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 techniques or competition hunting. It’s about the experiences that shape people and connect them to dogs for life.

We talk about:

• The moments that pull people into hunting dogs

• The role mentors and experienced dog men play

• How one dog can change everything

• Why certain memories stay with us forever

• Situations that create dog men and women

• And a few things that don’t actually create dog men

Every handler has a story about how they got started.

So the real question is:

What moment hooked you?

📘 Rabbit Dog Starter Bundle + 3 Bonus Audios

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

👥 Dog Man Insider Community (Beginner-Friendly, No Ego)

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

💳 Dog Man Insider Membership

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

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 training methods so they can make better decisions for their dogs.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why beginners are often told to solo young dogs

• What soloing is supposed to accomplish

• Why young beagles need experience before isolation

• How pack learning mirrors how dogs naturally develop

• Problems that can happen when soloing too early

• When soloing does make sense

• What I focus on instead to build confident rabbit dogs

Some dogs will benefit from solo work later.

But early on, more opportunity, more experience, and more confidence usually matter more than isolation.

If you’re working with young beagle pups or just getting into rabbit dog training, this episode will help you think clearly about your approach and avoid unnecessary frustration.

📘 Rabbit Dog Starter Bundle + 3 Bonus Audios

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

👥 Dog Man Insider Community (Beginner-Friendly, No Ego)

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

💳 Dog Man Insider Membership

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

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 other topics that came up along the way. We believe this one will be enjoyed; it is not every day you get to create a podcast with your best friend! What you hear is a natural form of friendship; the laughs are genuine, and the passion is evident! Give it a listen and tap into the minds of two Curs guys as they share a conversation about the things we love!