Natural Ability Test Eligibility
The Natural Ability Test is organized into four main segments, or phases, as follows:
1. Field Phase – The dog is hunted in cover where the presence of game has been assured by releasing of game birds. Each dog is hunted for a minimum of 20 minutes and is evaluated on:
- Use of Nose
- Search
- Pointing
- Desire
- Cooperation
- Gun Shyness
2. Tracking Phase – The dog is given an opportunity to track a flightless running pheasant or chukar. Each dog is judges on the following items:
- Use of Nose
- Tracking
- Desire to Work
- Cooperation
3. Water Phase – The dog is tested for its willingness to swim. The following items are judged during the water test:
- Water Entry
- Desire to Work
- Cooperation
4. Judgment of Physical Characteristics.
No game is shot, and no retrieves are required during the Natural Ability Test. There is no set sequence for conducting the four general phases. It is desireable, though not necessary, to test the young dog in tracking after it completes the field test because usually by then the dog has settled down and is better able to concentrate. Also, it is desirable to evaluate the coat immediately after the dog completes the water test.