Who IS navhda iNTERNATIONAl
(from NAVHDA.org)
The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to foster, promote, and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds 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 nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.
Underlying these aims is the desire to serve the interests of game conservation, prevention of cruelty to animals, and the gun dog hunter by helping the hunter to train his dog to work before and after the shot, on land and in water.
NAVHDA is an excellent complement to the activities of sporting dog breed clubs and field trial organizations. It was created to supplement the activities of those clubs by providing a proven, standard method of evaluating the performance of all versatile hunting dogs, consistent with North American hunting practices, regardless of breed.
How is NAVHDA Organized
NAVHDA is organized on two levels.
The first level, NAVHDA International, operates under bylaws approved by its membership. These bylaws provide for officers elected by popular vote who, together with appointed directors, constitute an Executive Council charged with furnishing direction and guidance to NAVHDA programs.
The second level, local chapters of NAVHDA, are the “grass roots” organizations, which sponsor the training and testing programs. There are sanctioned chapters throughout the United States and Canada. The Texas Chapter of NAVHDA is one of many serving the interest at the local level.
WHAT DOES THE TEXAS CHAPTER OF NAVHDA DO
The Texas Chapter of NAVHDA brings the Aims of NAVHDA International to the local level. The Texas Chapter accomplishes this through many programs:
Training - The Texas Chapter hosts monthly training where members have the opportunity to build their skills and understanding to work with their dog to accomplish their individual testing and hunting goals.
Testing - The Texas Chapter of NAVHDA hosts bi-annual NAVHDA sanctioned tests in the North Texas area to allow NAVHDA members throughout the country to have their dog evaluated under the requirements of the Natural Ability, Utility Prep and Utility Test formats.
Aims and Rules Clinics - The Texas Chapter of NAVHDA periodically hosts a local Aims & Rules Clinic. This is an educational tool developed by NAVHDA to educate aspiring judges, handlers and other NAVHDA members. The clinic provides a comprehensive overview of the NAVHDA testing and scoring system. Clinic Leaders conduct classroom style training and lead and guide discussions in the field when evaluating a dog’s performance.