TREBORWOLF DOGS in VERSATILE TESTING

In America, there has been an increased interest in testing the attributes of the versatile hunting dogs.Two organizations 

that we endorse are, the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) and the National Shoot To Retrieve

(NSTRA). These groups conduct trials which simulate actual hunting situations and each dog is graded against a standard. 

NSTRA is a competition trial and has classes in regards to amatuer and professional handlers. The NAVHDA dogs are judged 

in the category Natural Ability (NA) and must be under 16 months of age. They are evaluated on nose, search, waterlove,

pointing, tracking, hunting desire, and co-operation. A "perfect score" is 112 points. A dog which receives a prize is usually a 

worthwhile hunting partner. I personally, do not use field trials or testing results as a component for  dog breeding selection.

There are too many variables that can severely influence the results of these testings on any given day. I regard these Trials 

as a sport by which one can improve  a dog's hunting capacity. I recommend that a  puppy should enjoy it's freedom for the 

first 6 months of his life. I call this method  "hunting wild", which highly improves the pup's enthusiasm and drive. At 6 months 

of age, the pup should be enrolled in a local obedience course, where the pup and the handler learn about control. I support 

both these the field testing organizations, and regard participation, as a method to educate the amateur trainer and and

opportunity to improve his dog's hunting potential. 

Here is a list of our customers dogs which have been tested in NAVHDA trials. Of the 28 dogs evaluated, 38 prize classifications

were awarded. An astounding 10 perfect scores; the oldest being 12 months and the youngest being 4 months. This might be the 

youngest dog of any breed to receive a perfect score (112 pts). A total of 14 Prize I, 18 Prize II, and 7 Prize III. This is a 

remarkable feat, when you realize that these dogs have been compared to thousands of older dogs, many which have been 

handled by either professional trainers and breeders; of which some evenfailed to score a prize classification.

Fewer of our customers have participated in NSTRA events; but two customers won a Regional championship and another placed

4th. 

In addition, another customer won a Regional Championship in the Open-All-Age event of the American Field. There are 18 regions; 

His dog competed against some of the best English Pointers. He remained undefeated in 3 years of competition. His owner was

amazed by his natural broke to wing and shot performances. I believe this dog may be the only Drahthaar to ever win such a

prestigeous event!

NATIONAL SHOOT TO RETRIEVE 

 AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB HUNTING FIELD EVENTS

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB OBEDIENCE, TRACKING  & AGILITY

   AMERICAN FIELD RESULTS

NAVHDA RESULTS OF OUR CUSTOMERS

COMMENTS on NAVHDA

The majority of our customers are devoted hunters and use their Drahthaar exclusively for bird hunting. A few individuals have become involved in field trials. Most of my clients have never handled a dog in any type of competition or evaluation. In other words, our dogs are being worked by amateurs. The dogs which have been tested have been evaluated by a variety of different judges. This gives credence to the value of the dogs we produce.  Lastly, the dogs which have been evaluated were the offspring of different bitches, which substantiates the strength of our strain.

One weak point of the NAVHDA organization is that it has become a breeder's organization. Many of the judges are dog breeders. Some judges use this organization to promote their own kennels; some have favored their "Breed"; friends; and other Judges dogs.These so-called "non-bias" jUDGES can easily affect the outcome of an evaluation of dogs which are bred by their competitors.This devious behavior leaves doubt as to how objective they can be when making an evaluation. Another weak point of the evaluation is that the judges must confer with each other and make a consensus of opinion as determined by the head judge. It would be far better if each of the three judges submitted the results of their independent evaluation and tally the scores by an impartial scorekeeper. Nevertheless, our dogs have done very well in these trials, which substantiates the credibility and strength of our strain. Some changes that I would like to see are:

1. Judges and Breeders not be allowed to handle any of their own pups, nor may they be handled by another professional in Natural Ability Phase.
2. Participants not be allowed to "prepare" or "practice", or "train" their pups on the premises of the area chosen to hold the event, prior to the testing.
3. Limit the age to a maximum age of six months for the NATURAL ABILITY PHASE. Afterall, this is supposed to be a reflection of what the pup has inherited from its parents; not what it has learned from experience or to trained to perform.
4. Prior to the exam, do not disclose the name of the breeder or kennel from which the pup was bred.
5. Judges should not be allowed to judge a breed that they own or breed.
6. Limit the number of times that a pup is given to perform a task.