The HZP
2008 Logan UT HZP
This test is the second natural abilities test in the VDD testing system. This test is done in the fall and involves a fair amount of training, especially with blind duck searches as well as the rabbit drag. The rabbit drag can be tough, as you need to spend a lot of time working tracks, extending them to about 300 meters, with a couple of good turns in them. The Drahthaar can get a little overconfident in the use of the nose, and they tend to hurry down the track, sometimes being a little too lax on finding the game, or where the track has taken a turn, so I feel it is important while training to set your dog up to fail at least one time. I think they need to realize that coming back without something is unacceptable. This can easily be done by having a helper end one of your drags by a tree, then hide the rabbit in the tree. When they come back without the game get them right back on the track, this time have the helper get the rabbit down and place it by the tree. When the dog comes back past the tree, he/she will find the bunny, and hopefully something clicks, that they need to look a little harder, and make sure the game is found. The duck search is a lot of fun. This is done with both live and recently departed ducks. It is amazing to see these dogs figure out how to track a duck across the water (yes, ducks do leave a scent trail on the water). This test also has a field search with bird work. This test can take most of the day, and if you decide to take your dog to this level, you will have a better hunting dog than most people could hope for. This test is also the last required hunt test if you would like to have your dog certified to breed. During the HZP your dog will be judged on the following.
1. Use of Nose
2. Search
3. Pointing
4. Cooperation
5. Desire
6. Search with live duck
7. Blind retrieve (dead duck)
8. Retrieve of feathered game
9. Rabbit drag
10. Manner of Retrieve
11. Obedience
12. Gun sensitivity in the water
The HZP has another variant, called the International Armbruster. This test is an invitational that usually rotates through the chapters on a yearly basis. In 2010 our chapter was the host. To qualify for this test, your dog must score at least 65 in the VJP, have a noticeable beard, and be at least good/good in a conformation/coat pre-evaluation. Dogs from many chapters and countries are present during this test. It is held over several days, and is quite the gathering. This is also a competition, as awards are given in several categories. In some areas, an additional rabbit track can be part of the test. Your dog can also qualify for additional Armbruster points during the breed show part of the Armbruster. It is a great place to see a ton of different drahts as well as meet great people from around the country and around the world. Another testing option is the Hegewald in Germany, which is an HZP, but has additional rules/qualifiers.
Scores here will read with a m.Sp. or an o.Sp. after the score. The m.Sp. is an HZP score with a rabbit track. The o.Sp. is a score without a rabbit track.
The VGP
1. Use of Nose
2. Search
3. Pointing
4. Cooperation
5. Desire
6. Search with live duck
7. Blind retrieve (dead duck)
8. Retrieve of feathered game
9. Rabbit drag
10. Manner of Retrieve
11. Obedience
12. Gun sensitivity in the water
The HZP has another variant, called the International Armbruster. This test is an invitational that usually rotates through the chapters on a yearly basis. In 2010 our chapter was the host. To qualify for this test, your dog must score at least 65 in the VJP, have a noticeable beard, and be at least good/good in a conformation/coat pre-evaluation. Dogs from many chapters and countries are present during this test. It is held over several days, and is quite the gathering. This is also a competition, as awards are given in several categories. In some areas, an additional rabbit track can be part of the test. Your dog can also qualify for additional Armbruster points during the breed show part of the Armbruster. It is a great place to see a ton of different drahts as well as meet great people from around the country and around the world. Another testing option is the Hegewald in Germany, which is an HZP, but has additional rules/qualifiers.
Scores here will read with a m.Sp. or an o.Sp. after the score. The m.Sp. is an HZP score with a rabbit track. The o.Sp. is a score without a rabbit track.
The VGP