Search found 351 matches

by Higgins
Sun May 07, 2023 4:42 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning Steadiness Till Released
Replies: 0
Views: 3676

VIDEO: Learning Steadiness Till Released

Here is a recent video of a young dog learning steadiness. The owner had been allowing the dog to leave after the gunshot. He wanted to change that strategy to a new strategy that would include steady to wing, shot and fall, with the dog leaving only on a physical or verbal cue (hunt dead) from the ...
by Higgins
Mon Sep 05, 2022 9:24 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: 6 Mo. Old Pudelpointer Learning Steadiness
Replies: 0
Views: 4710

VIDEO: 6 Mo. Old Pudelpointer Learning Steadiness

https://youtu.be/BGxcL2o_SGo Today we had a young Pudelpointer and the owner come out. We worked on bird and gun introduction during our last session and today we began the new strategy for success. Steadiness, not chasing, will lead to a bird in your mouth. I use the check cord first so I can show ...
by Higgins
Sat Sep 03, 2022 7:37 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: First Session, Bird Introduction
Replies: 0
Views: 4509

VIDEO: First Session, Bird Introduction

Here is a young Brittany a client brought out this morning. This is our first session. The pup had no bird or hunting experience. We worked on handling in the field, building associations including "that smell is a bird", "scent travels downwind", "ground scent", and that the gunshot is associated t...
by Higgins
Wed Jul 20, 2022 6:13 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Training the Young Brittany
Replies: 1
Views: 2454

VIDEO: Training the Young Brittany

Here I'm filming and managing a young 5 month old Brittany and her owner. This is the fifth session with them. The pup has associated the scent with birds and understands now that the gunshot is a good thing (it means she will have a bird in her mouth). She handles well with no commands, hand signal...
by Higgins
Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:20 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pointing English Springer Spaniel, A Change of Strategy
Replies: 19
Views: 5478

Re: Pointing English Springer Spaniel, A Change of Strategy

Here is one of the locals during her training. The first photo was taken during her "whoa" barrel work :D . The second photo shows her finished, steady, pointing a quail. I often work some of the local prairie wolves. This one is still a little gun sensitive though :D. I trained her the same way I t...
by Higgins
Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:57 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pointing English Springer Spaniel, A Change of Strategy
Replies: 19
Views: 5478

Re: Pointing English Springer Spaniel, A Change of Strategy

Here ya go Cj. I give all the dogs I train the freedom to flush the bird. The only rule is that they must wait for my verbal "alright" cue. Then, no chasing. They get to go to the bird on my "hunt dead" cue. When I say "alright, (flush but don't chase)" I have to be sure I'm close enough to get a sh...
by Higgins
Sat Jul 09, 2022 6:27 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pointing English Springer Spaniel, A Change of Strategy
Replies: 19
Views: 5478

Pointing English Springer Spaniel, A Change of Strategy

I wrote a post recently about a young English Springer Spaniel that I was going to convert from a flushing dog to a pointing dog. The owner has a nice Shorthair that I trained recently and he wanted to include his young flushing dog in the hunt. For the type of hunting he was going to do, I decided ...
by Higgins
Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:39 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Training Pups With an Instructor Dog
Replies: 2
Views: 2731

VIDEO: Training Pups With an Instructor Dog

Here is a short video of one of our instructor dogs, Des, showing the pups how it's done. Once I get the gun intro work done with the young pups, I begin their learning process by checkcording them along to watch our experienced dogs hunt and manage birds. Makes the training go much faster. After wa...
by Higgins
Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:50 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: 7 Month Old Braque Francais Joins the Pack
Replies: 2
Views: 3044

VIDEO: 7 Month Old Braque Francais Joins the Pack

https://youtu.be/QWeytMbq6PQ Last week an owner brought his young pup out to begin their training. They were here for three days. Day one we covered bird introduction, handling, gun introduction, recall, bird management and carrying and sharing prey with the pack. I also worked with the owner on his...
by Higgins
Tue Dec 07, 2021 4:52 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: The Flush/Stop Cue
Replies: 8
Views: 3937

Re: The Flush/Stop Cue

Hello Art. She is a pointer from my imported European lines. You don’t see many solid colored pointers in the states.
by Higgins
Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:00 am
Forum: Training
Topic: The Flush/Stop Cue
Replies: 8
Views: 3937

The Flush/Stop Cue

I'll be posting some new videos soon on how we hunt over and handle the dogs with the Higgins method. Below is a link to a related video shot a couple of years ago. The hunts are quiet and calm. Like a walk in the park. https://youtu.be/PfWSJ4TYt6o Accompanying video text: This is one of our black p...
by Higgins
Mon Jun 22, 2020 7:09 am
Forum: Training
Topic: How to teach "turning"?
Replies: 44
Views: 22834

Re: How to teach "turning"?

