What to expect at the NA test

griffgirl · Post by **griffgirl** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:46 am

Hello everyone

Im just wondering what to expect at the NA test.My pup will be doing his in June.Hes 9 months old
He points well and will hold point.His tracking is good he just goes a little faster on a track I guess then what I want him to.Hes never bumped a bird.
Loves the water.....

The only thing I see is when we first set out to hunt hes a little nuts.It usually takes him about 10 minutes to settle down.Any suggestions on that.
Thanks in advance

Post by **pear** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:05 pm

griffgirl, What to expect at the NA test? .... Well based on what you described I'd say you can expect to do rather well. As to that "first 10 minutes", I'd take him off to the side in a field and let him hunt for about 20 minutes or so to take the edge off. Then when I released him in the field with the judges, I'd try not to over handle the dog, yet still keep charge of the dog. Remember part of the score will be based on handling and desire to please.... The more you handle the more expectation you create, just remember to keep a balance. Sounds like you have no problem with the water. As to the track? From my experience speed is not the factor. The test is for a "true track", not a straight-line dash. Trust me the judges and handlers releasing that bird will not allow the bird to do a straight line if they are acting in the manner required of them. So a true track has really nothing to do with the speed, fast or slow, it's accuracy, of the track to the point where the bird enters the cover. Once again based on your description you'll do fine. Now one final piece of advice and a question.... How does the pup do when all eyes are on him, how does he react to a crowd? I'd get a group of folks together and create that type of setting at least once, before the test. That is one of the best cases I can make for joining and participating in your local NAVHDA Chapter. Good Luck and oh yea one last requirement, you have to report back and let us know how it went or we might have to call out the "Sergeant of Arms".... Hey wait we need one of those first!!!!

griffgirl · Post by **griffgirl** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 2:37 pm

Pear

Thanks for letting me know about the track.
So glad its not a straight track.

If they do go back and forth or should I say more of a zig zag kinda thing then he will do good.Hes slow but sure that way.Had him out during Pheasant season and he had a couple of nice very long tracks.I'd say at least 80 yards.

As for people we have had him out hunting with other people and there dogs and usually he just minds his own business and hunts.If we are going for a walk then everyone and other dogs are his friend.So I hope he minds his manners there.We still have a couple of months before the test.
Thanks for all the info.....Shawn