EPISODE · Dec 31, 2025 · 1H 3M
Man's Best: Pro Dog Trainer Shares Life off the Leash
from The Open Booth Podcast · host Matthew R. O. Brown
In this episode 11 of The Open Booth, Matthew Brown sits down with Paul Hearn, a professional dog trainer, to talk about life with dogs, life with people, and how the two are more connected than we think.Paul shares stories from his childhood, moving from place to place, and the first dogs that really shaped how he sees loyalty, attachment, and home. He talks about years working in the security industry and what finally pushed him to step into a second act built around dogs, families, and real connection.Along the way, Matthew and Paul dig into what it actually means to live with a dog: routines, boundaries, calm energy, and why our own emotions and habits often create the very behaviors we don’t like. They talk about kids, thunder, fear, the idea of a “pack,” and why treating a dog like a person can leave everyone confused and frustrated.If you’ve ever wondered why your dog pulls, barks, seems anxious, or just doesn’t feel in sync with your family, this conversation is for you. It’s honest, funny in places, and very real about how much work—and how much reward—comes with sharing life with a dog.As Matthew says near the end, don’t forget to like and share and all that subscribe stuff if this episode gave you something to think about.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome to The Open Booth & meeting Paul3:07 – Growing up near Roanoke and small-town roots11:10 – Fathers, mentors, and generational work ethic16:54 – Moving houses and what “home” really means21:34 – Yard work, long mower lines, and learning gratitude24:09 – Meeting his wife, early married life, and starting a family35:27 – A life with dogs, loss, and bringing a new dog home38:53 – A surprise brain diagnosis and brain surgery39:56 – COVID, travel burnout, and rethinking a 22-year career47:21 – Why this park matters for him and his dog training49:41 – Neighbor’s dog, reading dog behavior, and owner habits52:48 – Making your dog’s day, keeping it simple, and one big family#TheOpenBoothPodcast #TheOpenBooth #MansBest #DogTraining #DogTrainer #Dogs #DogBehavior #FamilyDog #RescueDog #ReactiveDog #CalmDog #Storytelling #Podcast
What this episode covers
In this episode 11 of The Open Booth, Matthew Brown sits down with Paul Hearn, a professional dog trainer, to talk about life with dogs, life with people, and how the two are more connected than we think.Paul shares stories from his childhood, moving from place to place, and the first dogs that really shaped how he sees loyalty, attachment, and home. He talks about years working in the security industry and what finally pushed him to step into a second act built around dogs, families, and real connection.Along the way, Matthew and Paul dig into what it actually means to live with a dog: routines, boundaries, calm energy, and why our own emotions and habits often create the very behaviors we don’t like. They talk about kids, thunder, fear, the idea of a “pack,” and why treating a dog like a person can leave everyone confused and frustrated.If you’ve ever wondered why your dog pulls, barks, seems anxious, or just doesn’t feel in sync with your family, this conversation is for you. It’s honest, funny in places, and very real about how much work—and how much reward—comes with sharing life with a dog.As Matthew says near the end, don’t forget to like and share and all that subscribe stuff if this episode gave you something to think about.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome to The Open Booth & meeting Paul3:07 – Growing up near Roanoke and small-town roots11:10 – Fathers, mentors, and generational work ethic16:54 – Moving houses and what “home” really means21:34 – Yard work, long mower lines, and learning gratitude24:09 – Meeting his wife, early married life, and starting a family35:27 – A life with dogs, loss, and bringing a new dog home38:53 – A surprise brain diagnosis and brain surgery39:56 – COVID, travel burnout, and rethinking a 22-year career47:21 – Why this park matters for him and his dog training49:41 – Neighbor’s dog, reading dog behavior, and owner habits52:48 – Making your dog’s day, keeping it simple, and one big family#TheOpenBoothPodcast #TheOpenBooth #MansBest #DogTraining #DogTrainer #Dogs #DogBehavior #FamilyDog #RescueDog #ReactiveDog #CalmDog #Storytelling #Podcast
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Man's Best: Pro Dog Trainer Shares Life off the Leash
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