My husband and I ran our two red dogs in a NA test three or so years ago. It was our first(only) NAVHDA test, too. We hadn't watched any previous tests, so even though we read the rules, we weren't sure what to expect and made a few mistakes. For instance, didn't know you can't go "with" your dog when you put it on the trail. Seriously, how silly is that? When hunting, I always follow when my dog is on a runner. Why would I just "stand back there."
But the judges were great and explained everything as we went along and gave everyone a few chances to get it right. The trailing test was the funniest part, too. Robert had me and the judges laughing. On his third or fourth time, he finally did it right.
The people were nice and they sure had plenty of good food. Most(all?) of the participants hadn't seen a "red setter" before. So, we were a bit of a novelty. There were lots of GSPs. And, a few pointy dogs that I hadn't seen "in person" before. Very much fun despite the rainy weather. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of getting get back into the NAVHDA tests and try for the Utility. I think that's what the top level is called. My red guy LOVES ducks. I have no idea why, but he and his mother would swim until they got hyperthermia as long as there is a chance of a grabbing a live duck. They love ducks so much we've decided to take them duck hunting next year and leave our labs at home. The red guys (along with our young brittany) are always in the water before the labs.
Anyway, I'm deciding if I should go watch a UT test first or just enter and see how it goes using it as a learning experience. It won't be the first time I don't know what I'm doing.
