What is NAVHDA? And what is the difference between NAVHDA International and Central Dakota NAVHDA?

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association 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.

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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.

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.

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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. Central Dakota Chapter is a sanctioned local chapter.  See the links to the right for more information about

NAVHDA International.

I don't know how to train a dog, will I be the only one who has never done it?

We have members at all levels, from beginners to members who compete with their dogs.  The members who are advanced trainers help those who have less experience.  That's the goal of our group.  To share knowledge and

experience with those who are interested in learning.

I don't want to compete with my dog, is this ok?

Absolutely!  Testing is a measure of the dog to assess natural abilities and more advanced skills.  And the test

measures the dog's ability according to a standard.  Dogs do not compete against each other, so

everyone could potentially win a prize. But if you don't have a need or desire to test your dog, you will still benefit

greatly by being a member of the chapter by having access to training grounds, experienced trainers, and training equipment.

I do want to run my dog in tests. What do I need to do?

To enter a dog in a test or to handle a dog for another owner, you need to register with  NAVHDA International, fill out a test entry form, and pay the testing fee to the chapter's test secretary. You do not need to be a chapter member to participate in a test, however, testing slots may fill up, and chapter members are given preference for the slots.

Members also have access to training grounds and other members who can help with test preparation.  Links to test information and the needed forms are in the links column to the right.