Dog Driven Podcast

Is hip dysplasia really just a genetic problem? In this Myth Buster Monday episode, we break down one of the most common misconceptions surrounding canine orthopedic health. Genetics absolutely matter — but they’re only one piece of a much bigger picture. We’re talking about how growth, body condition, nutrition, exercise, development, and environment can all influence orthopedic health, why even puppies from health-tested parents can still develop hip dysplasia, and why good genetics should be viewed as a strong starting point — not a guarantee. If you’re raising a hunting dog, sport dog, working dog, or any canine athlete, this episode will help you better understand how the choices you make during development can impact long-term soundness and performance. And stay tuned for Wellness Wednesday, where we’ll go even deeper into hip dysplasia, joint disease, bone conditions, treatment options, and ways to support lifelong orthopedic health.

You have an incredible female. You find the most accomplished stud you can—the titles, the pedigree, the performance record, the genetics. Breed the best to the best and you should get even better puppies… right? Not necessarily. In the final installment of The Genetics of a Performance Dog , we’re taking everything we’ve learned throughout this series and asking the question that ultimately matters: How do you actually choose the right breeding pair? Because the most impressive dog available isn’t automatically the best dog for your dog . In Part 4, we dive into complementary breeding and why a thoughtful cross requires looking far beyond titles and accomplishments. We discuss performance versus production, evaluating the entire family behind a dog, and why siblings and previous offspring may tell you things a championship résumé cannot. We also explore: Why breeding should start by honestly evaluating your own dog Why complementary breeding doesn’t mean trying to “average out” serious weaknesses The difference between drive and usable drive Why temperament and the ability to regulate and recover matter in a performance dog Why structure is about function—not just appearance The importance of durability and longevity in working families Why health testing should be the starting point, not the finish line Why COI, pedigrees, DNA panels, and titles are tools—not breeding decisions The danger of chasing the hottest stud Why an exceptional performer isn’t automatically an exceptional producer The questions breeders—and puppy buyers—should be asking before a litter is ever produced Ultimately, responsible breeding isn't about stacking the two most impressive résumés. It's about understanding what each dog brings, what each dog lacks, what their families consistently produce, and whether those two genetic packages actually make sense together. Throughout this four-part series, one theme has remained constant: Responsible breeding is about managing probability—not guaranteeing outcomes. The goal isn't to produce the most extreme dog, the most fashionable pedigree, or the puppy with the most impressive names behind it. It's to produce healthy, functional, stable, durable dogs capable of doing the work they were bred to do—and hopefully doing it for a very long time. 🎙️ Part 4: “Is ‘Best to Best’ Really Best?” concludes The Genetics of a Performance Dog on Dog Driven. Better dogs. Better lives. Through knowledge.

If an incredible dog appears multiple times in a pedigree, are you really “locking in” the traits that made that dog great? Not exactly. In Part 3 of our Wellness Wednesday series, The Genetics of a Performance Dog , we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in dog breeding: linebreeding, inbreeding, COI, and genetic diversity. Breeders have used linebreeding for generations to create consistency and preserve desirable characteristics within a family of dogs. But there’s an important catch: Genetics don’t know which traits you wanted doubled. In this episode, we break down: What linebreeding actually means genetically Linebreeding vs. closer forms of inbreeding Homozygosity and why it can increase predictability Why recessive traits can emerge when related dogs are bred What coefficient of inbreeding—or COI—actually tells us Why pedigree depth matters when comparing COI numbers Pedigree COI vs. genomic measures of inbreeding Why a low COI doesn’t automatically mean a better or healthier breeding Inbreeding depression and long-term population health The popular-sire effect and how successful performance dogs can dramatically influence a gene pool Why outcrossing isn’t automatically the answer The constant balancing act between consistency and genetic diversity We’ll also talk about why linebreeding itself shouldn’t automatically be labeled “good” or “bad.” It’s a breeding strategy—and understanding the family behind the pedigree matters just as much as the number attached to it. Because when you linebreed on an exceptional dog, you don’t get to select only the drive, marking ability, structure, trainability, or temperament you loved. You’re concentrating the genetic package—not just the traits you can see. 🎙️ Part 3 of The Genetics of a Performance Dog challenges us to stop breeding pedigrees and numbers in isolation and start asking a better question: What are we concentrating—and do we understand the family well enough to justify it?

