dog is ready for their turn. Once your turn comes, you'll be assigned a judge to help you through the test. He/she will guide you through the various parts of the test, Don't be afraid to ask questions They are there to help. Make sure that you carry a lead and plenty of water for your dog. Summer test days get warm so having plenty of water is a must. Once your dog has completed an event, you'll be asked to put your dog on lead and leave the field. Do this as quickly and efficiently as possible. Dogs that are running all over the test grounds without discipline take time away from others. Try to be as considerate as possible. During the test you'll see the judges conferring often. This is normal. They'll often confer after your dog has run to give a score for that part of the test. At the end of the day the judges will meet in a separate area to tally the scores for the day. Once they've tallied the scores they'll bring all of the owners together to announce the scores for each dog. Be polite and encourage all of your fellow owners. Remember, this isn't a contest. it is a way to understand how well your dog is doing and support other members and their dogs.
All about the NAVHDA testing system: We provide an accurate, complete performance evaluation on each dog tested. Valid, meaningful tests for versatile hunting dogs must be conducted in an environment that reflects actual hunting conditions, and they must test the important qualities of a good versatile dog. Judges must be knowledgeable, consistent and objective, and all testing and evaluation should reflect the extent to which dogs are productive hunting companions. NAVHDA tests have been designed with these requirements in mind. In addition, our database provides an accurate, searchable, and complete performance evaluation on each dog tested.
Absolutely Read - Aims, Programs, & Test Rules This must read resource provides a reference guide for owners, handlers and judges of versatile hunting dogs in preparing for and participating in North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association tests.
NAVHDA Youth Programs NAVHDA encourages family participation in our organization. To that end, we are offering educational and testing opportunities for youth (under 19 year old).