Thoughts of A Dog Man

When is a young hunting dog actually ready to hunt alone?

Soloing young dogs is something dog men have different opinions on. Some believe it’s an important part of developing independence, while others would rather build a young dog up around experienced dogs before asking it to do everything on its own.

But maybe the better question isn’t simply, “Should I solo my dog?”

Maybe it’s: **What has this dog shown me that tells me it’s ready?**

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, Ste...

Buying a hunting dog can get expensive fast—especially when you get the dog home and realize it isn’t anything like what you thought you were buying.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I’m talking directly to new and beginner handlers about some of the questions I think you should ask BEFORE money changes hands.

This episode came from a real conversation I recently had with someone who has been trying to build his beagle pack. After buying a few dogs that didn’t quite fit what he was actually looking...

There are a lot of little things I do when training hunting dogs that probably wouldn’t sound like “secrets” to everybody—but they’re techniques I’ve picked up over the years that have helped me get more out of my dogs.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down five of those little training techniques and explain how I actually use them.

We talk about teaching a hunting dog to hit the ground running so that when you cut that dog loose, it already understands that it’s time to GO HUNT. I...

What does a Nite Champion title really prove?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I take a deeper look at competition titles and ask a question I think is worth discussing: does the title tell us enough about the dog, or do we need to know more about the road it took to get there?

We talk about the difference between a dog that earns its wins quickly versus one that needs considerably more opportunities, how much the handler behind the leash can influence competition success, and whether home-field advantage matters when...

Rabbit season is open here in Iowa, and before we get too caught up in the dogs, the races, and putting rabbits in the bag, I wanted to spend some time talking about safety.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I go through several things I think every rabbit hunter—especially somebody new to hunting with dogs—should think about before heading to the field.

We start with muzzle control and the habits that matter while carrying a gun around other hunters and dogs. Then we get into knowing where your dogs are...

When you’re working with a young tree dog, it can be easy to focus on one question:

Is he treeing yet?

But there’s a whole lot more I’m watching before I ever decide what I think that young dog might become.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we talk about some of the things I look for while a young tree dog is developing—hunt and desire, how they use their nose, whether they seem more track-minded or tree-minded, problem-solving ability, independence, confidence, and how they respond when thin...

Practice what you preach.

Recently, Bawlin Out Kennels crossed 10,000 followers on Facebook. It’s a milestone I’m proud of, but it also made me think about the process it took to get there and how similar that process is to developing a young dog.

There were times when 10,000 followers felt a long way away. Times when growth was slow, things didn’t work, negativity showed up, and I questioned whether I was even headed in the right direction.

Sound familiar?

Because we go through the exact same thing with our dogs.<...

Are you helping your young dog too much?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we talk about something that can be easy to overlook when training a young dog: sometimes the best thing you can do is step in—and sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of the way.

We get into the difference between teaching a dog and doing the work for him, why a little struggle can actually help build problem-solving ability, and how constantly directing a young dog can create one that starts waiting on yo...

Do you actually know what motivates your dog?

A lot of us have a certain way we like to train dogs, but one thing I've learned is that the same approach doesn't necessarily work the same way on every dog.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we're talking about learning the individual dog in front of you. Is that dog motivated by food? Praise? Play? Chase? Does pressure make him work harder, or does it cause him to shut down? And are the things we think are rewards actually rewarding to that...

Have you ever wondered what happens after the puppies are weaned?

Most people spend all their time talking about raising the puppies—but very few talk about helping the mama dog recover. In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we’re discussing the weaning process from both sides: preparing the puppies for independence while safely helping the female transition out of nursing.

We’ll cover:
• Preparing a female before breeding
• Deworming before, during, and after pregnancy
• When to begin the weaning process
• My step-by-step approach to gradually separating mom and puppies
• Helping reduce the risk of mastitis and o...

If everyone wants a good rabbit dog... why don't we all want the same kind of rabbit dog?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I answer several listener-submitted questions about rabbit dogs and the different preferences hunters have. We discuss the kind of rabbit dog I personally enjoy running, why different styles of dogs fit different people, how I decide how many dogs to run at one time, and how I choose the people and dogs I hunt with.

One thing I've learned over the years is that there isn't one perfect r...

Where does the ALCBA stand today, and how can owners begin registering their American Leopard Curs moving forward?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I share an update on the American Leopard Cur Breeders Association and the new registration process launching August 1. We discuss how registration was handled in the past, how the new online system will work, and the different registration pathways available for current ALCBA dogs, litters, historical bloodlines, rebuild situations, and single registration.