Hello Joe3232. Here is a video I did on the subject. My method is different than most. As you’ll see in the video, no obedience or commands are necessary.

https://vimeo.com/104148324?ref=em-share

Brad Higgins
Www.HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Fri Jun 12, 2020 11:27 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs, Wingshooting
Replies: 0
Views: 4022

VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs, Wingshooting

I had some clients out this week shooting over their Higgins Gundogs. I included some wingshooting instruction while they were here. As I see it, my job is to work with the dog and the handler to create a team. This is a video of a couple of shots taken with the Shotkam camera mounted to their gun. ...
by Higgins
Wed Jun 03, 2020 3:37 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs: The Nature of the Dog
Replies: 4
Views: 3276

Re: VIDEO: The Nature of the Dog

Hello Averageguy. I appreciate your thoughtful questions. A big part of my method is managing energy or excitement (focus). When a pup goes to a downed bird, I look at his energy. It will show in different ways depending on his personality. Too much energy and he may take the bird and run off, or ea...
by Higgins
Wed Jun 03, 2020 11:58 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs: The Nature of the Dog
Replies: 4
Views: 3276

VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs: The Nature of the Dog

For those of you interested in understanding the fundamental difference between the Higgins Method and others. Here is the bottom line, as I see it. Some questions first. When we talk about hunting with a dog, what things do they (the dog and the hunter) both want, enjoy and agree on? They both like...
by Higgins
Mon Jun 01, 2020 8:33 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
Replies: 43
Views: 23158

Re: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey

Hello Featherfinder,

She is a Braque Francais.



Brad Higgins
www.HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Fri May 29, 2020 10:21 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
Replies: 43
Views: 23158

VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey

The best retrieves are the ones you didn't ask for.

https://youtu.be/675lcmTgraI

Brad Higgins
www.HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Fri May 22, 2020 6:30 am
Forum: Training
Topic: PHOTOS: Shooting Over Steady Dogs
Replies: 6
Views: 4495

Re: PHOTOS: Shooting Over Steady Dogs

I missed once but it wasn’t my fault. The sun was in my eyes. 😁

Higgins
by Higgins
Tue May 19, 2020 8:42 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: PHOTOS: Shooting Over Steady Dogs
Replies: 6
Views: 4495

Re: PHOTOS: Shooting Over Finished Dogs

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by Higgins
Tue May 19, 2020 8:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: PHOTOS: Shooting Over Steady Dogs
Replies: 6
Views: 4495

PHOTOS: Shooting Over Steady Dogs

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by Higgins
Sun May 17, 2020 8:12 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Strange behaviour on point
Replies: 42
Views: 18002

Re: Strange behaviour on point

Hello Veggie, I've seen client dogs display the behavior you mention. In my experience, It's easy to fix. You stated, "Flushing the bird without my approval I've said a stern NO, calmed her down and moved on. For the part of coming back to me, I don't really know how to handle, or why she does that....
by Higgins
Tue Mar 03, 2020 5:58 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Flush/Stop on Cue, Steady to Wing, Shot, Fall, and Retrieve
Replies: 2
Views: 3200

VIDEO: Flush/Stop on Cue, Steady to Wing, Shot, Fall, and Retrieve

Here is a recent video of one of my clients and her Brittany. They came out for 5 days of training. The owner wanted to take it all the way. Not just handling her dog through "steady to flush", she wanted steady through fall, the dog leaving only after her verbal retrieve cue. In addition, she wante...
by Higgins
Mon Oct 28, 2019 7:02 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Starting Them Early
Replies: 10
Views: 6010

Re: Starting Them Early

Here is a link to the video on Youtube. The birds in the video are 2 week old quail. This is a recent litter of our Higgins Gundog pups. Now that their eyes are open, it's time for bird work. Here is Chubbs working his first covey. Got a couple of the black pups showing off their bracework too. Thes...
by Higgins
Sat Oct 26, 2019 8:00 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Starting Them Early
Replies: 10
Views: 6010

Starting Them Early

Now that their eyes are open, it's time for some bird work. Here is a brace working their first covey. :D

Brad Higgins
www.HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Wed Jul 17, 2019 10:25 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Cazzie Gets a Second Chance
Replies: 2
Views: 2500

VIDEO: Cazzie Gets a Second Chance

I often have clients come to me and ask if I can help them with problems they're having with their dogs. This is such a case. The owner sent his young Llewellyn Setter away to a trainer for gundog training. After a month, the trainer gave up on her and called the owner. The trainers feedback was tha...
by Higgins
Tue Jul 09, 2019 11:00 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: The Art of Wingshooting Over Dogs
Replies: 7
Views: 3556

