Testing, trials and all the “gun dog games” are great not only for the breeds and breeders to try and objectively look at litters and base future breeding to maintain quality traits and consistency. They are a fun way to set goals and inspire training to help keep your dog sharp and in shape in the off season as well as just help make a better gun dog overall.
Personally, I hunt Verein Deutsch-Drahthaars and familiar with the testing and demands to go through them to ultimately pass the VGP. I have not done all the different associations tests and trials out there( quite a few) , but knowing what test or trial requirements you need to meet, we can train and work on those. From NAVHDA (which would be similar to the German tests) to retriever hunt tests or steadying a pointer for NSTRA events.