djfriesen

Recipes 

The amount of water you use to steep your grains in is fairly inconsequential. As long as the volume is fairly correct when you start your boil, you'll be fine there.

Other than having twice as much whirlfloc as you need, no problems there. It won't hurt anything, just drop out during fermentation. But ya, maybe get him to rein in his "intuition."

If you can, try to hold fermentation temps in the mid 60s. If you're heating it with a space heater, try taking it out. If it's still too warm, look into a swamp cooler of some type.

And no worries about the dog hair. Far worse things have gone into people's beer, and it's come out fine. Besides, you had some alcohol in there, so as long as the hair got in during the bottling step, that alcohol should have kept any potential infections at bay.

Congrats on your first batch. Enjoy!

BadMitten

Recipes 

The kit seems pretty complete. I didn't have to buy anything to do everything I mentioned above. Definitely recommended.

The only thing I regret was not spending a few extra bucks on a nicer kettle. Mine served its purpose but it's just cheaply made. It's a 20qt and I think a tad bigger would be ideal.

Thanks for all the help! As long a bottling went well I should have some good beer here soon!