The HZP (Herbstzuchtprüfung) is one of the most important tests a versatile hunting dog can take. But the best handlers know the test is a benchmark — not the finish line. This checklist is built to take your dog further.

Use it to track progress, identify gaps, and build a dog that doesn’t just pass the test — but thrives in the field. Train Hard, Hunt Easy.

Download the printable HZP Checklist PDF

Foundation First: Trained Retrieve

• ☐ Hold conditioned
• ☐ Reliable fetch command
• ☐ Reliable delivery to hand
• ☐ Retrieves bumper
• ☐ Retrieves birds
• ☐ Retrieves fur
• ☐ Retrieves from water
• ☐ Retrieves through cover
• ☐ Retrieves under distraction
• ☐ Trained Retrieve / Force Fetch completed

Search

• ☐ Searches independently
• ☐ Demonstrates desire
• ☐ Uses wind effectively
• ☐ Appropriate range
• ☐ Maintains intensity throughout search
• ☐ Native grass
• ☐ CRP
• ☐ Crop field
• ☐ Light cover
• ☐ Heavy cover
• ☐ New training locations
• ☐ Wild bird contact
• ☐ Multiple bird contacts in one outing

Pointing

• ☐ Points planted birds
• ☐ Points wild birds
• ☐ Holds point — light cover
• ☐ Holds point — heavy cover

Bird Species Exposure:

• ☐ Pigeons
• ☐ Quail
• ☐ Chukar
• ☐ Pheasants
• ☐ Wild birds

Pointing Progression:

• ☐ Maintains point 5 seconds
• ☐ Maintains point 10 seconds
• ☐ Maintains point 20 seconds
• ☐ Maintains point 30 seconds
• ☐ Maintains point until handler reaches dog
• ☐ Maintains point through bird flush
• ☐ Maintains point through gunshot
• ☐ Relocates running bird appropriately
• ☐ Re-establishes point after relocation
• ☐ Handles multiple bird contacts in a single field
• ☐ Points birds in varying wind conditions

Cooperation

• ☐ Natural check-ins
• ☐ Hunts with handler
• ☐ Maintains independence
• ☐ New training locations
• ☐ Around distractions
• ☐ Around other dogs
• ☐ Cooperation during bird work
• ☐ Cooperation during water work

Feather Drag

Test Requirement: 200 Meters

Distance Progression:

• ☐ 50m
• ☐ 100m
• ☐ 150m
• ☐ 200m (Test Requirement)
• ☐ 250m
• ☐ 300m
• ☐ 400m

Complexity Progression:

• ☐ Straight drag
• ☐ One turn
• ☐ Two turns
• ☐ Three turns
• ☐ Light cover
• ☐ Heavy cover
• ☐ Different terrain
• ☐ Favorable wind
• ☐ Crosswind
• ☐ Wind at handler’s back
• ☐ Variable wind conditions
• ☐ Reliable delivery to hand

Rabbit / Hare Drag

Test Requirement: 300 Meters

Distance Progression:

• ☐ 100m
• ☐ 200m
• ☐ 300m (Test Requirement)
• ☐ 400m
• ☐ 500m
• ☐ 600m

Complexity Progression:

• ☐ Straight drag
• ☐ One turn
• ☐ Two turns
• ☐ Three turns
• ☐ Light cover
• ☐ Heavy cover
• ☐ Different terrain
• ☐ Favorable wind
• ☐ Crosswind
• ☐ Wind at handler’s back
• ☐ Variable wind conditions
• ☐ Reliable delivery to hand