Southern New England : North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA)



ABOUT NAVHDA

The Southern New England Chapter

Established in 1992, the Southern New England Chapter was formed to offer individuals and families living in Southern New England easier access to training and testing opportunities. Prior to the chapter being formed, those folks wishing to network with other dog and hunting enthusiasts had to travel to Maine's Yankee Chapter. Our member's individual interests in the club vary from people looking to improve the hunting abilities of their dogs without testing, to those whose goal it is for their hunting partner to obtain the illusive and highly prized Versatile Champion.

We are a group of people who, working together, strive to achieve the best for you and your dog, no matter what level of experience or breed. Our common goal is for every member to broaden their experience and hunting pleasure through greater canine performance and increased camaraderie between man and dog.

Over the years, we have worked hard to increase not only the level of activity within our Chapter, but also the quality of these activities. Both novice and experienced handlers alike have benefited from our well-rounded chapter activities, training days, and events. These include testing opportunities in both Spring and Fall, as well as handler clinics, training seminars, and the effective use of electronic training aids, apprentice judge training, and sharing of training and veterinary health advice.

Our members have found that participation in training and testing events forms a unique bond between dog and owner, in which the mutual respect, admiration, and loyalty between you and your dog is cherished. There is nothing like seeing an animal you have worked with perform to the best of its abilities. If you own a versatile hunting dog, or are thinking of getting one, we seriously encourage all interested individuals to become active participants in our chapter. We have members throughout Southern New England who offer a wonderful support network for both novices and wily 'ol veterans alike.

The Southern New England Chapter regularly holds training sessions and testing events which are open to both members and the public. Learn first hand the various steps involved in training the versatile hunting dog. NAVHDA training 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.

So again, welcome! Come on in and explore our site further to learn more about the good folks and good times of the NAVHDA Southern New England Chapter. A chapter membership application (PDF) can be printed from this website and mailed to our attention. Additionally, simultaneous membership in NAVHDA's international organization is required, the benefits of which are presented at their respective website.

NAVHDA International

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.

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.

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.

WWW.NAVHDA.ORG