Invitational Clinic

The Invitational Clinic is an educational tool developed by NAVHDA to help dog owners and handlers understand both the procedural and technical aspects of the  Invitational test. The clinics are conducted by designated NAVHDA Invitational Clinic Leaders. Invitational Clinic Leaders are very experienced NAVHDA Senior Judges who have tested dogs at the Invitational level, as well as judged the Invitational.  The clinic will cover a variety of topics over two days.  Using an informal classroom setting, the Invitational test mechanics and the scoring system will be reviewed.  After that, participants will also take to the field and water to judge and score dogs being run in a mock test setting. After each section the participants and the Clinic Leader will discuss the dog’s performance and how that performance might be evaluated during the test. Strengths and weaknesses in training and handling will also be reviewed. Clinic leaders also include helpful tips and tricks on handling dogs in the Invitational test and provide helpful training advice.

Who Should Attend and Why?

• Novice handlers will learn how NAVHDA evaluates dogs running in the Invitational, and thus will be better prepared to handle their dogs in the test.  This will help to develop their dog’s talents and improve performance.
• Experienced handlers will gain a deeper, more technical knowledge of how the team of dog and handler are judged.

To Find a Clinic

Invitational Clinics are sponsored by Chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Call or e-mail the event secretary of the clinic you are interested in for information. The entry fees for the Clinics are determined locally. You can find a list of upcoming Invitational Clinics here: Upcoming Aims & Rules and Invitational Clinics

To Host a Clinic

If you belong to a local NAVHDA Chapter and are interested in hosting a clinic, please see the Chapter Guide to Hosting an Invitational Clinic below to assist you with the process of planning, funding, promoting, and hosting a sanctioned NAVHDA Invitational Clinic. leaders explain NAVHDA test rules and philosophy.

• Chapter Guide to Holding an Invitational Clinic
• Application Requesting Approval to hold an Invitational Clinic

Are you a Senior Judge who is interested in becoming an Invitational Clinic Leader? If so, click here.