Texas NAVHDA Training Programs

Monthly Training

Texas NAVHDA organizes training programs for its members, typically once per month from March through September, on private lands throughout the north-central Texas region. Training times vary throughout the year, depending on the heat.

These training programs offer novice handlers the opportunity to work with and train their versatile hunting dogs, while experienced handlers can share their knowledge and expertise with others. Additionally, training days provide everyone the chance to learn how to evaluate their versatile hunting dogs against the NAVHDA International standard.

Learn to Train Your Dog

The goal of our training program is to help each Texas NAVHDA member learn how to train their versatile hunting dog. Training programs are organized by the Director of Training and run by Texas NAVHDA members, not professional trainers. While other members will not train your dog for you, they will share a wealth of knowledge and their experiences with you.

Texas NAVHDA’s emphasis is on training you. Our training programs focus on equipping owners / handlers with the skills necessary to work with their dogs independently and achieve their desired level of success within the NAVHDA Testing System. The best way to learn is by getting involved—whether by following behind in the field, planting birds, or assisting wherever needed.

What to Expect at a Training Program

Want to train with fellow Texas NAVHDA members?

Texas NAVHDA members work together on various activities in the field and water, including:

Obedience
Searching
Pointing
Steadiness
Tracking
Land and/or water retrieving
Heeling

What to Bring

The following are the minimum required items for a training program:

Water for you and your dog
Blaze orange clothing (hat and vest) is required for all participants
Leash/lead
Stake or kennel to secure your dog when not in the field
Appropriate footwear for both the field and water

Training Program Participation Guidelines
for Non-Members of Texas NAVHDA

Texas NAVHDA training programs are exclusive to Texas NAVHDA members. Individuals who are members of NAVHDA International but not Texas NAVHDA may attend training sessions for a fee of $30.00, which does not include training birds.

Those interested in joining both NAVHDA International and Texas NAVHDA may attend one training day free of charge prior to becoming a chapter member. However, these individuals are not permitted to bring a versatile hunting dog. Non-members must bring a signed waiver to participate.

Visit the Events page to view our current schedule of training programs and tests.

Types of Training Programs

Training Days

The most common training program within Texas NAVHDA is Training Days. These sessions are organized by the Director of Training and led by Texas NAVHDA members. Training Days typically take place on Saturdays, beginning in March and ending in September. They are informative, enjoyable, and offer an excellent opportunity to connect with other Texas NAVHDA members. Handlers collaborate on a variety of exercises designed to maximize the potential of their versatile hunting dogs.

Mock Test Training Days

Mock Tests are held twice per year and are open only to Texas NAVHDA members who are competing in the upcoming test. During these training programs, members and their versatile hunting dogs will complete all sequences included in a NAVHDA International Test as preparation for the upcoming test. If applicable, a Judge or Apprentice Judge, or senior Texas NAVHDA member will evaluate the dogs and offer feedback to handlers on areas that need improvement in preparation for the test.

Training Seminars

At least once per year, Texas NAVHDA hosts a professional trainer to conduct a seminar that will have a lasting impact on Texas NAVHDA’s training programs. These seminars typically feature an established professional trainer from outside the region. Trainers guide handlers in enhancing their dog training skills and effectively overcoming training challenges. This type of training program offers Texas NAVHDA members the opportunity to participate in practical, hands-on sessions and demonstrations with their versatile hunting dogs. Members gain valuable insights they need to better train their dogs for testing in the NAVHDA system and, ultimately, upland and waterfowl hunting.

Aims & Rules Clinic

Periodically, Texas NAVHDA will host an Aims & Rules Clinic. This training program is an educational tool developed by NAVHDA International and helps Texas NAVHDA members understand the NAVHDA testing system. The clinics are conducted by designated NAVHDA Senior Judges and Clinic Leaders. The clinic covers a variety of topics over two days, including informal classroom style instruction on the NAVHDA philosophy, test mechanics, and the scoring system for each test.