Training Days

The training schedule is posted on this website and on the club Black Hills NAVHDA Facebook page.  Last-minute information, such as cancellation, will be posted on the Facebook page.

Chapter members.

Non-chapter members who are interested in learning about NAVHDA or our chapter are invited to attend one training, in order to determine if they would like to join.  

Friends, family, and kids are welcome.

ANYONE WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF NAVHDA INTERNATIONAL WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORM TO ATTEND TRAINING.

There is no charge for the training.

It takes birds to make a bird dog, so handlers will need to purchase a training bird package.  Chapter members will receive an email regarding their training bird package order about 2 weeks prior to the training day.  Training birds must be paid for prior to training.  

Handlers will break up into groups of those training for the Natural Ability test and those training for the Utility test.  Experienced chapter members will provide mentorship.  Handlers take turns working their dogs and helping out with bird planting, etc, for others.  Training days are a great way to meet local training partners and lots of nice people who love training their versatile dogs.   Handlers learn both from training their own dogs and from assisting in the field.

Bring your dog and the supplies you'll need for you and your dog to participate in training.

Suggestions: Crate and/or tie-out for your dog.  Flat collar, e-collar (if using), leash, long line, some way of providing shade for you and your dog, water, food, snacks.  We'll train in all kinds of weather, so have appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray.  You'll need a bird bag and/or box so you can manage your training birds.