VIDEO: The Art of Wingshooting Over Dogs

Here is the first video in a new series I'll be producing. This series will concentrate on the handlers responsibilities when wingshooting over dogs using the Higgins Training Method. Most of my videos show the unique talents displayed by the dogs. This new series will show the hunting and training,...
by Higgins
Thu Jun 20, 2019 1:54 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning to Work With a Bracemate
Replies: 0
Views: 6572

VIDEO: Learning to Work With a Bracemate

Quick little clip here from this morning’s training. This is Griffonpoint Bristol learning to work with another dog. Bristol is 6 months old. That’s Reagan and Ekahi working a quail. After the shot, Bristol doesn't bump the checkcord choosing instead, to sit and wait for her bird. Nice work everyone...
by Higgins
Sat Jun 15, 2019 6:49 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Gundog Training, Creating Mental Steadiness
Replies: 0
Views: 6464

VIDEO: Gundog Training, Creating Mental Steadiness

https://youtu.be/ohz9zB79gq4

Reagan and I were in the field this morning working some dogs. Here is Ekahi showing beautiful mental steadiness and good decision making.

Brad Higgins
https://HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Sun Jun 09, 2019 7:06 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Griffon Earns His HGD Title
Replies: 6
Views: 3687

VIDEO: Griffon Earns His HGD Title

We worked with a nice Griffon pup last week. I did a short video during the final testing. I thought some here might find it interesting.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/XPIodDrmUFU

Brad Higgins
https://HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:47 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Come Along on a Higgins Gundogs Training Hunt
Replies: 2
Views: 2012

VIDEO: Come Along on a Higgins Gundogs Training Hunt

We worked a few dogs the other day and I recorded some video. Here are a couple of clips. This is part of a longer video I'm putting together describing how we manage the hunt for the dogs. In the future, I'll be doing more videos of this style. Taking the viewers along and describing what I'm doing...
by Higgins
Tue Mar 19, 2019 8:58 am
Forum: Training
Topic: STEADY TO RELEASE
Replies: 15
Views: 5711

Re: STEADY TO RELEASE

I'll answer some of the questions. Shags: "Yeah but, how do you train for the stop after flush?" In my training I don't use any stop or steady commands. The dogs learn that if they chase, they don't get the bird. But if they are steady, they get to retrieve on my cue. Pretty soon, you couldn't MAKE ...
by Higgins
Mon Mar 18, 2019 8:36 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: STEADY TO RELEASE
Replies: 15
Views: 5711

Re: STEADY TO RELEASE

Hello Jeff. I do my training a little differently. I find that the best way to encourage steadiness to the flush, shot and fall, is to allow the dogs to flush the birds, but only on my verbal cue. I call it my "flush/stop" cue. I expect an aggressive flush and immediate stop to that flush. Basically...
by Higgins
Mon Dec 24, 2018 4:25 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Thank you Mask. Merry Christmas to you and everyone.
by Higgins
Mon Dec 24, 2018 11:03 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Having the dog walk in (on command) with handler for the flush is common in Europe. Obviously that's not going to get you a ribbon in a trial or test but, hunting I can see the merit. One thing I've noticed in Brad's video's is the dogs often seem to be creeping on, or crowding the bird. A follower...
by Higgins
Mon Dec 24, 2018 10:23 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Brad, I have another question to ask. I think my own dogs would be very interested if the bird given to them after they had shown cooperation during the brush pile hunt was a live one but a dead bird ? - - - Not nearly so much. I think my own dogs would greatly prefer to just be allowed to hunt on ...
by Higgins
Sun Dec 23, 2018 8:04 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Thanks Brad. I noticed in your later videos that you now train your clients dogs to flush on command rather than have the handler go in front of the dog to "kick it up." When and why did you decide to change from the method shown in this video ? Or is having the dog make the flush a later developme...
by Higgins
Sun Dec 23, 2018 7:49 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Brad, why do you think a dog needs to get a bird in it's mouth as a reward ? What I took from the video was that the dog knew birds were likely to be found in the magic brushpile from previous experience so the dog went there and "bumped" a bird . I see this fairly often if one of my dogs often fin...
by Higgins
Tue Dec 18, 2018 9:17 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Yea , Own volition ? ..with the check chord ?? still attached ...and a wee tiny bit taught ..I thought ? :lol: Hello Polmaise, In addition to the dogs, I train hawks and falcons to hunt with their owners. A major difference in my method is that I use the line as a *creance ( a falconry term), not a...
by Higgins
Mon Dec 17, 2018 8:58 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

Re: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

I appreciate your post Featherfinder. You read the video well.

