Thoughts of A Dog Man

When the hunt starts, safety has to come first — because one mistake in the field can change everything. In this episode, we’re talking real talk about hunter safety and awareness: handling your firearm the right way, keeping control when the excitement hits, and making sure everyone — dogs and people — make it home safe.We’ll cover why every hunter should have a first aid kit and tourniquet ready in the truck, and what you can do to treat a wound until help arrives. Plus, we’ll talk dog safety and field care — from hydration to pressure dressings and how to handle cuts, punctures, or accidents when your dog gets hurt out there.This isn’t just about hunting smart — it’s about hunting responsibly. Because before you drop the tailgate, there’s one goal that matters most: everyone goes home.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

https://bawlinoutkennels.com/On this episode, I discuss the brutal truths. Everyone loves the pictures of barking beagles, treed hounds, and bird dogs locked on point — but that’s not the full story. Behind every great hunt are hard lessons that most people don’t talk about. In this episode, I pull back the curtain and give you the brutal truths about hunting with dogs:Why most dogs will never make it, no matter their bloodlineHow handlers ruin more dogs than genetics ever willThe true cost — in money, time, and relationships — that this lifestyle demandsThe heartbreak of lost dogs, tough culls, and failure in the fieldAnd why, after all of that, we still wouldn’t trade it for anythingThis isn’t the sugarcoated version of hunting with dogs. It’s raw, unfiltered, and straight from experience. If you’ve ever felt the highs and lows of life with hunting dogs, you’ll relate. And if you’re just starting out, this episode might just save you years of frustration.Because the truth is brutal — but it’s also what makes this life worth living.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, I discuss some of the mistakes I made as a new tree dog trainer. These are mistakes, I believe, that a new and beginning handler can avoid, which will help you speed up the process in your training. I know not everyone has a mentor to turn to to ask questions. At Bawlin Out Kennels, we aim to help new and beginning handlers with options on training and mindset that can help them on their hunting dog journey. I share seven mistakes I made in hopes that you do not make the same mistakes I did and get to the results faster!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

Thinking about buying a new hunting dog before the season starts—or maybe picking up a pup that someone else has already started? Before you make that decision, there are some key things every handler should consider.In this episode of Thoughts of a Dog Man, I break down my personal checklist for evaluating a new dog. We’ll cover:Understanding why you’re buying—whether it’s for hunting, future breeding stock, or resale. The importance of honestly matching your goals with the dog’s background. Key signs of a healthy dog that will save you time, money, and heartache later. The mindset you need when giving a dog that hasn’t been hunted in a while a fair shot.If you’re serious about setting yourself up for success this season, this episode will give you the clarity to make the right move when evaluating your next dog.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

Here is a short episode where I share some thoughts on the mistakes I made when I first started rabbit hunting! With a focus on new and beginning handlers, I want to share these mistakes to help you avoid them and get started on the right track. The benefit of having someone share mistakes they have made with you is that it saves you time, energy, and a headache. I hope these resources help you as you get started on your rabbit hunting and dog training journey.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Johnson, a member of the Iowa Blood Tracker Association, and we talk about tracking wounded deer with dogs. At Bawlin Out Kennels, we strive to share information with new and beginning handlers on the topic of tracking with dogs. This was fascinating to me, which allowed me to learn something new. Chris has been around dogs for a long time and has been working with deer-tracking dogs for a few years, in addition to running rabbits with beagles. Give it a listen as Chris talks more about how tracking wounded deer with dogs works, ways you can get involved, and how to go about getting help if you need a deer tracked!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, we discuss having a young dog that might not stay on the tree when it gets treed. I have a question sent to me on Facebook about how a dog sometimes can mill around the tree and not quite be belly up or even leave the tree when the owner is walking in. I have dealt with this before and share something I did that seemed to help my dog when he would tree for a bit and start to leave the tree. WE discuss being slow to correct in these situations to make sure the dog is actually leaving trees with game in them and not just double-checking to make sure they are right. With most things involving training hunting dogs, there are many ways to accomplish the same goal, and the hope is to give a new handler options they can fall back on when encountering different scenarios! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we discuss how most hunting dog people relate their love for hunting dogs to an incurable disease of the healthiest kind. The love we share for hunting dogs goes so much further than just harvesting game, but becomes about the dogs, the love of being in the woods or timber, and creating memories with others who love hunting with dogs. We keep this episode light-hearted and fun as I share some comparisons in my mind between the love for dogs and the incurable disease of being thankful for the dogs and friends I have made over the years.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, we discuss culling dogs as a new and beginning handler. We define culling and outline some key considerations before deciding whether to cull. Culling a dog is something you, as the owner and handler, have to determine is right or not for you. We discuss key considerations when deciding whether to cull a dog. Making sure you, as a new handler, have some sort of standard or metric in your mind to make sure you are giving the dog the best chance possible to become the best dog they can be. Not everyone agrees on culling and whether or not to do it, but coming up with an idea in your mind on what meeting the culling standard will help you along your hunting dog journey, and make a sound decision when the time comes.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, I discuss some lessons I have learned along the way on my dog man journey. I believe in staying open-minded and willing to evaluate and adjust through life. Dealing with dogs is no different; learning to adjust and be honest with yourself will go a long way. Some of these lessons include Getting out, what you put in, Not Quitting before your breakthrough, Being your own competition, and many more. Start how you want to finish how you want to, and control what you can, which is your attitude and effort. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, I sit down with a huge advocate for youth and women hunting here in Iowa! Who also covers Missouri. Steph Lane is a connector who strives to help youth and women expand their experiences in the world of hunting! Steph not only sets the youth and women up for success, but is also an avid hunter herself, with bird dogs. Steph shares some of her thoughts on bird dog training and the future projects to look forward to. If you are a landowner looking to participate in these projects, or someone new to hunting and seeking ways to get started, consider contacting Steph to get you pointed in the right direction.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, we discuss some ways to set your pup up for success this coming season. With a lot of pups and people getting prepared for the upcoming rabbit season, squirrel season, pheasant season, or coon season, along with many others, I want to make sure you, as a new handler, have done all the prep work at the house before taking your pup or young dog into their first season. I discuss eight key points to consider when preparing a pup or young dog for the season. These are straightforward things to do and can be worked on each day, but they require consistency and patience to set the foundation for your dog's future career. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

