What kind of trials do you participate in and why do you like it? Which one is better for a foot hunter to compete in?
I have been trying to decide on NSTRA, NAVDA, AKC, or others. I'm still learning about all the different trials available so I'd like to get your opinions on them.
Thanks,
Addict
Trialing questions
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Addict
- Rank: Champion
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PAHunter
Addict,
I think it depends upon what you plan to train your dog to hunt ---strictly upland birds or if you want your dog to be versatile.
I recently became a member of the NAVHDA for several reasons
(For Versatile Foothunters!)
I'm a first time trainer and I want to learn as much as I can about training, and after doing alittle research I found that there was a chapter of NAVHDA near me so I contacted the director of training and he invited me to a training day as a guest.
I guess what sold me on this organization was the dedication to training, and teaching new members how to train. Now I have acess to a training ground where I can shoot banded birds year round, as well as all the technical support and advice that I need. The guys at my chapter will all get together and brainstorm solutions to training problems then create real hunting situations at the training grounds to help you eliminate the problems with your dog.
I like the testing as well because your testing against standards not other dogs. You'll be testing infront of several judges and spectators but its pretty low pressure. (More info on the tests can be found on the NAVHDA web page) I'm not in this for ribbons and awards -- to me its all about becoming a better trainer and passing on the knowledge to my dog.
Also the guys at my local chapter gave me great advice on where to find a breeder.
So I'd say to find out which organizations are close to you and go observe. I got lucky I have a local chapter of NAVHDA close to me.
Don't know as much about the others hope this helps on the NAVHDA info though.
:whdat:
Good Luck!
Josh
I think it depends upon what you plan to train your dog to hunt ---strictly upland birds or if you want your dog to be versatile.
I recently became a member of the NAVHDA for several reasons
(For Versatile Foothunters!)
I'm a first time trainer and I want to learn as much as I can about training, and after doing alittle research I found that there was a chapter of NAVHDA near me so I contacted the director of training and he invited me to a training day as a guest.
I guess what sold me on this organization was the dedication to training, and teaching new members how to train. Now I have acess to a training ground where I can shoot banded birds year round, as well as all the technical support and advice that I need. The guys at my chapter will all get together and brainstorm solutions to training problems then create real hunting situations at the training grounds to help you eliminate the problems with your dog.I like the testing as well because your testing against standards not other dogs. You'll be testing infront of several judges and spectators but its pretty low pressure. (More info on the tests can be found on the NAVHDA web page) I'm not in this for ribbons and awards -- to me its all about becoming a better trainer and passing on the knowledge to my dog.
Also the guys at my local chapter gave me great advice on where to find a breeder.
So I'd say to find out which organizations are close to you and go observe. I got lucky I have a local chapter of NAVHDA close to me.
Don't know as much about the others hope this helps on the NAVHDA info though.
:whdat: Good Luck!
Josh
Last edited by PAHunter on Fri Jul 15, 2005 12:28 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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kninebirddog
- GDF Premier Member!
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I like NSTRA there are more trials to enter one of the reason I chose it plus the better trained your dog is the better you will do scores and other things will reflect.
I have been to a couple of AKC trials...though they have some walking stakes you end up seeing most on horse back with the puppy being the only one where you really have to be on foot..from the informaiotn i gathered...Wasn't my cup of tea though I like watching
I haven't seen a NAVDHA trial as they seem to be very far and few between where i am at and it has been until recently the popularity has grown.....\
Since your starting out...
I would go and watch the trials and see for yourself which one you think YOU are going to like
I think any format which gets a person doing more with their dogs is great ...one format is NOT better then another just different and it is what makes YOU happy that you will enjoy doing that is the most important thing
I have been to a couple of AKC trials...though they have some walking stakes you end up seeing most on horse back with the puppy being the only one where you really have to be on foot..from the informaiotn i gathered...Wasn't my cup of tea though I like watching
I haven't seen a NAVDHA trial as they seem to be very far and few between where i am at and it has been until recently the popularity has grown.....\
Since your starting out...
I would go and watch the trials and see for yourself which one you think YOU are going to like
I think any format which gets a person doing more with their dogs is great ...one format is NOT better then another just different and it is what makes YOU happy that you will enjoy doing that is the most important thing
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"When I hear somebody talk about a horse or cow being stupid, I figure its a sure sign that the animal has outfoxed them." Tom Dorrance
If you feel like you are banging your head against the wall, try using the door.
"When I hear somebody talk about a horse or cow being stupid, I figure its a sure sign that the animal has outfoxed them." Tom Dorrance
If you feel like you are banging your head against the wall, try using the door.
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Dave Quindt
- Rank: 5X Champion
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Addict,
All the different formats are fun, and all have both good and bad aspects to them. None are perfect, and each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I've played NAVHDA, AKC hunt tests and AKC/AF field trials (both walking and horseback). I've not played NSTRA, but have seen a ton of it and have a number of friends who do.
IMO, the best place for someone new to start is the AKC Master Hunter program. Masters will set a definite goal for your training program, which is what most newbies lack.
Running in Masters will force you to learn how to read your dog, and how to handle the pressures of running under judgment without having to deal with the pressures of competition.
The best part is that finishing the MH title will result in a dog that's fully under control, and is better trained than almost any dog you'll encounter in the field.
A MH dog will also be in a perfect position to transition to any other of the dog games. Add the water work and some specific obedience, and the dog is ready for NAVHDA UT.
