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.

📘 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

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!

📘 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

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.

📘 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

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