The ABC’s Muster Dog series, based around people across Australia training working dogs, continues to inspire farmers and dog owners to become better dog and livestock handlers.
A recent four-day Livestock handling and working dog school held at Simon and Sonya Lawlor’s Omeo farm was attended by 14 people, mostly locals with some from as far as Yarram and Casterton.
Organised by Sonya Lawlor, renowned dog trainer Neil McDonald, who features on the Muster Dogs series, was brought in as trainer.
Sonya said what most people don’t realise when they take part in a dog school, is that it’s more about training humans than dogs.
“I’m so inspired by him, the way he works his dogs is like he has a remote control on them, and they all love him,” Sonya said.
“A four-day workshop is a long time, but you get so much out of it.
“It rained every day, but everyone was there to learn.
“He doesn’t hold back with what he says and not everybody likes his methods, but he gets results with people, dogs and livestock.”
Sonya attended her first dog school out at Cobungra Station, organised by Tania Gauran, with Neil after the first Muster Dogs series.
“It was a real eye opener,” Sonya said.
“It’s really a people-training school and teaches you about how you interact with livestock and your dog, as well as your positioning in terms of where the stock are.
“For some of the older farmers, it really points out where they can improve.
“That first school really inspired me, I’m a newcomer to working dogs, I got myself a new working dog and have attended several schools since.”
She said the feedback from the recent dog school was extremely positive, with every single participant saying they would be altering the way they did things at home.
“Neil McDonald is really about safety for everybody and the enjoyment of working your dog.
“When it’s not stressful it’s much more enjoyable, he’s really encouraging and makes sure everyone is enjoying themselves.
“He brings fun to it even though its serious.”
The Lawlors have recently early weaned their calves and hired Tania Gauran to do the weaner education.
“I’m a big believer if you can’t do the job properly, why do it at all?” Sonya said.
“Get someone in to do it, like weaner education, spraying weeds and the shearing.
“We don’t have the time or the dog power for the weaners, and there’s always something else that needs doing.
“That’s our decision and it’s worked for us.
“I can’t wait to see what the educated heifers and their calves turn out like.”
The livestock handling and working dog school was supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
The first series of the ABC’s Muster Dogs aired in 2022 featuring a litter of Kelpie pups, the second series features Border Collies and Kelpies, with a third series due out next year.
