The VGP
2010 Logan UT VGP
Here we go, the ultimate finished dog test. This is the "Big One"! Talk about a nerve racking test! This test requires a massive amount of training! This is also the first test in which true obedience is judged. It is held in the fall of the year, and if so desired you can skip the HZP, and test your dog at the VGP level and still be qualified to breed. This is no small undertaking, and should not be taken lightly. This test can be done any time after the VJP, and at any time during the dogs breedable years. I have seen dogs as young as 14 months pass this test, however my personal recommendation is to wait until the dog has a good hunting year under their belts before you decide to train at this level. There are 3 main purposes of this test as quoted from the regulation book They are as follows.
"1. Determine at a public performance test the utility of the hunting dog for versatile hunting (field, forest, water work).
2. Prove these abilities to the hunting community through the results of these tests.
3. Awaken and foster the appreciation for the proper handling of the Versatile Dog in the hunting community."
You will be tested on a battery of tests in the forest, the field and the water over a 2 day period. There are approximately 27 testing categories for your dog to complete, several of which, if you fail, you fail the test! There are a couple of optional testing categories that your dog can participate in if you would like to put in additional training time and effort. The testing categories are too extensive to list here, but if you would like to see them, I am happy to send you a copy of the judging sheet. This test was probably one of the most difficult things to train for. Your dog will need to be proficient at everything! From multiple types of fur, including big game, to a variety of fowl. I personally enjoyed many aspects of the training for the VGP, but I especially enjoyed training for the blood track (think wounded big game animal), in which you have the option to run a 2-5 hour old track, or a track that has aged overnight. I chose to run the overnight track. Your dog will be tested for this right out of the gate! When we completed our track, I was able to take a deep breath, and try to get my head around the rest of the testing day. This test is mentally and physically challenging for the dog as well as the handler. If you train to this level, and pass, your dog will be ready to tackle any situation. They will truly be a "finished" dog. There is only a small percentage of dogs in the VDD system that even test at this level.
There are a few other optional tests that can be run at a later date if you wish. These include a 20/40 hour blood track for those of you who would really like to push the envelope in tracking skills.
"1. Determine at a public performance test the utility of the hunting dog for versatile hunting (field, forest, water work).
2. Prove these abilities to the hunting community through the results of these tests.
3. Awaken and foster the appreciation for the proper handling of the Versatile Dog in the hunting community."
You will be tested on a battery of tests in the forest, the field and the water over a 2 day period. There are approximately 27 testing categories for your dog to complete, several of which, if you fail, you fail the test! There are a couple of optional testing categories that your dog can participate in if you would like to put in additional training time and effort. The testing categories are too extensive to list here, but if you would like to see them, I am happy to send you a copy of the judging sheet. This test was probably one of the most difficult things to train for. Your dog will need to be proficient at everything! From multiple types of fur, including big game, to a variety of fowl. I personally enjoyed many aspects of the training for the VGP, but I especially enjoyed training for the blood track (think wounded big game animal), in which you have the option to run a 2-5 hour old track, or a track that has aged overnight. I chose to run the overnight track. Your dog will be tested for this right out of the gate! When we completed our track, I was able to take a deep breath, and try to get my head around the rest of the testing day. This test is mentally and physically challenging for the dog as well as the handler. If you train to this level, and pass, your dog will be ready to tackle any situation. They will truly be a "finished" dog. There is only a small percentage of dogs in the VDD system that even test at this level.
There are a few other optional tests that can be run at a later date if you wish. These include a 20/40 hour blood track for those of you who would really like to push the envelope in tracking skills.