Most MHs can transition to NSTRA without and problem, and be competitive much quicker than the dog that "grows up" in NSTRA. With a little bit of additional training (and depending on the dog itself) you can often be competitive in AKC walking trials as well.
The one thing to keep in mind about the various games is the difference in the fundamental goals of the organizations. NAVHDA, NSTRA and AKC hunt tests are about testing/trialing the hunting dog. In those games, the goal is to set up the test/trial in a manner that attempts to reflect what the hunter would want in a dog.
Broke dog field trials (AKC and AF) have a different goal. There, the goal is to push the dogs (and the trainers) further, faster and harder than the average dog owner wants, because the goal is to not find the "best hunting dog" but to find the exceptional dogs that should be used for breeding the next generation of "great hunting dogs". Whether you agree with this theory or not is irrelevant, just keep in mind that these games are designed to for a different purpose.
JMO,
Dave
All the different formats are fun, and all have both good and bad aspects to them. None are perfect, and each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I've played NAVHDA, AKC hunt tests and AKC/AF field trials (both walking and horseback). I've not played NSTRA, but have seen a ton of it and have a number of friends who do.
IMO, the best place for someone new to start is the AKC Master Hunter program. Masters will set a definite goal for your training program, which is what most newbies lack.
Running in Masters will force you to learn how to read your dog, and how to handle the pressures of running under judgment without having to deal with the pressures of competition.
The best part is that finishing the MH title will result in a dog that's fully under control, and is better trained than almost any dog you'll encounter in the field.
A MH dog will also be in a perfect position to transition to any other of the dog games. Add the water work and some specific obedience, and the dog is ready for NAVHDA UT.
Most MHs can transition to NSTRA without and problem, and be competitive much quicker than the dog that "grows up" in NSTRA. With a little bit of additional training (and depending on the dog itself) you can often be competitive in AKC walking trials as well.
The one thing to keep in mind about the various games is the difference in the fundamental goals of the organizations. NAVHDA, NSTRA and AKC hunt tests are about testing/trialing the hunting dog. In those games, the goal is to set up the test/trial in a manner that attempts to reflect what the hunter would want in a dog.
Broke dog field trials (AKC and AF) have a different goal. There, the goal is to push the dogs (and the trainers) further, faster and harder than the average dog owner wants, because the goal is to not find the "best hunting dog" but to find the exceptional dogs that should be used for breeding the next generation of "great hunting dogs". Whether you agree with this theory or not is irrelevant, just keep in mind that these games are designed to for a different purpose.
JMO,
Dave
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ckfowler
- Rank: 2X Champion
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I volunteered to plant birds for the first SC UFTA trial as a fundraiser for the local QU. The second weekend, I planted one fay and ran the second, we sucked 
The one after that, we managed a 4th place and were hooked I moved back to Ohio and ended up on the board. I have run NSTRA and enjoy that as well. The level of training rquired for MH is more than I expect out of my dog. Steady to shot would be important if I guided but with just me usually, I want my dog catching pheasants as they fall 
I will work some on steady to wing for the NSTRA scores and to seperate better the times I want her to flush from ones I don't.
I much agree, any time out with your dog is good. Finding the venue that fits you best just makes it better!
The one after that, we managed a 4th place and were hooked I moved back to Ohio and ended up on the board. I have run NSTRA and enjoy that as well. The level of training rquired for MH is more than I expect out of my dog. Steady to shot would be important if I guided but with just me usually, I want my dog catching pheasants as they fall I will work some on steady to wing for the NSTRA scores and to seperate better the times I want her to flush from ones I don't.I much agree, any time out with your dog is good. Finding the venue that fits you best just makes it better!
Colin
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Mtnspaniel
I run my spaniels in AKC field trials, with flushing dogs they are on foot so thats not an issue. I like the pressure of competition, trying to be the best dog handler team, rather than just running against a standard. It forces me to push myself and my dogs to be better than we would be otherwise. I also enjoy the social part of being around other people who are interested in running dogs.
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Wagonmaster
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TAK
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Re: Trialing questions
read my lips! ALL OF THEM!Addict wrote:What kind of trials do you participate in and why do you like it? Which one is better for a foot hunter to compete in?
I have been trying to decide on NSTRA, NAVDA, AKC, or others. I'm still learning about all the different trials available so I'd like to get your opinions on them.
Thanks,
Addict
A tittle in any of them is worth being happy over!
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grant
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ViniferaVizslas
I'm runing my pup in Hunt Tests and NAVHDA. I feel the two are complementary. NAVHDA water work is a great way to use your training time on these hot summer days.
And your not "just" running your dog against a stanard . The standards are quite high as evidenced by the low numbers of dogs attaing the highest levels. This is not a criticism of FT. I'm just saying that you should be proud to create a class bird dog period. It doesn't have to be "proven" the "classiest" bird dog by being ranked in an order at the end of the day and tallied up in an accumulation of points. Then again, if your stimulated by freindly competition, FT or NASTRA may be the way to go.
Just have fun and let your dog have some too.
And your not "just" running your dog against a stanard . The standards are quite high as evidenced by the low numbers of dogs attaing the highest levels. This is not a criticism of FT. I'm just saying that you should be proud to create a class bird dog period. It doesn't have to be "proven" the "classiest" bird dog by being ranked in an order at the end of the day and tallied up in an accumulation of points. Then again, if your stimulated by freindly competition, FT or NASTRA may be the way to go.
Just have fun and let your dog have some too.