When I sat down with Leland, Dog and Beth Chapman to talk about their upcoming new CMT reality series Dog and Beth: On The Hunt and told them that my own family loved watching theirs on A&E’s smash Dog the Bounty Hunter, Beth wanted to know what I liked best about the show. I told her it was her family’s bond.
• NEW INTERVIEW: Dog Chapman talks business family, and CMT’s Dog and Beth: On the Hunt Season 2
Much to my surprise — and with Dog and Leland looking on — she offered candid insight into what the Twittersphere has been discussing since plans for the show were announced in the summer: the absence of Baby Lyssa and Duane Lee Chapman from the cast of the show.
• RELATED: Channel Guide’s exclusive interview with Dog, Beth and Leland Chapman
Slated to being in April, Dog and Beth: On The Hunt will focus on the three remaining Chapmans as they crisscross the nation, teaching struggling bail bond agencies how to succeed in the embattled trade by helping them hunt down some of America’s most dangerous criminals. While the show will highlight the Chapmans’ proven methods for capturing criminals and Leland’s expertise in non-lethal weaponry, Dog and Beth: On The Hunt will also address the family’s changing dynamic.
“The focal point of the show is our relationship — and our relationship with Leland,” Beth explained. “Because Leland wants to stay with his dad. Duane says this really profound thing where he says, ‘I don’t love you more, son. But you probably love me more than any of the other kids.’ Because as a parent, you don’t love any of your children differently. But they love you. And their love for you may be stronger than what your sister’s love is. And that’s what Leland is, right? His love for his dad is stronger than the others. And so he doesn’t want to be the one to leave or go away. He wants to be the one staying right here and doing what he does. And so we were really happy about that.”
Though she did not elaborate on whether Duane Lee and Lyssa officially elected to not be part of the new show, Beth suggested that family priorities and individual interests may have factored in. “You know, people grow,” she continued, as Dog leaned into her affectionately, fiddling with the gold zippers on the shoulders of her dress and making Leland grin and shake his head. “Children grow up — and how long can you work for your mom and dad? You become 40 years old and you’re not married and you’re like, ‘Why am I still hanging around my dad?’ You know what I mean? At some point, you feel like there’s got to be changes made. And we as parents have to be OK with letting our bird fly. Hopefully it’ll come back and it will know that this was always the best thing for it. But if they don’t, you loved it and you coddled it and you wished it well. You can’t force your kids to stay with you forever.”
Does that mean Lyssa and Duane Lee might join the show at a later date? The Chapmans didn’t say. But in the meantime, you can rest assured that Beth and Dog can relate to the pain and frustration fans felt as the Chapman children entered and exited Dog The Bounty Hunter throughout its eight seasons.
“We were lucky because our kids didn’t go away to college — our kids went to the college of hard knocks with us,” she says. “And so when there was some turmoil in the family, it was like our kids went to college all at the exact same time. We had that separation anxiety from them. But it really wasn’t that. It was just that they were spreading their wings and getting older. And they had their own families.
“Each person has to make their own decisions for their own lives.”
Photos: Electus
we all know that a family has broplems and the chapmans being in the spot light all the time has to be hard and it makes it hars an everyone i love the new show dog and beth on the hunt but what was really great about when they first came on tv it was all abt helping people no one has any rite to talk abt any of them till you have walked in the shoes they do every day i have seen some things that are going on with baby lyssa but for the life of me i cant find out anything on duane lee where is he at? and how is he makeing a liveing and now that lelands son has joined the team where does that leave duane lee? if any one nows can you please e mail me and tell me what has happen to duane lee my e mail is steve66288#aol,com thank you ver y much god bless and keep up the great work you do
That Dog and Beth are scumbags. All they ever chase is ice heads for driving w/o a license, in the meantime lying to everyone. Your right, I wish that Beth would cover up. what a skank!
I once loved the show. That being said. I no longer watch. In my opinion any man that would allow anybody else to treat his children different because they are not the birth parent, is disgusting. And in no way are you a real man Dog. I suppose you play one on tv, the same as you play bounty hunter. And Beth for goodness sakes,u have some money now,do you really need to resemble a two bit hooker. Hire somebody with taste to take the stripper clothes and spackled on makeup from this woman.
