Trinity Upland Academy

A legend in the Breton community, and a longtimer in the Field Trial community… Wisdom, Respect, & a wealth of Knowledge from Butch Nelson!

Beginner Clinic

Advanced Clinic

Our Philosophy

We firmly believe in and follow the George Hickox Method of training a pointing dog. George is the best in the world, bar none. He has trained the winningest dog in the history of American Field Open Shooting Dog Stakes, Chelsea’s Thunderbolt (“Bolt” is a 4x Purina Shooting Dog of the Year, and 22x Open Shooting Dog Champion). He has also trained championship winning Springers and special forces working dogs.

The Hickox Method uses positive reinforcement, clicker training, avoidance training, and a philosophy that is based around the concept that “DOGS LEARN BY ASSOCIATION THROUGH CONSISTENT REPITITIONS!” By this method we start clicker work by 6 weeks of age; bird, gun, and collar intro by 15 weeks of age; and the dogs learn to love to learn from the start. They become problem solvers, always looking for a way to “win” whatever game we are playing. Whether it is pointing drills, target stick work, or patterning work in the field. Dogs trained in the Hickox Method possess a high level of confidence, boldness, and biddability. This allows the handler to need fewer corrections and resulting in a better dog for years to come! Click to learn more about George or the Hickox Method.

Our Clinics

The Trinity Upland Academy partners with George Hickox 2x a year to offer our exclusive Trinity Upland Academy. These clinics are only open to those who have purchased a Trinity Breton or have a deposit with us. George’s time during the Academy is spent helping you develop as a trainer/handler, as well as putting together a successful program for your Trinity Breton!

There are three levels of the Trinity Upland Academy and are offered on a prerequisite format. Once you have completed level 1, you are eligible for level 2, etc. This is so that you and your dog(s) have the foundation laid and the verbiage learned before we advance to the next phase. Level one is for young dogs and trainers; level two is for advancing your tool kit for training, advancing your dog in steadiness, patterning, and conditioning; level three is for finishing and maintaining your finished dog.

These clinics are offered in May and June each year. The cost of attending a clinic is $1000 OR you can buy the Upland Academy Package at $2250 for all three or $750 each.