My Hunting Dog Training Blog

Read a cool article today in the pointing dog journal about an even cooler new dog training product. The Higgins Remote Releaser, was developed by Brad Higgins at HigginsGunDogs.com. Now the remote bird launcher is not a new idea in hunting dog training. Remote launchers have been in use for nearly two decades. The typical remote bird launcher has a catapult or spring-like mechanism that forces the bird up and into flight. This works pretty well unless like me you have a hard time holding the gun, the check cord, the ecollar remote and the bird launcher in two hands. The training scenario can go fairly smooth if you have a couple of buddies to help you out. But, if you are training your dog alone like I often do - forget about it. I usually hit the bird launcher button too early or too late, and even if I do get it right I miss an important correction for my dog because I am not paying attenting to his cues.

The Higgins Remote Releaser is a new concept that gently lifts the lid of the releaser letting the bird decide when it is time to flush. The releaser works almost silently using a hydraulic lift arm and gives a more realistic flush because the bird sits tight until it feels pressured by the dog to take flight. This is great for training a dog to be steady to the flush. After a few times of creeping in too close the dog learns to hold points at a safer distance giving you a better chance at a clean shot. I have yet to get my hands on this product, but can't wait to get one and try it out. It really looks like Brad Higgins has got a great idea and a killer hunting dog training product. Click over to his site and learn more about the new Higgins Remote Releaser.