Dogs Eat Grass Because Their Stomach Is Upset… Right? 🌱🐕 We’ve all heard it: “If your dog is eating grass, their stomach must be upset.” But is grass-eating really a reliable sign of nausea? On this episode of Myth Buster Monday , we’re digging into why this common behavior is a lot more complicated than it seems. While gastrointestinal discomfort can play a role, dogs may eat grass for a variety of reasons—including normal foraging behavior, feeding patterns, environmental enrichment, and simply because they like it. We’ll break down the difference between casual grazing and the frantic grass-eating that may deserve a closer look, what other signs of GI discomfort owners should watch for, and why changes in your dog’s normal behavior often tell us more than the grass-eating itself. For working and sporting dogs especially, those subtle changes can matter. Knowing your dog’s normal is one of the most valuable tools you have. 🎙️ In this episode: Why grass-eating doesn’t automatically mean nausea Why some dogs vomit after eating grass Casual grazing vs. frantic grass-eating Behavioral, dietary, and GI factors to consider Signs that warrant a conversation with your veterinarian Why patterns matter more than one isolated behavior The takeaway: Grass-eating isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a behavior. Look at the whole dog, not just the grass. 🐾 Driven dogs deserve informed owners.

What makes a hunting dog unforgettable? In this episode of Dog Driven , Whitney sits down with LaDell Gee to talk about the dog behind some of his most memorable days in the field— Nova . LaDell shares Nova’s story from the beginning, including how she came into his life, her development as a hunting dog, the challenges they worked through, and the moments when everything started to click. We dive into memorable retrieves, lessons learned in the field, the evolution of their communication, and what it really means to build a partnership with a dog over season after season. We also talk about the other side of performance: conditioning, recovery, knowing when your dog has had enough, and learning to read the individual dog in front of you. But this episode isn’t just about retrieves or successful hunts. It’s about the relationship that develops along the way—and how, eventually, the dog beside you can become more important than the birds you’re chasing. Because the birds fade. The dogs don’t. 🎙️ Featuring LaDell Gee with association to Salt Creek Ammunition 🐾 Nova’s story, training & development 🦆 Memorable hunts and retrieves 💪 Caring for the canine athlete 🤝 Building trust between dog and handler ❤️ Appreciating the seasons we get with great dogs Stay Dog Driven. Be sure to check out Salt Creek's Triple Curl duck loads on their website link listed below! Salt Creek Custom Ammunition

The Genetics of a Performance Dog — Part 2: Clear Genetics = Healthy Dog? Your dog's DNA panel came back completely clear. Green checkmarks across the board. So that means your dog is genetically healthy… right? Not necessarily. In Part 2 of our Wellness Wednesday series, The Genetics of a Performance Dog , we're digging into what genetic testing actually tells us—and, just as importantly, what it doesn't. We'll break down the difference between DNA testing and health screening , what clear, carrier, and affected results actually mean, and why a dog being a carrier for certain recessive conditions doesn't automatically mean that dog is unhealthy—or should automatically be removed from a responsible breeding program. We also dive into: Clear × clear, clear × carrier, and carrier × carrier breedings Why genetic probabilities don't guarantee the makeup of an individual litter Autosomal recessive inheritance Why not every genetic disease follows the same rules Genetic risk versus genetic destiny Why orthopedic, cardiac, eye, and other breed-appropriate screenings still matter The importance of family history and longevity Why eliminating every carrier can have unintended consequences for genetic diversity How responsible breeders can use testing to manage risk rather than chase genetic perfection For performance dogs, health is about far more than a DNA report. These dogs need bodies and minds capable of running, swimming, retrieving, hunting, recovering, and remaining functional for years—and understanding the genetics behind them is only one piece of that puzzle. A green genetic panel doesn't mean zero risk. A carrier result doesn't automatically mean a bad dog. The real question is: Do we understand the information well enough to use it responsibly? 🎙️ This is Part 2 of The Genetics of a Performance Dog , a four-part Wellness Wednesday series from Dog Driven.