Dog and beth are awsome
Everyone taking shit needs to shut the hell up
Everybody is entitled to their opinion. So there will always be haters. If you don’t like the “new” show, don’t watch it. Leave them be. If you are fans, watch it. period. I Love all of ‘Em. They are doing good in the world.
Dog needs to have his children by his side. Beth on the other hand is just to much, she has a very bad mouth and if you notice she always starts trouble in the shows as if she is a bad ass. The only reason why producers keep her on the show is because sex sells, and Beth is not afraid to flaunt her big ass boobs. Beth why don’t you just go and pose for a nasty magazine and get it over with. Dog get yourself a set of balls and bring Duane Lee and Baby Lisa back, they belong on the show with you, not what’s her face.
I think the new show should give Leland credit, without him the show wouldn’t be good, he does everything well Beth sits in the car and yells and barks orders, why she even have handcuffs for after when Leland catches the people, who goes on bounty’s with 5 inch nails and 6 inch hi heels, I thought the dog on her boobs was pointless to the show, that’s all she does is wear low cut shirts to show off her nasty looking boobs yes Beth we know you have large boobs, more worried about trying to be a sex symbol instead of taking care of ur kids, to act like no big deal when your daughter was flunking oh well she raised her grade to d- please get real. CMT give Leland the show
I can’t not believe that you allow Beth to make most or all decisions on the job or dealing with the older kids. Duane, your kids should be treated with respect and treat them like adults. You are the Head of the House but a married couple should talk together about anything. After your talk, you and your wife make the decision together. If you can’t then do some research and deal with it.
As your and Beth’s kids…from what I hear that your kids are spoiled. I don’t know if that is true or not. What I do know is if you were spoiled as a kid…when you get older, your life is different. They may not understand that money does not grow on trees…they may have a hard time dealing with life that is not fair.
Whether Dog and Beth are Christians or not, no one is perfect. Many speak of Dog and Beth’s children getting many material things the older children did not (?) Maybe because they can afford it now! Lyssa was still a child when she came back to her father and Beth with Abbie and they took care of her; her wedding cost them a pretty penny too. Duane Lee and Leland worked in the family business and were paid; they became famous because of Dog! Even Lyssa’s book deal is because she is Dog’s daughter.
As for Duane Lee, he chose to leave (all families fight) but he should be man enough to make it on his own.
I think Leland realized that he is good at bounty-hunting and there is nothing wrong with working with family. He still seems “independent” with his personal business and family. Now his son will be on the new show.
Basically, Dog and Beth have many fans that accept their faults and good sides.
Oops I meant to say “I have a comment for the post by Jan Gantner’s concerning the Dog & Beth’s foul language.
First of all, Yes Dog does need to grow a set and stand up to Beth concerning HIS (NOT HER) kids. That’s the whole problem he let Beth run the show and run his kids outta his life. But also Leland needs to grow a set as well…I’m sure if they lost Leland they’d have only half the viewers they have now, as Leland is at least somewhat a substitute for the loss of the other two. But why is he allowing them to call the show “Dog & Beth” on the hunt, he gets no credit in the title, I’ve always liked Leland but it does seem that as some are saying he’s just a “lapdog” for Dog & Beth. Come on Leland get pissed and stand up for yourself. Deman your credit for your part in the show or just step. I wonder then if Dog would actually “Speak Up” for his child then.
I have a comment for you say nowhere in the Bible does it mention the F-word among other words used by Dog & Beth as being wrong. Well first of all, I don’t quite think when the Bible was written those words were used in those days..the F-word, B-word, M/F-word among others used by Dog & Beth as I never really heard the others (well maybe Leland) using such foul language…
Really? it’s ok to use that kind of language knowing kids, tweens & teens are watching?. I mean kids are not stupid, I think they hear enough of that stuff from friends, school and even in their homes, so yeah even with the bleeping they know what’s being said, so are you saying it’s fine for them to hear it on TV as well?. These people have their own young children that I’m sure are watching the show, hearing their parents using this language.But my issue isn’t with them using the language..it’s with them (well really Dog) calling them a “Christian” family, that’s about the only thing Dog speaks out for his kids to say… and minutes later cussing up a storm, and then turning around and climbing in the car telling these ppl what “Good Christians” they are Seriously???.
