Training Overview
and Schedule

Training our versatile hunting dogs

Training our hunting dogs is at the heart of our mission. Countless hours are spent in the field during the off-season to ensure that our dogs are ready for the next hunting season or hunt test.

Pacific Northwest NAVHDA training days are volunteer-led and open to all chapter members regardless of experience level. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves to learn, train your own dog, and lend a hand to others. Birds are occasionally available for purchase.

Training groups are organized into north (Duvall/Carnation) and south (Chehalis/Centralia) groups to better serve the large region. Members are welcome to attend either or both groups throughout the training season.

Scroll down for contact info and location details.

Calendar of Events

Join us for training, testing, and social events throughout the season. Events typically run from February through September. Questions? Contact us or reach out to the training coordinators.

Training Coordinators

  • Dawn Marie Maurer

    Training Coordinator - North

    northcoordinator2@pnw-navhda.com

  • Joel Hanson

    Training Coordinator - North

    northcoordinator1@pnw-navhda.com

  • Rob Gebhart

    Training Coordinator - South

    president@pnw-navhda.com

  • Michael Gill & Al Roth

    Training Coordinator - Columbia River

Training Locations

Cherry Valley

47.7564323, -121.9659461
Highway 203
Duvall, WA

Notes
This is state land within the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area. Be sure to have a Discover Pass and if you are shooting birds, you must have a small game or Western WA pheasant license and use only non-toxic shot.

 

Stillwater

47.6830226, -121.9237278
Highway 203
Carnation, WA

Notes
This is state land within the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area. Be sure to have a Discover Pass and if you are shooting birds, you must have a small game or Western WA pheasant license and use only non-toxic shot.

 

Snoqualmie Valley Retriever Grounds (Formerly Pepper’s)

47.693984, -121.9948678
10810 W. Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE
Carnation, WA

Notes
This is a private training facility with a self-serve $15 fee per dog, paid cash at the gate. It is occasionally reserved for events but is otherwise open for training. Non-toxic shot is required.

 

South Group Training - Chehalis

169 Pattee Rd
Chehalis, WA 98532

Notes
This is a private residence that is only available during scheduled training times. Do not turn onto Camellia Lane but continue to the next driveway to the north.

 

Columbia River

Location Varies.

Notes
Please visit the Columbia River NAVHDA Facebook Page for updates on training locations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3708859499335627/?ref=share&mibextid=K35XfP

 

 Training FAQs

  • Welcome! If your dog is young (16 months or under) and/or has little to no bird experience, you should check out training days intended for Natural Ability dogs to cover the fundamentals. If your dog is more experienced and can search, point, swim, retrieve, and track, then check out utility training days to cover more advanced subjects. Or come to both to see where you and your dog feel most comfortable. Questions? Contact the training coordinators for additional help.

  • PNW NAVHDA training days are open to all chapter members.

  • Bring your dog, a leash, a 30 ft check cord, a whistle, water, a Discover Pass if the training day is on public/state land, and a great attitude. If you have birds or additional equipment such as a place board, launchers, e-collar, etc. you can bring those, too!

  • There is an annual fee of $50 to participate in all general training days. Special events such as seminars or mock tests may have additional costs to cover expenses.

  • We are excited that the club has grown so big, but our size and geographic area make it impractical to have a single training group. We’ve organized into north and south groups to better serve the Puget Sound region: the north group meets in Duvall/Carnation and the south group meets in Chehalis/Centralia. Don’t feel like you have to choose! Feel free to attend events at either location at any time.

  • You can reach the club’s board by emailing info@pnw-navhda.com or contact the training coordinators here.