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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#KennelBuilding

#PickingPuppies

#BloodlinesMatter

#NewHuntingDogHandlers

#DogManMindset

#WorkingDogs

#BuildingABetterPack

#ThoughtsOfADogMan

#BawlinOutKennels

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.

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!!

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!

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

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