KB: My theory is that emotion evolved through the prey/predator dyad, the oldest relationship between living organisms, and that therefore inter-personal and interspecies communication and connection is possible by way of this platform rather than the higher aspects of cognition. The Higgins Method of Field dog training exquisitely harnesses this primordial dynamic and is always a joy to watch. Enjoy the video below along with the accompanying explanation by Brad Higgins.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXasIBaco2k&feature=youtu.be
“Here is a short video of some of our training/hunting today. The dog, hawk and human make a very efficient hunting group. The dog moves through the field searching for the birds scent. The hawk uses exceptional eyesight to locate any birds running and the human is a movable perch. The humans job is minimal when these two hunt together. The hawk reads the dog and knows when the dog has found a bird. She knows if the dog is working ground scent or air scent. The dog will point a bird and wait for the hawk to fly over and land nearby. Then they both wait for the least talented of the group, the human, to show up, provide a convenient hunting platform and flush the bird.”
“The hunt is quiet and seamless. The dog and hawk work together without having to spend a lot of time learning. There has been no training to get the dog and hawk to use each other and hunt together. Each simply reacts to what the prey and the other hunters are doing. It’s not cooperation as we see it. Simply two predators that have each found a way to increase their individual success.”
“The use of hawks and falcons is an important part of the Higgins method of training Especially useful in helping gun-shy dogs build hunting desire and focus before the reintroduction of the gun. The use of the hawk also reinforces steadiness, honoring and hunting cooperation. Falconry is an excellent way to enrich your hunting dog’s experiences.”
“This was filmed at our new hunting/training venue located in the high desert of Yerington, Nevada, in the Northeast Mason Valley.”
“Visit our website for additional information about our unique method of birddog training. www.HigginsGundogs.com”