I also talk about what to do if your dogs trace back to ALCBA stock but t...

Your puppy finally opened up and ran with the dogs—but does that automatically mean your puppy is started?

The word “started” can mean several different things depending on who you ask. For one person, it may mean a puppy showed interest or joined a race. For another, it may mean the dog can recognize the track, contribute to moving the rabbit, work through a check, or even jump and circle its own rabbit.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we talk about what “started” can mean, what your puppy may have actually demo...

You finally brought home a started dog. Now what?

For many new handlers, the excitement of getting a new dog leads to one of the biggest mistakes they can make—taking that dog hunting before it's had time to settle into its new home.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, we discuss why the first few days and weeks after bringing home a started dog are so important. From building trust and learning the dog's language to transitioning dog food, managing expectations, and using electronic collars responsibly, we'll explore how a lit...

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, I'm answering eight of the most common questions I hear from new and beginner hunting dog handlers. From choosing a puppy and understanding bloodlines to knowing when to hunt a young dog and avoiding common mistakes, this episode is designed to give you practical advice and a better way to think about your dogs.

Topics include:

• How to recognize potential in a puppy

• When to start hunting a young dog

• Puppy vs. started dog

• What makes a good bloodline?

• Th...

What's the hardest part of dogs?

Most people might say training, breeding, finding good dogs, or dealing with setbacks. But the more I've thought about it, the more I've started to wonder if the hardest part might be something else entirely.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, I explore the role patience plays in every stage of the journey—from puppies and development to training, breeding decisions, and long-term goals. We discuss the challenges of waiting for dogs to mature, waiting for results, and knowing when patience is helping versus when ac...

What actually makes someone a Dog Man?

Is it the number of dogs they've owned? The years they've spent hunting? The trophies on the shelf? Or is it something deeper than that?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, I explore a question that every dog person may answer a little differently. I share some of the things that, in my opinion, don't necessarily make someone a Dog Man, along with the traits and characteristics I believe often do.

We discuss:

• Why years alone don't always equal wisdom

What are you REALLY buying when you buy a puppy?

Most people would probably say they're buying a dog. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized a puppy represents much more than that.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, I explore the different things people are actually investing in when they bring home a new puppy. From potential and genetics to relationships and dreams, we discuss why expectations, responsibility, and reality play such a major role in a puppy's future.

We talk about:

• Bu...

Are you REALLY prepared for a great dog?

Everybody says they want one. A dog with more talent, more drive, more ability, and more potential. But what happens when a truly exceptional dog finally shows up?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, I explore a question that most dog handlers never stop to ask themselves: Are you actually prepared for what comes with a great dog?

We discuss:

This episode takes it back to some real dog talk with my mentor Mike! Taking you guys back to one of the first long-form podcasts I had done!

Before the audio was polished and everything was dialed in, we sat down and talked about rabbit dogs, tree dogs, hunting stories, dogs from the past that left an impression on us, and lessons learned over the years in the woods.

There’s a lot of wisdom in conversations like these, and I’m thankful to have crossed paths with people willing to share their knowledge and expe...

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man Podcast, I talk with Mr. Robert Paris for a conversation about dogs, pedigrees, mentorship, and what it really takes to improve quickly as a newer dog handler.

Even though Mr. Robert has only been involved with dogs for a short amount of time, he has already developed a deep interest in bloodlines, pedigrees, and understanding why dogs are the way they are through their ancestry.

We talk about:

Most people think growing a better kennel means adding more dogs, more crosses, more pups, and more chaos.

I don’t believe that.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we break down the idea from Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s book 10X Is Easier Than 2X and apply it directly to hunting dogs, kennel management, breeding programs, and producing better results.

Sometimes the biggest jump forward comes from cutting the bottom 80% and doubling down on what actually works.

We talk about:

In Episode 1, I talked about how I ended up owning the A.L.C.B.A.

In Episode 2, I broke down the history, the split within the breed, and why it still matters today.

Now we talk about the future.

This episode is about where the Leopard breed stands right now, what I believe is hurting it, and what can still be done to help preserve what makes these dogs special.

I talk about the importance of people working together, putting pride aside, learning from experienced Leopard people who are still...

A lot of people know the letters A.L.C.B.A. — but not many know what it actually is, why it matters, or how much history is tied to it.

In this episode, I break down the American Leopard Cur Breeders Association, what a breed-specific registry can really do, and why Leopards have always been a unique breed with their own lane.

I also talk about the major shift that happened in 2008, how the breed ended up divided in different directions, and why many people still feel the effects of that today.

Most...