The Genetics of a Performance Dog — Part 1: Good Parents = Good Puppies? If you breed two phenomenal working dogs, you’re guaranteed phenomenal puppies… right? Not exactly. In Part 1 of my Wellness Wednesday series, The Genetics of a Performance Dog , we’re breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding breeding: that great parents automatically produce great puppies. We’ll explore how genetics actually influence the dogs we see in the field, including genotype vs. phenotype, polygenic traits, heritability, genetic recombination, environmental influence, and why littermates from the exact same breeding can turn out remarkably different. We’ll also talk about what titles and pedigrees can—and can’t—tell us, why the dog standing in front of you represents much more than genetics alone, and why evaluating a breeding means looking beyond just the sire and dam to the larger family behind them. Whether you’re a breeder, trainer, handler, or searching for your next performance prospect, understanding genetics can help you ask better questions and set more realistic expectations. Because responsible breeding isn't about guaranteeing the outcome. It's about stacking the deck toward the traits we want while understanding that biology still deals in probabilities. 🎙️ A pedigree is a probability—not a promise. This is Part 1 of The Genetics of a Performance Dog , a four-part Wellness Wednesday series from Dog Driven.

Is your dog constantly licking their paws, scratching their ears, or battling recurring skin infections? What if allergies aren't actually where the problem begins? In this in-depth Wellness Wednesday masterclass, we're diving into one of the most overlooked topics in canine health—the skin barrier . Understanding how your dog's skin functions could completely change the way you think about allergies, itching, nutrition, and long-term health. In this episode, we go far beyond the typical conversation about "allergies." You'll learn why the skin is your dog's first line of defense, how a damaged skin barrier contributes to chronic inflammation, why recurring ear and skin infections happen, and what role nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids, bathing, and veterinary medicine play in protecting your dog's health. Whether you own a hunting dog, hunt test competitor, field trial dog, or simply want to give your best friend the healthiest life possible, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based information you can apply immediately. Why the skin is one of your dog's most important organs How the skin barrier protects against allergens, bacteria, and moisture loss The connection between the skin barrier and environmental allergies The science behind the itch cycle Why dogs develop recurrent ear infections and skin infections The role of the skin microbiome in overall health How nutrition and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin Common bathing mistakes that may be working against your dog How medications like Apoquel, Cytopoint, and immunotherapy fit into a comprehensive treatment plan Practical strategies to support healthier skin and improve your dog's comfort year-round Your dog gives everything they have in the field. Understanding how to protect the skin that protects them is one of the best investments you can make in their health, performance, and longevity. Because healthy skin isn't just about stopping the itch—it's about building stronger, healthier dogs from the inside out. 🎙️ Subscribe to Dog Driven and never miss a new Myth Buster Monday, Wellness Wednesday, or Guest Friday episode. Stay Dog Driven. In this episode, we discuss:

Is an exhausted dog really a well-conditioned dog? In this week's Myth Buster Monday , we're breaking down one of the biggest myth's in the sporting dog world: a tired dog is always a trained or fit dog. Fatigue and fitness are not the same thing. Just because your dog comes home worn out after training doesn't necessarily mean they're building strength, endurance, or becoming a better athlete. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between fatigue and true conditioning How fitness is built through progressive training—not exhaustion Why recovery is where your dog actually gets stronger Whether you're preparing for hunting season, training for hunt tests, or simply looking to keep your sporting dog performing at their best, this episode will help you train smarter—not just harder. Because at Dog Driven, the goal isn't just to build dogs that work hard today—it's to build dogs that stay healthy, perform confidently, and love doing their job for years to come.

