Thinking about trials

[wberry85]

I am on my second GSP and I have been thinking more and more about trials with him, as he comes from fairly decent trial stock. My first GSP I trained myself and it has become my favorite hobby. Trials seem fun and a great way to "take it to the next level" but I am clueless when it comes to trials. GSPCA, NAVHDA, NSTRA...all so confusing with all these different tests and titles. I at least want to start out with a JH or NA test to see if I enjoy it. I hear so many different (and strong) opinions on what tests hold weight.

Is there a place that I can read about how all of this is run and decide what direction I want to take this?

[Brittguy]

AKC.org you can get some idea from their website. Better to go to a hunt test and talk/watch

[birddogger]

And go to the NAVHDA web site to read about their tests. Best to attend one and talk to some of the members though. As far as trials, you can find information about the different kinds of trials on the web also. But still better to observe a few. I will say the NSTRA trials are probably the most affordable and accessible IMO.

Charlie

[Sharon]

The main difference is that some events are competitive (1rst. second, third place maybe 0, and other events measure the dog against a written standard( pass, fail)

The first thing to decide whether you want it competive or not.Tthe second decision is whether you want to shoot the bird yourself or test while someone else shoots.

Once you make those decisons the trial/test events that you want , become more obvious.

[jasonw99]

hunt tests are just that a test when you are done you are done.

field trials are competitions with no end to them. yeah your dog can get a fc but there are still championships etc.

imo comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges.

[steamer]

http://www.navhda.org/ http://www.nstra.org/index.html hope these work and help. i dont know much about the akc trials but there are plenty of people on here that do and can help with that

[bwjohn]

there is a vizsla club just north of you in atlanta, that is fairly active in doing ft's. You could check them out when they have their next trial and see what you think. I know they just had one the Thanksg week.

brandon

[jhoughton]

I would suggest going out to the different trials and watching some to help make up your mind. In Georgia there is a trial somewhere just about every weekend until March.

[wberry85]

Thanks guys. One question on NAVHDA... Are the dogs tested for their ability on ducks and furry creatures? I dont have much interest in that and I mainly only train for upland game like quail, etc.