Well maybe it doesn’t have a list in the Bible of words we just shouldn’t use (as Christians) but the Bible does speak about setting as example as a Christian. There is no excuse for using that kind of language and it definitely is NOT setting an example of how a True Christian lives.
I so agree with one of the other comments here, Duane Lee, Lyssa & Leland are not Beth’s birth children and you can definitely see the difference between the way they are treated is much different than Beth’s children. Those kids of her’s have lived a great life on easy street while the others have not had it made the same way, and Dog shows no remorse for that. The episode where Cecily gets a (BRAND NEW) SUV on her birthday Duane Lee and Leland comment on how they never got those kind of gifts from Dog on their birthday. And what does Dog do? he makes light of it and AGAIN shows no remorse for that.
You can clearly see Duane Lee especially has distatste for things Beth says & does, Lyssa too, only she tries to keep it hidden like the times when Beth bosses her around like a stepchild (figure of speech) but it rings true. Who is Beth to tell Lyssa I can wear this or that but you can’t, when the fact is, those things that would look appropriate on Lyssa as she’s young and thin look distasteful on Beth.
Beth is no teenager or young adult, and far to large to wear most of the stuff she wears. And I don’t know any Christians that would show all that flesh and think it looks cute. When a shirt is meant to show something on the back or front in the middle of the shirt, and it stretches over your shoulders and around the sides ummm yeah….that’s just tacky.
But Beth think she’s the Alpha female and Dog’s kids are under her, yet her kids are treated totally different and yes it does show. Bottom line is she rules Dog and he should be ashamed of himself to let Beth sit there and speak out against his children and not say a word. Yeah Dog truly needs to grow a set and man up!
When troubles with Duane Lee began, did Dog as a Father and/or a Man go talk to Duane Lee?..No!..he sent their Minister to talk to him, and Duane Lee even said why are you here not him?.
One day it will come back to bite him in the ass…He’ll wish he didn’t use others as his mouthpiece and spoke to his kids and more important Spoke Up! for his kids.
I realize alotta that stuff is scripted and is therefore fictional..but all fiction comes from some form of truth. Beth isn’t just the Alpha female, she’s the alpha of the clan period and I give props to Duane Lee & Lyssa for standing up for themselves and not letting Beth rule them. I’ve watched the new show Dog & Beth (and am still wondering why Leland isn’t mentioned there) but it is in no way the same as the A & E show of theirs and not even half as good. Beth seems to run the show (no pun) there as well.
Man up Leland…stop trying to be the golden child and tell them you want your credit too!.
P.S.
They really need to stop calling that Gary kid, Gary Boy, that just sounds wrong on many levels….if the kid doesn’t know he’s a boy then they have more problems with just Dog’s kids on their hands.
But I do give Leland credit there, the times I’ve heard him speak about the boy he calls him Gary.
Just Gary. Good for you Leland.
Beth and Duhwane both are classic narcissists. In their warped minds nobody on planet Earth is on their level. It is impossible to deal with people like this. They are almost incapable of expressing true unconditional love. They are so fake, and it is completely obvious. My guess is they pit there kids against each other, and Leland is the current “golden child” because he plays the role his parents have defined for him. There love for Leland is conditional based on his continued acceptance of there plan for his life. Leland has no independence and is essentially a parent pleaser. The Chapman’s should take some of the money they make on their fake bounty hunter show, and purchase a lifetime of therapy for each of their kids. Beth and Duhwane are a lost cause…
Why blame Beth for the divorces and absences of the family?? I’m sure they are like all families… They need some space from time to time. I get tired of reading that people are “less” of a Christian because of the words spoken.. ie; F bombs and language. I’m not saying we should all scream out profanities and smile. When you compare what you “think” is Christian beliefs and make judgements against someone, especially so publicly.. you yourself are not being such a good Christian are you?? And let me ask this question, because its hypocrisy like this that keeps me from walking through church doors, where does it state in the bible that the F bomb is a sin?? I do not believe that chapter/book is in my bible. I do have the section of “do not take the lords name in vain”. I also know that we are all human, we sin everyday. Do you put the Chapman’s on a higher pedestal that they are no longer human, can no longer play hard and ask for the god to keep them all safe or thank god for doing so even though they let a few words slip?? I don’t get you people!?! I hate to be the one to hurt anyones feelings by breaking this news.. but they are people too. They have good times and bad ones. They curse and pray, they laugh and they cry, they hurt and they offer support in healing. What more do you want from them? I’m sure what happened in Leland’s marriage is private and was between him and his wife. I’m also sure that Beth didn’t run his wife off.. unless she was asked to do so. Beth is Pro Woman, that’s why I like her. I can’t see her tearing down another woman to make herself feel better. If you watched the old shows you would know that. If you read the bible, you will also know that it states NOT to put your grown children before your spouse. I can’t believe I’m giving out The Book advice to those of you who claim to live by it.. amazing, I thought I was lost.. smh
I really like in how you catch the criminal and them compassion and minister to them,but I have a couple of questions,you are followers of Jesus but you and dog the bounty hunter say some things that are not christian,like the f word and other words that are not nice!I know you are trying to a point across by how you handle the criminals,my mom and I really like you both!God bless you and use you both might ally!