When you're miles from the truck and your dog gets injured, every second matters. In this episode of Dog Driven , Whitney sits down with Geoffrey Greiner , founder of Covey Kits , to discuss why canine first aid should be considered essential gear for every hunting trip—not an afterthought. From heat illness and snake bites to torn pads, lacerations, and other field emergencies, Geoffrey shares practical advice on preparing for the unexpected and building confidence when your dog needs you most. Together, they break down what belongs in every first aid kit, common mistakes handlers make, and why prevention is just as important as treatment. Whether you're chasing quail in the desert, flushing pheasants in the Midwest, or spending weekends training your bird dog, this episode will help you become a more prepared and responsible handler. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every hunting dog owner should carry a first aid kit The most common emergencies encountered in the field Essential supplies every canine first aid kit should include How to stabilize your dog until veterinary care is available Simple steps to reduce the risk of injury before your hunt even begins Your dog gives everything they have for you in the field. Make sure you're prepared to do the same for them. Connect with Geoffrey & Covey Kits: 🌐 www.coveykits.com 📸 Instagram: @coveykits Use code "dogdriven" to save on a kit! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow hunter. Your support helps Dog Driven continue bringing practical, evidence-based conversations to the working dog community.

Walk into any pet store and you'll find shelves lined with joint supplements promising to keep your dog active for years to come—but is glucosamine really worth the investment? In this episode of Myth Buster Monday , we're separating marketing from medicine. We'll break down what glucosamine actually does, what the current research says, and which dogs are most likely to benefit. You'll learn why glucosamine isn't a cure for arthritis, why product quality matters, and how to set realistic expectations if you're considering adding it to your dog's routine. We'll also dive into why joint health is about far more than a single supplement. From maintaining a healthy body condition and therapeutic omega-3 fatty acids to advanced therapies like Adequan and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) , we'll discuss how veterinarians build comprehensive, evidence-based plans to help protect joints, improve mobility, and keep canine athletes performing at their best. Whether you have a senior companion, a hunting partner, or a competitive performance dog, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about supporting your dog's long-term joint health. In this episode, you'll learn: What glucosamine is—and what it isn't What the science says about oral joint supplements Which dogs are most likely to benefit Why weight management remains one of the most effective joint therapies How Adequan works and why it's considered a cornerstone disease-modifying therapy for osteoarthritis What PRP therapy is and when it may be beneficial How to build a comprehensive joint health strategy with your veterinarian Because when it comes to protecting your dog's joints, the best plan isn't built around one product—it's built around evidence.

When we think about canine performance, we often focus on conditioning, nutrition, and training—but one of the most influential performance systems is one we rarely see: the gut. In this Wellness Wednesday episode of Dog Driven , we're taking a deep dive into the fascinating science of the gut-brain connection and exploring how your dog's digestive health impacts far more than just digestion. From immune function and inflammation to stress resilience, nutrient absorption, recovery, and even behavior, the gut microbiome plays a critical role in every canine athlete's health and performance. In this episode, you'll learn: What the gut microbiome is and why it's often called the body's "forgotten organ." How the gut communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis. Why stress, travel, competition, antibiotics, and sudden diet changes can disrupt the microbiome. The difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—and when they may actually be beneficial. Common gut health myths and what current veterinary research really tells us. Practical, science-backed strategies to support your dog's digestive health for the long haul. Whether your dog is a retriever, pointing dog, flushing dog, agility competitor, K9, or simply an active companion, understanding the gut-brain connection can help you make more informed decisions that support lifelong health and peak performance. Because better gut health isn't just about preventing stomach upset—it's about building a healthier, more resilient athlete from the inside out.