In this episode, I discuss what I believe to be one of the most important aspects of working with dogs at a high level. For beginners, starting how you want to finish is crucial, and it all begins with Mindset. Having the proper mindset and approach will take you as far as your heart desires with hunting dogs. There will be plenty of times of frustration naturally, and sometimes confusion, but with the proper mindset, you can persevere through all of it and continue to develop your skills and dogs to be the best they can be. I share 10 approaches or ways to look at things I've learned over the years, which can help you get the result of a champion-caliber mindset. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we discuss the topic of Hot Nose and Cold Nose, and whether this trait is bred into a dog or if it is a learned behavior acquired by the dog from its owner or trainer. I was taught, like most hunting dog owners, about the concept of a hot nose versus a cold nose, but as I continue to develop my knowledge and skills in dog training, there has been a shift in my thinking. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the hot nose vs. cold nose concept as I develop and work through this idea regarding training. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we discuss for those of us who only have access to hunting public lands, how to make the most of it when hunting with your dogs. Everything Bawlin Out Kennels does starts with respect! It will take you so much further in life and hunting. I share a few ways to maximize your public land experience when hunting with your dogs, from choosing the best times to hunt to respecting the different seasons and being mindful of other hunters who also share public lands. I hope this helps you on your journey with your hunting dog as a new handler. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, I sit down with a best friend, Jason Keen. Our paths crossed a few years ago, and a friendship like no other was created. His love for The Lord, Coon Hunting and Brotherhood just scratches the surface of the man he is and what her stands for. He traveled from Virginia to Illinois to meet each other for a weekend. We discuss his start in coon hunting, Leopard dogs and a little advice for new and beginner handlers getting started. This is another episode that will be near and dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy listening!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we discuss a couple of options for beginners getting started who may not have a ton of money but want to hunt a good dog or prospect. We discuss how to approach the concepts of hunting a dog for another owner, making puppy arrangements, and how being new can be a great blessing, allowing you access to good dogs that other seasoned individuals may not have access to. You will only be a beginner for a short period, so being a trustworthy, honest person will take you a long way in the arena of hunting dogs.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this week's episode, we discuss the importance of communication when training a hunting dog. The foundation of communication, coupled with the bond made between the handler and dog, is a crucial part of success. Miscommunication is a recipe for frustration when it comes to training a hunting dog companion. We discuss dissecting the miscommunication matrix that is making training difficult for you and your pup. There are five communication metrics discussed, and if you, as a handler, can assess which one of the five needs improvement, it will significantly enhance the communication between you and your pup.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, we talk rabbit hunting with beagles. I have been rabbit hunting with beagles for close to 10 years and am still constantly learning each time I take my dogs hunting or training. I want to focus on getting new hunters started in the right direction by sharing some mistakes I made often when I first started rabbit hunting with my beagles. It took me quite a few seasons to get comfortable to the point I can now tell you just about right where a rabbit will show. Here, I share 5 mistakes to avoid for new hunters and help them learn from my experience to make their experience easier and achieve those results much faster!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content

On this episode, I sit down with a mentor who has made a lasting impression on my life and who is why I started hunting with dogs. Mr. Mike Lensing has genuinely changed the trajectory of my life and given me a passion I had no idea I would love so much. This passion has given me unbelievable memories and friendships around the country. Join me as I have a conversation with Mike about his start with dogs, the importance of mentorships, and the sport of coon hunitng.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/thoughts-of-a-dog-man/exclusive-content