VJP Test April 18-20 Malta Idaho

The final day is near our first breed test. The VJP (Verbands-Jugend Prufung) german to english translation would be Association Youngster Test. This is the first in 3 tests that the dog needs to pass 2 in order to be chosen for breeding. The purpose of these tests is to determine the natural abilities of a young dog as they pertain to the dogs suitability for use in versatile hunting and as a breeding dog. The tests also serve to recognize the genetic value of the dogs parents. Hunting especially for the germans is meant to be extremely ethical, therefore a dog and hunting tests just like this are required to even hunt there.

 In the VJP test the dog will be tested, evaluated and scored on Tracking, Use of nose, Search, Pointing, and Cooperation. The judges will also evaluate Gun sensitivity, Manner of hunting and Obedience, there is no scoring on the last three.

                                                 

                                                           SCORE SYSTEM

 The 3 or more judges will be evaluating and scoring the dog on Tracking,Nose,Search,Pointing and Cooperation according to this score system:

                                                           Excellent - 12 points* 

                                                           Very Good - 11 to 9 points

                                                           Good - 8 to 6 points

                                                           Sufficient - 5 to 3 points

                                                           Deficient - 2 to 1 points

                                                           Insufficient - 0 points

(*The 12 points can only be given as an exception for truly excellent work, demonstrated under difficult circumstances.)

 Tracking and Nose get a multiplier of 2 so are worth double points. 

                                                                  EVALUATION

 Tracking: is tested on tracks which the dog is able to sense via it's nose of a hare that is not visible. The dog will be evaluated on the will to track and track sureness. The will to track is recognized by the way the dog adapts to tracking work, how it starts the track,if it works the track willingly and with self control, if the dog makes every effort to follow the track.

 Track sureness is in the way the dog shows mental stability by controlling prey drive, how the dog follows the track independently and confidently.

 This is evaluated by working the dog, handler, judges and spectators through rabbit rich areas in which when a rabbit is spotted and the track visualized a dog that did not see the rabbit will be brought up by it's handler and released on the track.

 Nose: is demonstrated during the search if the dog finds game frequently, catches game scent from long distances, marks scent spots of game and during tracking when it loses, crosses and relocates track. This will be evaluated by closely watching the dog and its scenting abilities throughout the test.

 Search: is industrious, persistent, and shows will to find.Dogs that just trot through a search will only receive a "good". This will be evaluated by watching the dog work through a field in search of game.

 Pointing: is evident when the dog locks up or points or lies down before game it has scented. It not need be a staunch point nor does the dog need to be steady yet. This will be evaluated by working the dog in a search pattern in a field that is rich with or has previously planted game birds.

 Cooperation: is the dogs desire to maintain connection with it's handler. How the dog makes eye contact with handler during leashing, release, search, pointing, how it desires a connection with its handler even at a distance. This will be evaluated by watching the dog and handlers connection during all aspects of the test throughout the day.

                                               UNSCORED EVALUATION

 The dog is evaluated but no score is given for, manner of hunting, gun sensitivity, and obedience.

 Manner of hunting: Scentloud, Sightloud, Questionable, or Silent, is evaluated during a search or track for a hare. If it barks upon scent or sight or if it is silent during this time. This will be evaluated during the tracking portion of the test.

 Gunfire Sensitivity: is fright level in response to gunfire. it shows in how a dog reacts to gunfire. If it continues on with its search, if it seeks out the handler, refusal to continue work or ignores the sound and continues on. This is evaluated by the judges firing 2 shots usually during the search portion of the test when the dog is searching within 100 to 150 feet. Severely gunshy and hand shy dogs cannot past the test.

 Obedience: is evaluated during the course of the test but not scored. Judges will be looking at the way the dog can be handled during it's work and by the fact the dog obeys when it senses a command from it's handler. Obedience in connection with game is not required. Dogs cannot pass if they constantly evade their handler jeopardize their test or the entire test.

 I have been trying to prepare for this test for some time now. I am very excited and anxious to get on with it. I think we will do well, Hessian really seems to be catching on. So off we go. Hope the weather cooperates and I wish all the dogs and handlers luck. Game On!