When most people hear the word inflammation , they immediately think of something negative. But the truth is, inflammation isn't the enemy—it's one of the body's most important tools for healing, adaptation, and performance. In this Wellness Wednesday episode of Dog Driven , we're taking a deep dive into the science behind inflammation and why understanding it may be one of the most valuable things you can do for your dog's long-term health and performance. You'll learn the difference between healthy, short-term inflammation that helps muscles recover and tissues heal, and chronic, low-grade inflammation that can quietly affect recovery, endurance, joint health, digestion, skin, and overall performance long before your dog ever shows obvious signs of pain. We'll discuss: What inflammation actually is and why the body needs it. How exercise, training, and competition create normal inflammatory responses. Why chronic inflammation develops and the role of the immune system, oxidative stress, recovery, and overall health. The subtle signs handlers often overlook before a dog becomes injured. How veterinarians evaluate dogs experiencing chronic inflammation. Practical, evidence-based strategies to support recovery, reduce unnecessary stress on the body, and help your canine athlete perform for years to come. Our dogs are incredibly resilient. They'll work through discomfort, compensate for soreness, and continue giving us everything they have without ever asking us to slow down. That's why it's our responsibility to recognize the small changes before they become major problems. Because longevity isn't built with a single supplement or one perfect training session. It's built through thousands of thoughtful decisions—how we feed, condition, recover, observe, and care for our dogs every single day. Whether you hunt over your dog, compete in hunt tests or field trials, run agility, dock diving, search and rescue, detection work, or simply want to keep your best friend healthy and active for as long as possible, this episode will help you better understand what's happening inside your dog's body and how to become a stronger advocate for their lifelong health. Health. Drive. Partnership. Welcome to Dog Driven.

In this inaugural Myth Buster Monday episode of the Dog Driven Podcast, I'm taking a deep dive into one of the most controversial topics in canine nutrition. From the rise of grain-free diets to the FDA's investigation into diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), I'll separate fact from fiction and explore what the current research actually tells us. I'll discuss: What "grain-free" really means Why the trend became so popular The nutritional role of grains in a dog's diet Food allergies vs. ingredient myths The science behind the DCM investigation How veterinary nutritionists evaluate pet foods Practical tips for choosing the right diet for your individual dog Whether you hunt with your dog, compete at a high level, or simply want to provide the best nutrition possible, this episode will help you move beyond marketing claims and make informed, evidence-based decisions. At Dog Driven, my mission isn't to tell you what to feed—it's to give you the knowledge and tools to ask better questions, understand the science, and build healthier, stronger canine partners. Because the best decisions for our dogs aren't driven by trends... they're driven by science.

In this episode of Dog Driven , we're taking a deep dive into why the off-season is one of the most important parts of building a healthy, confident, and resilient canine athlete. Whether you hunt over your dog, compete in hunt tests or field trials, participate in agility or dock diving, or simply want your dog to live a longer, healthier life, what you do between seasons matters. We'll discuss the foundations of year-round performance, including body condition, conditioning, nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, mental stimulation, and building consistency into your dog's routine. You'll also learn why athletic success isn't created in the moments everyone sees—it's built during the quiet months when no one is watching. Because great dogs aren't made on opening day. They're prepared for it. If you're ready to stop thinking of the off-season as downtime and start viewing it as an opportunity to build a stronger, healthier partner, this episode is for you. Health. Drive. Partnership. Welcome to Dog Driven.

Water is one of the most powerful performance tools available to your canine athlete, yet it's often the most overlooked. In this episode of Dog Driven , we're exploring why hydration is about much more than a water bowl. You'll learn how proper hydration supports endurance, muscle function, temperature regulation, and recovery, along with practical strategies to help your dog stay hydrated during summer training, hunting seasons, competitions, and travel. From creating a hydration routine to managing hot weather and encouraging dogs to drink when they're too focused to stop, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help your dog perform safely and recover stronger. Because every great performance starts long before your dog steps to the line.

What separates a good dog vest from one that's built to perform? In this episode of Dog Driven , I sit down with Austin Koile of ReKoile Outdoors to explore the thought, testing, and innovation behind designing gear for the dogs that give us everything in the field. We dive into what makes a quality retriever vest, why proper fit matters, and how vest design can influence a dog's comfort, mobility, and protection during demanding hunts. From flooded timber and icy water to thick cattails and long retrieves, Austin shares the real-world experiences that have shaped ReKoile Outdoors' approach to building equipment that works as hard as the dogs wearing it. We also discuss common mistakes hunters make when choosing and fitting dog vests, how quality gear can help reduce injuries and improve longevity, and what every handler should know before opening day. Whether you're chasing ducks with a seasoned retriever or preparing a young dog for its first season, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you better protect your hunting partner. In this episode you'll learn: What sets a premium dog vest apart How proper fit affects comfort and performance The science behind mobility and protection Real-world lessons from field testing Tips for choosing, fitting, and caring for your dog's vest Why investing in quality gear is an investment in your dog's career Because at the end of the day, the birds are a bonus—but the dogs are why we do it.

