Details on testing with NAVHDA and the Keystone Chapter.
Test entries are taken on a first-come, first-served basis by the Test Secretary. Test entry applications must be completed in entirety and accompanied by the appropriate funds in order to be accepted by the Test Secretary (NO EXCEPTIONS).
The Keystone Chapter of NAVHDA sponsors at least two, and in some cases three, tests during the course of its training season. The first of these tests is generally held in mid-spring, while the second test is held in early fall. Dogs are evaluated in both field and water work. In NAVHDA tests, all dogs compete against a theoretical standard, not against one another. Utilizing three judges for each test, each dog that meets or exceeds minimum standards in all areas of work is placed in one of three categories: Prize I, II or III, Prize I being the highest classification. If all dogs entered in a NAVHDA test perform well, all can receive a prize.
While there are four levels of testing within the NAVHDA organization, only three occur at the chapter level. These three are called the Natural Ability Test (NA), Utility Preparatory Test (UPT), and the Utility Test (UT). The final test is called the Invitational, which not surprisingly requires an invitation to attend. This event is held once each year with its location changing annually.
The Natural Ability Test is intended to demonstrate the inherent abilities of the dog and is limited to dogs sixteen (16) months of age or less.
The Utility Preparatory Test is an intermediate test designed for more advanced dogs midway through their training.
The remaining local event, the Utility Test, is for the fully finished dog. Those dogs receiving a Prize I in the Utility Test, are invited to the NAVHDA Invitational.
It is at the Invitational that dogs have the opportunity to earn their Versatile Champion (VC) designation.
Click Here for details on our SPRING Test — Click Here for details on our FALL Test.