The VJP
2010 Reno NV VJP
This particular test is the 1st natural abilities test that the Drahthaar goes through. A direct quote from the VZPO regulations reads "The purpose of the breed tests is to determine the natural abilities of a young dog". This test must be done during the dogs 1st year, which can be from the age of about 7 months, to the age of 18 months. I would have to say for me, the funnest, but most nervous part of the test is the rabbit track. You have your dog on lead, and when called to a fresh rabbit spot, you let your dog track off lead down the rabbit track! This part is very fun to train for, but you have to be careful not to put your dog on too many rabbits (3-4 max). You will also have a great time training your dog on pointing. Homing pigeons work wonders for this part. The use of bird launchers is also extremely helpful, but not required. The test is done in the spring time, and involves the following testing subjects.
1. Tracking (rabbit/hare)
2. Use of nose
3. Search
4. Pointing (chukar/pheasant)
5. Cooperation
6. Gun sensitivity
For a first time handler, this is a time of nervousness. I did not know exactly what to expect. Many other handlers told me to relax and just let the dog go out and have fun, but this is much easier said than done! With the help of some good people who were willing to share some of their testing methods, as well as supplies, I felt I was going to do OK, but there is always that X factor on how your dog will perform in this situation. The test took about 2/3 of the day to complete, and when all was said and done, we did fairly well. We finished with a score that qualified us for the fall invitational called the International Armbruster. It was a fun day, and I can say that I should have been more relaxed, as it wasn't as bad as I had imagined.
Fortunately there are many individuals in our club, the Wild West Chapter, that are willing to share their time, offer advice, and even gather for training sessions to help prepare for the tests. This is a huge bonus for those of us who are new to the DD system. The rules/regulations take some time to digest, and can be quite overwhelming at first, but with time you will get them down. The rule books are also easy to obtain and read from.
The HZP
1. Tracking (rabbit/hare)
2. Use of nose
3. Search
4. Pointing (chukar/pheasant)
5. Cooperation
6. Gun sensitivity
For a first time handler, this is a time of nervousness. I did not know exactly what to expect. Many other handlers told me to relax and just let the dog go out and have fun, but this is much easier said than done! With the help of some good people who were willing to share some of their testing methods, as well as supplies, I felt I was going to do OK, but there is always that X factor on how your dog will perform in this situation. The test took about 2/3 of the day to complete, and when all was said and done, we did fairly well. We finished with a score that qualified us for the fall invitational called the International Armbruster. It was a fun day, and I can say that I should have been more relaxed, as it wasn't as bad as I had imagined.
Fortunately there are many individuals in our club, the Wild West Chapter, that are willing to share their time, offer advice, and even gather for training sessions to help prepare for the tests. This is a huge bonus for those of us who are new to the DD system. The rules/regulations take some time to digest, and can be quite overwhelming at first, but with time you will get them down. The rule books are also easy to obtain and read from.
The HZP