Cold weather changes everything for dogs — not just how they perform, but how they eat, drink, rest, and stay healthy.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down cold weather dog care in a practical, no-nonsense way that applies to all outdoor and working dogs, not just hunting dogs.

Too many problems in winter come from good intentions paired with bad information. This episode is about helping dog owners understand what actually matters when temperatures drop — so dogs stay healthy, comfortable, and protected.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why not all dogs handle the cold the same (age, coat, and breed matter)
• Why hydration is critical in winter, even when dogs don’t feel thirsty
• How cold weather affects calorie needs and why fat matters for heat production
• Feeding strategies for winter, including higher-fat blends like 28/28 and 30/30
• Why bedding choice matters more than people realize
• Straw vs pine vs cedar vs heated pads
• Kennel setup tips that reduce cold stress, wind exposure, and ice-related injuries
• Why wind protection and south-facing kennels can make a big difference

This episode isn’t about being soft — it’s about being responsible.

Dogs will push through discomfort without complaint. That means it’s on us to notice problems before they turn into health issues.

If you keep dogs outside during the winter or work dogs in cold weather, this episode will help you make better decisions that protect them long-term.

Resources You May Find Helpful

📘 Rabbit Dog Starter Bundle + 3 Bonus Audios (Video + Book)

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

👥 Dog Man Insider Community (Facebook Group)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562828264897293

💳 Dog Man Insider Membership

https://buy.stripe.com/7sYcMYdym52b4Sq8Aj7bW02

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

The number one secret to being successful with hunting dogs isn’t a tool, a method, or a bloodline.

It’s a...., Check out the episode to learn what it is!

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, Stevie breaks down why this secret is the foundation of long-term success with hunting dogs — and why most new handlers struggle not because they lack effort, but because they’ve never fully committed.

This secret doesn’t mean “I’ll try and see how it goes.”

It means committing to a result and cutting yourself off from the option to quit, bounce methods, or constantly start over.

In this episode, we walk through a simple 3-step framework:

• What you’re focusing on — choosing one priority instead of chasing everything at once
• What things mean to you — how the meaning you give setbacks determines whether you quit or grow
• What you’re willing to do — the standards, consistency, and patience required to create real results

This episode is for new and beginner handlers who feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck — and need direction more than more information.

Success with dogs isn’t complicated.

It’s demanding of simple things done over time.

And it starts with this ONE clear secret!

Resources You May Find Helpful

📘 Rabbit Dog Starter Bundle + 3 Bonus Audios

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

👥 Dog Man Insider Community (Facebook Group)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562828264897293

💳 Dog Man Insider Membership

https://buy.stripe.com/7sYcMYdym52b4Sq8Aj7bW02

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

This spring, I’m in the process of restarting and rebuilding my kennel.

A lot of the dogs I’ve run for years are getting older, which means it’s time to slow down, evaluate what I have, and be intentional about how I add new dogs to the pack. In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down the six things I personally focus on when rebuilding a kennel, picking puppies, and planning the future of my pack.

This isn’t about chasing hype, papers, or quick fixes. It’s about clarity, purpose, and long-term thinking, especially for new and beginner handlers who want to build something solid from the start.

In this episode, I cover:

• Honest evaluation — being clear about your current dogs’ strengths and weaknesses
• Bloodlines matter, but paper doesn’t — why chasing ancestors and patterns matters more than titles
• Where you hunt — how terrain and conditions should influence the dogs you choose
• The litter’s purpose — understanding what the breeder is trying to gain from the cross
• Doing the legwork — why taking time to talk to people and research crosses pays off
• The “starting five” approach — structuring a pack like a basketball team, where each dog has a role and purpose

If you’re new to hunting dogs, thinking about adding puppies this year, or trying to improve your kennel instead of just adding numbers, this episode is meant to help you slow down, think clearly, and make better decisions that pay off in the long run.

Resources You May Find Helpful

📘 Rabbit Dog Starter Bundle + 3 Bonus Audios

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

👥 Dog Man Insider Community (Facebook Group)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562828264897293

💳 Dog Man Insider Membership

https://buy.stripe.com/7sYcMYdym52b4Sq8Aj7bW02

#HuntingDogs

#KennelBuilding

#PickingPuppies

#BloodlinesMatter

#NewHuntingDogHandlers

#DogManMindset

#WorkingDogs

#BuildingABetterPack

#ThoughtsOfADogMan

#BawlinOutKennels

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

If 2026 is the year you’ve decided to get into hunting dogs, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, Stevie breaks down the expectations that matter most for new and beginner hunting dog handlers—the ones that decide whether you enjoy the journey or burn out early.

Too many handlers don’t quit because they lack effort, but because they expect too much, too fast, or the wrong things altogether. This episode is about setting realistic, healthy expectations that help you stay patient, consistent, and confident as you and your dog grow together.

We talk about:

• Why dogs become what you repeatedly show them
• Building a team with your dog instead of trying to control one
• What to expect from young dogs, starting pens, and early mistakes
• Why small wins matter more than big moments
• How to filter advice without getting overwhelmed

This is not about shortcuts or expert flexing. It’s about clarity, mindset, and direction—so you can have your best year yet with your hunting dog.