For those interested, here's more fuel for the fire. :)

VIDEO: The Higgins Method and the Magic Brushpile Revisited
https://youtu.be/a7lMP9SF_dQ

Enjoy
by Higgins
Thu Dec 13, 2018 9:30 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off
Replies: 34
Views: 14585

VIDEO: Learning That Steadiness Pays Off

Here is a video from a while ago of a dog learning that steadiness pays off. Let me set this up. The dog has been shown, using a checkcord, that being steady and relying on the shooter to get the bird is the new strategy. This is not a pointing drill. I'm helping the dog build trust in the shooter. ...
by Higgins
Mon Oct 29, 2018 7:28 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Nigel in the Field
Replies: 0
Views: 2292

VIDEO: Nigel in the Field

Had Nigel out this morning showing off for some prospective owners. Here he is demonstrating steady to wing, shot and fall, waiting for my verbal release to retrieve. In this video, I am filming and the bird flushes from behind me. This is a short clip from a longer video that will be going up on my...
by Higgins
Wed Oct 24, 2018 5:25 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Stella Ready for Her New Home
Replies: 9
Views: 4126

Re: VIDEO: Stella Ready for Her New Home

Hello All. I'll try and answer a few questions. If you watch the video, listen to the narrative and please, if you would, read the text that I included there on Youtube. It explains a lot about what I'm doing with Stella and her new handler. First, because my method is based on trust, not obedience,...
by Higgins
Tue Oct 23, 2018 10:08 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Stella Ready for Her New Home
Replies: 9
Views: 4126

VIDEO: Stella Ready for Her New Home

https://youtu.be/nY4VpJjwWNM Stella went to her new home today. This video is of her new owners learning to handle her in the field. Stella is steady on her birds until released, does a nice flush/stop on cue and has a natural retrieve. In this video, I'm having the new owners take turns learning to...
by Higgins
Mon Sep 24, 2018 2:08 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs, Beginning Bracework
Replies: 4
Views: 2973

Re: VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs, Beginning Bracework

Hello Weimdogman, You asked, "1 What does it take to get the dog to stand still on the check cord as you approach the mbp and gunner and remain still when you bring the bird back ?". It usually takes just a few birds and two or three sessions. A dogs past history can have a big influence on how many...
by Higgins
Fri Sep 21, 2018 6:55 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs, Beginning Bracework
Replies: 4
Views: 2973

VIDEO: Higgins Gundogs, Beginning Bracework

Here are William and Nigel in the field this morning. This is their first time together working birds. Before beginning their brace work, both were shown individually, that stalking and steadiness lead to success. Now it's time to turn them loose and see what choices they make. No voice commands (wh...
by Higgins
Sat Jun 09, 2018 10:12 am
Forum: Training
Topic: The Unique Higgins Method, Classic Falcon Training for Dogs
Replies: 21
Views: 8801

Re: The Unique Higgins Method, Classic Falcon Training for Dogs

Hello JTG,

Yup, they break em and I fix em. :)

Keep in touch. When you have that couple of days available, let me know. We'll get your dog handling, steady on his birds, and include a nice natural retrieve. We'll get you tuned up as a handler too.

All the best,

Higgins
www.HigginsGundogs.com
by Higgins
Fri Jun 08, 2018 9:09 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Flushing Dogs That Choose to Point
Replies: 37
Views: 11691

VIDEO: Flushing Dogs That Choose to Point

Here is a link to a video of Jax, a nice young Lab pointing his bird. Reagan is the shooter. When it comes to dogs (like Labs) that have been bred to flush birds, I like to give them the freedom to choose their strategy, to work with their strengths. If a flushing dog demonstrates a talent for point...
by Higgins
Thu Mar 22, 2018 3:36 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: UK "Gundog Trust" to go to "Force Free"
Replies: 16
Views: 6725

Re: UK "Gundog Trust" to go to "Force Free"

I don't believe "positive only" is the way to go. Nature is not "positive only". I also think that in most cases, there are better ways to get things done that "force". I make it simple. I believe punishment should be no more than the lack of success. That's the nature of things and it's how dogs (p...
by Higgins
Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:40 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pulling Pup
Replies: 22
Views: 9848

Re: Pulling Pup

Hello Warrior 372,

If you like, give me a call. I can give you some pointers that might be helpful for you and your dog. I’m in Nevada.

Brad Higgins
Http://HigginsGundogs.com
775-267-7240
by Higgins
Thu Mar 08, 2018 11:03 am
Forum: Training
Topic: VIDEO: Choosing a Hunting Strategy
Replies: 35
Views: 13381

Re: VIDEO: Choosing a Hunting Strategy

Hello all. I just posted a new topic: "The Unique Higgins Method, Falconry for Dogs". It might help explain why what I do is different. Hope to see you there.

Higgins