My spinone pup Bella, turning 7 months old this week, earned an NA Prize 1 with a max 112 score at yesterday's Missouri Uplands NAVHDA test. I had planned to test her in the spring, but I entered her at the last minute to replace an injured, no-show dog. I hadn't even practiced the tracking for at least 3-4 weeks, but that's where she really shined, nailing a crazy-long pheasant run. All of the bird exposure we've done paid off.
This is my first experience in any kind of organized dog stuff. It's been a long time since I've experienced anything so nerve-jarring but also so rewarding. I can't thank the Missouri Uplands chapter guys enough for all their advice and help. I also thank the Sugar Creek and Penny Lane spinone kennels.
UT, here we come!
