Dog Driven Podcast

Whitney Kaiser
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Weekly

Dog Driven is a podcast for hunters, trainers, and handlers who live for early mornings, muddy boots, cold retrieves, and the bond built in the field. Hosted by Whitney Kaiser, the show features real conversations on sporting dog training, breeding, mindset, health, and the people shaping elite working dogs. From first retrieves to finished dogs, Dog Driven honors the journey, the work, and the dogs that give us everything.

  1. 1d ago

    The Grain-Free Debate: What the Science Actually Says

    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 meansWhy the trend became so popularThe nutritional role of grains in a dog's dietFood allergies vs. ingredient mythsThe science behind the DCM investigationHow veterinary nutritionists evaluate pet foodsPractical tips for choosing the right diet for your individual dogWhether 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.

    34 min

  2. 4d ago

    The Off-Season Creates Champions: Why Great Dogs Are Built Long Before Opening Day

    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.

    22 min

  3. 6d ago

    Why Hydration Is the Ultimate Performance Tool

    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.

    23 min

  4. Jul 3

    Protecting Performance with Austin Koile and ReKoile Outdoors

    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 apartHow proper fit affects comfort and performanceThe science behind mobility and protectionReal-world lessons from field testingTips for choosing, fitting, and caring for your dog's vestWhy investing in quality gear is an investment in your dog's careerBecause at the end of the day, the birds are a bonus—but the dogs are why we do it.

    1h 10m

  5. Jul 2

    Tiny Bite, Big Consequences: Understanding Ticks and Tick-Borne Disease

    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.

    24 min

  6. Jun 24

    Small Dog, Big Impact: Boykins, Hunt Tests & Building Community Through Dogs

    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 SpanielsChallenges and advantages of training BoykinsStepping into hunt tests as an amateur handlerLessons learned from training BooneBuilding confidence through consistencyThe value of the hunt test communityConservation and outdoor stewardshipGetting youth involved in hunting and dogsWhat being truly Dog Driven meansFollow 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.

    54 min

  7. Jun 17

    Built, Not Rushed: A Conversation with Blake Haddock of Feather Point Retrievers

    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.

    1h 25m

  8. Jun 16

    Understanding Diagnostic Tests Pt. 2 - Urinalysis, Radiology & Ultrasound: Looking Beyond the Bloodwork

    Understanding Diagnostic Tests Part 2: Urinalysis, Radiology & Ultrasound Spotify Episode Description: Bloodwork is only one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. In Part 2 of the Understanding Diagnostic Tests series, we're diving into three of the most valuable tools veterinarians use to uncover what's happening beneath the surface: urinalysis, radiology, and ultrasound. In this episode, Whitney breaks down how urine testing can provide early clues about kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, hydration status, and more. You'll also learn what veterinarians are actually looking for on radiographs (x-rays), when ultrasound is recommended, and how these imaging tools help identify issues that bloodwork alone may miss. Whether you're a pet owner, sporting dog handler, hunter, breeder, trainer, or veterinary professional, understanding these diagnostics can help you make more informed decisions about your dog's health and advocate for them when it matters most. In this episode, we discuss: • Why bloodwork doesn't tell the whole story • Urine specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketones, crystals, and sediment evaluation • How urinalysis can help detect disease earlier • What radiographs can and cannot show • Common reasons veterinarians recommend x-rays • How ultrasound differs from radiology • Evaluating the liver, spleen, kidneys, GI tract, and more with ultrasound • Real-world clinical examples showing how multiple diagnostics work together Because being Dog Driven isn't just about performance—it's about understanding what your dog can't tell you.

    33 min
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About

Dog Driven is a podcast for hunters, trainers, and handlers who live for early mornings, muddy boots, cold retrieves, and the bond built in the field. Hosted by Whitney Kaiser, the show features real conversations on sporting dog training, breeding, mindset, health, and the people shaping elite working dogs. From first retrieves to finished dogs, Dog Driven honors the journey, the work, and the dogs that give us everything.

Information

  • Creator
    Whitney Kaiser
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Whitney Kaiser
  • Show Website
    Dog Driven Podcast

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