The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to foster, improve, promote and protect the versatile hunting dog in North America; to conserve game by using well trained reliable hunting dogs before and after the shot; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging non selective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.

As the areas of open hunting space decline and continued urbanization precludes multiple specialty dog ownership, hunters are more frequently looking for the single dog that can do an efficient job both before and after the shot on any game the hunter wants to bag whether it be feather or fur. Additionally, they want intelligent hunting companions that are relatively easy to train which possess: a keen nose with strong pointing instinct, a pleasant temperament, stamina, and a durable coat and hide which does not hamper their work in cold water. Finally, they must have a character compatible with living within or at their masters’ homes.

The organization’s first goal is the presentation of a philosophy of training and training techniques which will enable the innovative hunter/trainer to overcome potential training pitfalls and develop a truly versatile and enjoyable hunting companion. Secondly, is to assemble and pass along information on the care of the versatile dog both at home and in the field. Any hunting companion responds better to training and works more efficiently in the field if it receives proper care, feeding, housing, and grooming.

The RockTavern Chapter of NAVHDA, located in Orange County New York, regularly holds training trials and testing events. Learn first hand the various steps involved in training the versatile hunting dog. NAVHDA trials includes: pointing; steadiness to wing, shot, and fall; retrieval to hand from land or water; game tracking; gun sensitivity control; heeling; and backing or honoring another dog’s point.

Please contact any club officer with any questions you may have or visit the NAVHDA international site www.navhda.org