Higgins Gundogs
Highgins Gundogs specializes in gundog and owner training using low-pressure techniques grounded in dog psychology. Their approach is fundamentally different from obedience-based methods: instead of commanding cooperation, they teach dogs that steadiness works—that waiting for the handler results in...
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Highgins Gundogs specializes in gundog and owner training using low-pressure techniques grounded in dog psychology. Their approach is fundamentally different from obedience-based methods: instead of commanding cooperation, they teach dogs that steadiness works—that waiting for the handler results in a bird in their mouth.
The training program typically runs 10-15 hours, broken up over a few weeks or condensed into 3-4 day intensives. Dogs learn to:
- •Hunt and manage birds with natural intensity and drive
- •Stay steady to flush, wing, shot, and kill
- •Honor another dog on point
- •Retrieve naturally without handler-induced pressure
- •Understand the predator-prey relationship
- •The core philosophy: Dogs are pack animals and predators. They learn through observation, association, and trial-and-error—the same way young predators learn in nature. Higgins Gundogs mimics that natural learning process rather than imposing obedience.
Key difference from conventional training: Most dogs will demonstrate understanding of steadiness in just a few hours because they learn that cooperation leads to success. No electric collars required for most dogs.
The training process follows a deliberate progression:
1. Intro to Field - Pups learn to hunt and bump birds, become gun-proofed, develop natural predatory instinct 2. Magic Brushpile - Dogs learn that the handler is valuable and possesses a skill they don't (catching prey). Birds are released in a controlled setting where the handler can demonstrate success repeatedly 3. Back to Field - Dogs apply Magic Brushpile lessons to real hunting using scent and Higgins Remote Releasers 4. Retrieve & Refinement - Natural retrieve is nurtured; flush/stop cues are added
Throughout training, handlers learn three body movement cues to control direction, speed, and distance—no whistles, no verbal commands needed.
- •One-on-one training sessions with you and your dog
- •Phone consultations for troubleshooting specific issues
- •Training clinics and seminars (check website for upcoming events)
- •Online video library with free monthly releases covering training concepts
- •Guide service in Lincoln, California
- •Problem dog rehabilitation - gunshyness, blinking, lack of hunting desire, e-collar issues
- •Higgins Remote Releaser - their proprietary bird release system for field training
Highgins Gundogs offers three certification levels designed to track both dog and handler progress:
| Certification | Focus | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Canine Partnership (HCP) | All dogs, companion or hunting | Defer walk, checkcord work, recall, off-leash handling, bird intro |
| Novice Gundog (HNGP) | Evaluating field potential | Bird introduction, gunfire association, drive, scenting ability, water work |
| Higgins Gundog (HGD) | Full field readiness | Bird management, flush/stop cue, steady to flush, team stalking, natural retrieve |
Dogs that earn HGD certification choose to cooperate and understand they need the handler to succeed. They display natural drive, focus, intensity, and steadiness under realistic hunting conditions.
The awards program has produced dozens of certified Higgins Gundogs across breeds including Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, English Setters, Irish Setters, Brittanys, German Wirehaired Pointers, Vizslas, Weimaraners, and others.
Highgins Gundogs takes time to understand how a problem developed and works with owners to get dogs back on track. Dogs showing gunshyness, blinking, lack of hunting desire, or e-collar-induced issues respond well to their psychology-based approach.
Based in Yerington, Nevada, with guide services available in Lincoln, California.
- •Phone: 916-717-5597
- •Email: [email protected]
Highgins Gundogs operates on the understanding that dogs are domesticated gray wolves—pack animals and social predators. Their training philosophy respects these instincts rather than fighting them. By showing dogs that steadiness leads to success, handlers build a cooperative hunting team where the dog wants to work with them.
Higgins Gundogs…where the bird says "whoa"