This wasn’t something I planned…

In this episode, I talk about how I ended up taking over the A.L.C.B.A. (American Leopard Cur Breeders Association), how it all came together, and what this opportunity really means to me.

What started as conversations, building relationships, and mutual respect turned into something much bigger than I expected. This isn’t just about owning a registry or paperwork—this is about responsibility, preserving something meaningful, and doing right by the dogs and the people involved.

I share the story behind how it happened...

If you’re thinking about using training scent to start a young dog… this episode is for you.

Training scent can be a useful tool—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of starting a hunting dog. A lot of beginners are told to use it, but very few are told how, when, or how long.

In this episode, I break down what training scent actually is, why people use it, where it can help, and where it can start holding your dog back. I also walk through how I’ve used it myself...

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I reflect on one full year of podcasting, training dogs, and sharing the journey.

When I started, I didn’t have a big plan—I just wanted to help new and beginner handlers make sense of things and avoid some of the mistakes I’ve seen and made myself.

Over the past year, I’ve learned a lot—not just about dogs, but about consistency, mindset, and what it really takes to build something over time.

We talk about:

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, we’re breaking down something that confuses a lot of new and beginner handlers — how weather actually affects your dog’s ability to track and run game.

A lot of times, people are quick to judge their dog when things don’t go right… but the reality is, conditions play a bigger role than most realize.

We talk through how moisture, temperature, wind, and even barometric pressure can either help your dog or make things a whole lot tougher. More importantly, this episode is about helping you underst...

Leopard Curs are a unique breed, and understanding them takes time, experience, and the right perspective.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I sit down with Scott Gordon, who has spent over 20 years working with American Leopard Curs. Mr. Scott shares his insight into the breed, what makes Leopards different, and some of the training approaches that can be overlooked by those new to Leopard Curs.

We talk about:

• What makes Leopard Curs unique as a hunting dog

• Lessons learned from over 20 years with the breed

• Training...

The Reality of Raising Hunting Dog Puppies

Spring is the time of year when a lot of hunting dog crosses are made and litters start hitting the ground. It’s also the time when many people who had a good season start talking about wanting a pup out of a certain dog.

But raising a litter of puppies comes with a lot more reality than most people realize.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I talk about some of the lessons and situations that come with breeding hunting dogs and rai...

Every hunting season teaches you something — if you're willing to step back and pay attention.

As the season winds down and the off-season begins, it's a good time for every dog man to take an honest look at their dogs, their pack, and their approach going forward.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I introduce a simple framework called the P.A.C.K. Method to help reflect on the season and think clearly about the off-season. Whether you're running rabbit dogs, tree dogs, bird dogs, or any kind of hunting dog, the l...

Every dog man and dog woman has a beginning.

There’s always a moment — a hunt, a dog, a mentor, or a memory — that pulls someone into the world of hunting dogs and never quite lets go.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I talk about the different situations that can trigger someone into becoming a dog man. From the people who introduce us to the sport, to the first dog that changes everything, to the moments in the woods that stick with us forever.

This episode isn’t about training...

If you spend any time around rabbit dog handlers, you’ll hear it over and over:

“Solo the dog.”

But is that really the best approach for young beagles?

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I talk about why I don’t usually solo young dogs under a year old, what pups really need early on, and how pack experience can shape a better rabbit dog in the long run.

This isn’t about arguing with anyone — it’s about helping new and beginner handlers understand the why behind different...

This episode was special, featuring a conversation with one of my best friends! These types of conversations happen often between him and me, and we thought it was time to share them with others. This one is the first of many we hope to share along the journey of our friendship. Andrew holds nothing back with an honest love for coon hunting and Leopard Curs. These Leopard Curs have brought two worlds together, and nothing is more powerful than sharing a common interest and goal with another person. We discuss what matters in coon hunting, the Leopard Breed, and...

Coon dog paralysis is something many handlers have heard about — but few truly understand until it hits close to home.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down what coon dog paralysis is, what it does to a dog, why the onset can take time, and the hard lessons that come with it.

This isn’t a scare tactic episode.

It’s an understanding episode.

We talk about:

Coon hunting didn’t used to feel this complicated.

Somewhere along the way, pressure replaced enjoyment, titles replaced memories, and a lot of people — especially new handlers — started to feel like they were doing something wrong just for wanting to enjoy the dogs.

In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down 15 ways to make coon hunting fun again, with a focus on protecting new and beginner handlers from unnecessary pressure, unrealistic expectations, and burnout.

This episode isn’t anti–competition hunting.

It’s about reminding people that coon hunting is...

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:

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...

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, purpo...

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 d...