In June 2002 I attended a training clinic held by the Grand River Chapter at Guelph.

This was an historical meeting where the two founders of NAVHDA and writers of the "green book", Dr Edward Bailey and Bodo Winterhelt gave a talk on early NAVHDA, the original aims of the association and how they had changed, and the original aims of the training booklet.

Ed and Bodo had not been together for many years, and though the number attending the clinic was disappointingly small, (around 20) still during the weekend old time trainers and breeders would drop in to say hi to these two "special" men.

Ed Bailey is a Professor and animal behaviourist at the University of Guelph and has been involved with hunting dogs and training of same for over 50 years. Bodo Winterhelt , a German export met Ed over 30 years ago and together they devised a testing situation for Canadian dogs based closely on the German system of testing. Apparently choosing a suitable name for the group took some thought, but finally they decided on the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association so that the USA would be included in the tests. Now of course, the USA has pretty well taken control of the club.

It was an extremely interesting talk and discussion. Both Ed and Bodo were adamant that navhda has been set up as a testing situation only, where the dog was tested against a set standard of work.

Back in the 'bad old days' the early hunting observed by Ed and Bodo was rough and ready, people were not worrying about retrieval of shot game. The promotion of the versatile dog was to promote respect of hunters as in Europe. There they were/are respected as conservationists and reputable people, in North America (& elsewhere) they are often considered nearly the opposite. Also the aim of the association was to promote sportsmanship of hunters.

The "green book" was written to get people to believe that they could train their own dogs to a reasonable standard. They then would be able to test their dogs. Also, the book was compiled and written by Ed and Bodo so the Association would be able to gain funds from it's sale, which it still does today.

Ed mentioned that the book really had outgrown its purpose after about 10 years from publication. If ever rewritten, Ed would change the focus of the book to generalised training with more alternatives, and mention of the difference in dogs (and breeds).

When questioned if dogs and their working abilities had improved over the years, Bodo and Ed said no. Handlers, yes.

They felt the idea of navhda now was to move the dog through the system. Originally a system to test dogs against a standard, now the emphasis is to qualify dogs.

Bodo particularly felt the NAVHDA invitational had brought competitiveness into the club.

Ed explained the "Whoa" in the book was for general use i.e. at the Vet, around home, teaching the dog to control itself and to be dependant on you. It was not for pointing. Ed said a dog on point is as whoa as he's going to be except when he's dead.

The whoa on the table with the bird in the basket is not about pointing but about steadiness.

Bodo said it did not really matter how a dog pointed, dogs pointed in all different ways and styles. Bodo professionally trains dogs for clients who want them with tail up and head up. This was what they wanted so it was what he taught the dog, but testing was not about that, the testing was about the dog.

Ed regretted including the ear pinch in the book because of the bad adaptations that have been made to it. Bodo said we should be breeding for dogs that are easy to train. Some dogs though are that tough they need an ear pinch to get them to open the mouth.

With retrieving a dog needs to be cooperative. Cooperative enough to bring something back to you rather than eat it, which is its natural inclination. Retrieving is a mixture of grooming for cooperation and independence as well. The dog must be independent enough to go out to find the bird, maybe follow a wounded runner for miles, but cooperative enough to bring that bird back to hand.

Hunting desire in a dog should be a measure of dependence and independence. A dog should have the ability to switch gears.

Ed said a dog should be trained with positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement should only be used teach the dog NOT to do something. Any corrections must come instantaneously!

I was extremely impressed with both these men's handling of the dogs. Ed was very quiet and gentle. The dogs just relaxed and did their best for him. Bodo was also quiet spoken and calm in his movements, a little more demanding than Ed, but that was a reflexion on his business needs. It was interesting to watch the handlers doing the same thing as just been demonstrated to them with their dog. The urgency in their voices, the grab and hast to replace a moved paw. I would look at the dog and see in it's eyes some anxiety and confusion, I never saw this in the dog's eyes when Ed and Bodo were working them. They both had a natural way to them that both calmed the dogs and gave them confidence.

The afternoon and next day were involved with demonstrations and training of steadiness, basic obedience and retrieving.

Ed was a quiet spoken and mannered man. Bodo was also quiet spoken but he was also outspoken and had a very quick wit.

Ed booked a meal for us Sunday evening where poor Marg could eat some home type fodder and have a wine list. Bliss.

There was a little discussion on the training of dogs for sharpness as in the VDD. Bodo and Ed felt there was no need for this. I myself feel sometimes there is a confusion between predaton and aggression, and this was demonstrated when a dog caused some eyebrow raising when it warned off the friend of it's owner.

Bodo also commented with his wry humour that it was Hitler who stopped the cat and fox killing sharpness tests because it was cruel.

I came away happy that what I was doing and my thinking on training was on the right track.

Saving for the airfare for my next trip.

Marg.

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