The Lone Star Chapter strives to maintain the goals as set out by the international North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. The Chapter is very interested in bringing together "versatile" dog owners from all over, not only Texas but also the Southwest. Lone Star members cover many classifications ranging from those who simply love dogs to the serious hunter and breeder. One thing that all the members have in common is the desire to maintain and improve the "versatile" breeds. Members often get together throughout the year to train and/or hunt.

TESTS:
The Lone Star Chapter holds official tests (on all levels) two weekends a year, usually in October or November, and March. Judges are approved by the international NAVHDA and often come in from out of state. These tests allow you to have your dog tested in a manner that is not placing it in direct competition with the other dogs being tested that day; but rather the dog is evaluated in accordance with the guidelines as set out by NAVHDA. On any given day, any number of entrants may get a Prize I. For a short description of the tests go to Tests & Scores.

PRE-TEST TRAINING CLINIC:
In addition to the tests, the Lone Star Chapter has training weekends, which are held one to two months prior to the test dates. These weekends are great for both the experienced and novice trainers/dog owners. The instructor(s) is often both a professional trainer and a NAVHDA certified judge. Here you will hear pointers on training a hunting dog. You will learn how to first start training your puppy. Instructions will be given on training and working a hunting dog in general. And of course, how to train for the Natural Ability Test (NA) and the Utility Test (UT). What you learn will also be helpful in the NAVHDA Invitational Test and many AKC Tests. There are many chances for questions and answers. Often you and/or your dog may be selected to demonstrate different training techniques. Many different phases of the NAVHDA Tests will be used to set the stage, such as NA water or tracking and UT field work or duck searches.

HANDLER CLINICS:
At these clinics, the Lone Star Chapter introduces how judges score a NAVHDA test and what the judges are looking for in a versatile hunting dog. There are also discussions on different training procedures and how to work with a dog from the time it is a pup, through the NA test, and up to the UT test. Different dogs may be run through simulated tests so that you may get a chance to score them and then discuss the scoring.

TRAINING CLINICS:
At various times throughout the year we will hold clinics that are a little less formal than either the "Pre-Test Training Clinic" or the "Handlers Clinic". These clinics are very useful to both the owner/handler and dog. There will be discussions on various training techniques and actual work in the field.

CONTACTS:
As a member of the Lone Star Chapter of NAVHDA, you will make many new contacts. These contacts can help even the experienced trainer learn new training techniques. You may even form/join a more local (Texas is a Great big State) informal group that gets together to train and/or hunt.

PRE-OWNERSHIP - If you are thinking about getting your first "versatile" dog, or perhaps getting a breed of dog you have not previously had, then we would strongly suggest that you attend a clinic, in particular, the "Pre-Test Training Clinic"; but any will help you. You will have a chance to see many different breeds up close and in action. You will have a chance to talk with experienced trainers and dog owners. Everyone is very friendly and will probably give you information not found in many books. You will get honest answers to any type and level of questions. You will make contacts with members who will happily talk and help you throughout your dog's development. Most importantly, you will form a sound basis which will help you and your new "best friend" develop a lasting trusting relationship.

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