If this is your year to get started, let’s set expectations that help you win in 2026.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

Leopard Dogs are by far my favorite tree dog. There is nothing I would rather hunt! Leopards are not only capable coons dogs but also great partners. Each Leopard dog can be unique, but those who have the good ones will be very slow to get another breed. In this episode, I list several things a new Leopard owner should know. The leopard breed is so small. Here is my list of things I believe will help you succeed! My list is as follows:

-A leopard can be slower to Mature and needs to be mentally stimulated 

-Color doesnt tree coon

-Leopards are intellectual breeds, very intelligent 

    The mind's ability to understand, reason, and think, separate from feelings

-Leopards have feelings

-Be clear with who you buy a Leopard from if you plan on outcrossing to another breed

-Line breeding is even more important with leopards.

-Get a Leopard from the terrain you plan to hunt

-You will ruin them if you try to make them something they are not

-Leopards thrive on trust; if you break that, good luck

-Leopards do not thrive on heavy-handed training techniques 

-Leopards crossed on other breeds is not the goal of Leopard Owners; it's not needed

-There are Leopards being bred for the Money grab

-If you want a hunting Leopard, get one out of Hunting Leopard

-Leopards are in a class of their own. If you want a more houndy style, go with that; if you want a more classical cur style, go with that.

The hope is that these frameworks can help people choose the Leopard Dog that will work for you!!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we discuss a few ways to get your young dog started. There are tons of ways to start a tree dog pup! Over the last 10 years, I have used these techniques to start all of my tree dog pups!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, I share a story I hope new and beginners can learn from, and that is about being safe while hunting in these winter conditions. On a freezing February night, I decided to go coon hunting in single-digit temperatures, putting myself and my Leopard Dog Bama to the test. Little did I know things would take a turn, and I would leave the woods with a whole new outlook on the importance of:

1. Letting someone know where you might be hunting
2. Having additional clothing items with you in case of an emergency, and other helpful equipment
3. Pay close attention to the weather and signs while out hunting, especially around water
4. Electronic considerations that can play a part in an emergency
5. The importance of having a good handle on your dog

I hope this story can help someone get home safe from a coon hunt, and if nothing else, give some ideas on things to consider when coon hunting or any hunting for that matter in these winter conditions.

If you would like to check out other Bawlin Out Kennels things, here are a few links to check out!

Merch:

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/

Book: Producing A Future Rabbit Dog

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

Private Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562828264897293

Group Membership Registration

https://buy.stripe.com/14A4gseCqeCLbgO3fZ7bW01

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

Most of us have been driving for quite a bit of time and have experienced that tailgater at some point or another. The frustration, the worry, danger and all of the above that comes when someone is just riding your bumper trying to get you to speed up and do what they want you to do! Think about how this makes you feel and maybe even angry! Now with that in mind. Are you tailgating your pup to get them to start at a faster pace than they are ready for? At your Pace? WE discuss this in this episode, along with a few Q&A from viewers on:

1. Things to look for when making a cross to have a better litter of pups
2. If then Stud dog really plays that bog of a deal in reproduction or is it the female
3. How much sight for when starting a pup is too much

Love the great questions from the viewers! If you enjoy the episode, check out the BOK Private Facebook Group- The Dog Man Insider: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562828264897293

Check out the Website: https://bawlinoutkennels.com/

Producing A Future Rabbit Dog 2.0: rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On today’s episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down a mindset shift that every new and beginner hunting dog handler needs to understand:

Winners quit.

Quitters don’t always win.

It sounds backwards, but when you’re working dogs, building good habits, and trying to grow as a handler, quitting is part of the process — as long as you’re quitting the right things.

In this episode, we get into:

• Why quitting isn’t failure — it’s strategy

• The things you must quit if you want to grow as a dog man

• Why new handlers get stuck by quitting the stuff that actually works

• How your pup benefits when you quit frustration, comparison, and rushed expectations

• What it really means to commit to the right work and walk away from the wrong voices

• How this mindset shapes the entire community we’re building at Bawlin Out Kennels

Whether you’re training a 4-month-old pup or trying to elevate your whole approach in the woods, this mindset will change the way you show up.

Quit the wrong things.

Commit to the right things.

That’s how winners win — in dog training and in life.

If you enjoy the show, share it with another dog man or woman who needs to hear it.

For more tips, community updates, and beginner-friendly support, follow Bawlin Out Kennels on Facebook and TikTok, and stay tuned for the launch of Dog Man Insider — the official community for new & beginner hunting dog handlers.

Website: https://bawlinoutkennels.com/

Book + Free Audios: https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

The Dog Man Insider Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16RirsgxPN/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we talk about situations that bring out the fire and passion to pass along what it means to be a dog man or woman. There will be situations in life that require a fork in the road, and the decision will either further motivate or stop it in its tracks. Here are a few things that have motivated me to bring forth the Dog Man Inside- Official Bawlin Out Kennel Community. We can all work together to improve the dog world. We have to remember we all started from somewhere, so share your knowledge and pass it on; it is not your knowledge to keep!

Bawlin Out Kennels Website

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/

The Dog Man Insider- Official Bawlin Out Kennels Community

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562828264897293

The Dog Man Insider- Group Payment Link (Must be subscribed before allowed into group)

https://buy.stripe.com/14A4gseCqeCLbgO3fZ7bW01

Producing A Future Rabbit Dog Starter Bundle

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/rabbit-dog-starter-bundle-book-3-bonus-audios

Merch

Buy 1 Get 2: BOK Signature Tee Bundle

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/products/bok-signature-tee

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content