They may be small, but ticks can have a massive impact on your dog's health, performance, and even your hunting season. In this episode of Dog Driven , we're taking a deep dive into one of the most overlooked threats facing sporting and working dogs. We'll cover the most common tick species, the diseases they carry, how infections occur, what clinical signs to watch for, and why early detection can make all the difference. You'll also learn practical prevention strategies, how to perform an effective post-hunt tick check, what to do if you find an attached tick, and the biggest misconceptions surrounding tick-borne disease. Whether you hunt waterfowl, upland birds, run hunt tests, compete in field trials, or simply enjoy the outdoors with your dog, this episode will help you better protect the partner that's always by your side. A tiny bite can lead to big consequences—but with the right knowledge, you can reduce the risk and keep your dog healthy, safe, and ready for the next adventure. Because every great hunt starts with a healthy dog. Stay Dog Driven.

What starts with a dog often turns into something much bigger. In this episode of Dog Driven , I sit down with Ed Lynn from Bracey, Virginia, to talk about his journey into the world of Boykin Spaniels, hunt tests, and the community that keeps us all coming back to the line. Ed shares how his passion for dogs evolved from growing up around hunting dogs to training and running his own Boykin Spaniel, Boone, through the hunt test game. We discuss the unique challenges and rewards of training Boykins, lessons learned as a first-time hunt test competitor, and why consistency often matters more than perfection. Beyond the dogs themselves, this conversation explores the friendships, mentorships, and sense of community that hunting dogs create. We also dive into conservation, getting young people involved in the outdoors, and the responsibility we have to preserve hunting traditions for the next generation. Whether you're running hunt tests, chasing ducks with a Boykin, starting your first retriever, or simply love being around driven dogs and driven people, this episode is packed with practical insights and reminders about what makes this lifestyle so rewarding. In this episode, we cover: Why Ed chose Boykin Spaniels Challenges and advantages of training Boykins Stepping into hunt tests as an amateur handler Lessons learned from training Boone Building confidence through consistency The value of the hunt test community Conservation and outdoor stewardship Getting youth involved in hunting and dogs What being truly Dog Driven means Follow Ed's journey with Boone and connect with him on social media as he continues pursuing new goals in the hunt test world and beyond. Because sometimes the smallest dogs leave the biggest impact.

From competition coonhounds and racehorses to Master Hunters and professional retriever training, Blake Haddock's journey through the dog world spans more than 35 years. In this episode of Dog Driven, I sit down with Blake, owner and head trainer of Feather Point Retrievers, to discuss his path into dog training, the dogs that shaped his career, and how he built one of the country's most respected pointing Labrador programs. We dive into the realities of breeding hunting dogs, developing natural talent, training pointing Labradors, and why Blake believes great dogs are built—not rushed. He shares lessons learned from training hundreds of dogs, balancing genetics with training, and helping handlers understand that every dog develops at its own pace. Whether you're a retriever owner, hunt test enthusiast, upland hunter, waterfowl hunter, or simply passionate about working dogs, this episode is packed with practical insight and valuable perspective. In this episode, we discuss: • Blake's journey from coonhounds to professional retriever trainer • The dog that launched Feather Point Retrievers • What makes Pointing Labradors unique • Breeding philosophies and building strong bloodlines • Why great dogs are built, not rushed • Training the dog in front of you • Common mistakes handlers make with young dogs • Hunt tests, hunting, and developing versatile retrievers Connect with Blake: Website: FeatherPointRetrievers.com Facebook & Instagram: Feather Point Retrievers Follow Dog Driven: Website: StayDogDriven.com Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow dog enthusiast.