I was a fan on the show on A&E for a few seasons, but I couldn’t let my children watch it. For a family that prays before every bounty, how can Dog and Beth use the language they use? Then when they capture the bounty and have them in the car, it’s all about how they believe in second chances and offering the person cigarettes and water/food and tears and hugs. Sorry, in my opinion that is nothing but fake.
I want to say u save me i was doing drugs weed i was in chicago heightS IL U GUYS SAVE ME FROM DOING IT AGAIN I DON’T NEED IT I LEFT THERE TO COME BACK TO NY I STOP DOING IT 8 months now and clean too im pound of myself to do it i want to say to u guys thanks u look up to u guys i get mad my man im getting engagement by he tells me don’t go back on it please i love u alot i want to say thanks alot u been alot of help i watch ur tv show all the time u keep me clean love u guys
i think for duane lee being 38 that he acts like a baby and leeland does not get the praise he deservers as for dog and beth they do not have much respect for children with there colorful language. what does that teach children.i know they bleep out some of the words but kids today get the jest.
I love Beth and Dog. The old show and the new one. I admire their work and would love to meet them. I think they are very interesting. I really enjoy the way they soften up when the person they caught are in the back seat, and they talk with them about changing their life. They are being straight up with the person before they go to jail. I think it would be interesting to hear some of the positive turn arounds for the people they have captured.
Thank you for sharing your life with the public.
Ronda
My favorite person on the the show was and is Duane Lee Chapman, Jr. In many ways he reminds me of my oldest son.
In my opinion the new show is lousy. Where is the family atmosphere? Beth needs to step back and let her husband, Dog run the show. I believe she forced Duane Lee, Jr. from the show. She has children by Dog and they are showered with love, gifts (extravagant), and whatever they want. What did his other children get? Nothing compared to what these youngest have gotten!!!!!!!!!!!!! My late mother’s motto was treat them all equally!!!!! But it’s not happening here!!
I am sorry that Leland felt it was necessary to go back to the show and be Beth’s lap dog. Leland appears to be a nice young man but he must realize that this show is doomed. Good luck in all that you do Leland.
Whoever is doing the makeup on the show is neglecting Dog. He looks so worn out and very, very tired.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT DOG NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND NOT LET BETH RUN HIS CHILDREN. SHE IS THE REASON 2 OF 3 CHILDREN ARE NOT THERE.DUANE LEE’S MARRIAGE BROKE UP BECAUSE OF THIS.WHAT REALLY MAKES ME MAD IS DOG & BETH TALK ABOUT 2ND CHANCES FOR PEOPLE JUST NOT DOGS TWO CHILDREN.IT IS PROBABLLY THE REASON WHY TIM’S WIFE LEFT HIM.BETH ALWAYS TOLD LYSSA WHAT SHE COULD WEAR, BUT BETH WORE CLOTHES THAT SHOWED HER CHEST TO THE POINT OF NOT LEAVING ANYTHING TO THE IMAGINATION.I WISH DUANE LEE ,LYSSA & TIM ALL THE BEST. I REFUSE TO WATCH THE NEW SHOW BECAUSE OF THE WAY DOG & BETH HAVE TREATED DOGS KIDS.YOU CAN BET BETH WOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY IF SOMEONE SAID ANYTHING ABOUT HER CHILDREN.
I agree