The Instinctive Australian Shepherd

"How do you do so much?" Jacque hears it all the time. In this episode, she finally answers — and it's not what you'd expect. It's not about doing more. It's about caring about less, protecting your peace, and letting the small stuff go.

In this one:

Don't sweat the small stuff. The eight-inch pile of unopened mail, the junk email account with 65,000 unread messages, no paper receipts (she can find them online), 45 open browser tabs, and a virtual assistant who runs the website and marketing. If it doesn't serve the work she actually loves — the book...

This week on The Instinctive Australian Shepherd, we're talking about something that doesn't get talked about enough: safety when you're working livestock. Jacque opens with the story of a dear student who was hit by two sheep and ended up with two broken knees and an ankle — months off her feet and surgery, all because the sheep ran into her while working. It is a wake-up call: as instructors, we owe our students, their dogs, and ourselves better than "hope it doesn't happen."

Jacque walks through her four non-negotiable rules for safe, well-controlled livestock:

No pa...

Episode Description

In this episode of The Instinctive Australian Shepherd, Jacqueline Tinker shares a candid, behind-the-scenes recap of the Working Aussie Source Futurity and World Ranch Dog Finals.

Jacqueline begins with the difficult circumstances surrounding the postponed 2025 Futurity after she suffered a heart attack the night before the event. She reflects on the working-dog community's response and explains how the 2025 and 2026 Futurity classes were ultimately brought together for the 2026 event while remaining separate competitive divisions because of the dogs' age difference.

She also discusses the history of reviving the Futurity after a roughly 20...

In this update episode, Jacque Tinker shares major news from the working Australian Shepherd world—plus several big announcements you won't want to miss. The episode spotlights the Working Aussie Source (workingaussiesource.com), a vetted directory built to protect and promote true working-bred Australian Shepherds for the people who genuinely need them: ranchers, farmers, grazers, and serious stockdog homes.

Jacque explains the purpose and history of the Working Aussie Source, how litters are reviewed, and why preserving concentrated working genetics matters. She also dives into the return of a legendary working-dog tradition: the Futurity, revived for the fir...

What if your Australian Shepherd's biggest superpower isn't speed or herding instinct… but their nose?

In this episode of The Instinctive Australian Shepherd, host Jacque Tinker sits down with Kallie Bongtrager, a Nursery Inspector and Compliance Officer with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources—and a handler who takes her working Aussies into the field to help detect one of the most disruptive invasive pests in the U.S.: the spotted lanternfly.

Kallie shares what her job looks like on the ground—inspecting nurseries, tracking plant pests and pathogens, and responding to public reports—then takes us...

What does a real working Australian Shepherd look like in 2025?

In this episode of The Instinctive Australian Shepherd, Jacque Tinker sits down with Shawn Raff, a Georgia cattleman running roughly 4,000 head across large blocks of ground—and relying daily on one exceptional Aussie: Rooster.

Rooster isn't a "weekend ranch dog." He's the kind of partner most people only hear about: moving 700–800 head in a couple of hours, shifting dairy heifers pasture-to-pasture, working chutes and tubs, and staying steady on concrete where one wrong move can cost thousands. Shawn breaks down what makes Rooster diffe...

Join host Jacqueline Tinker on a unique journey into the world of horse and dog trail activities. In this special episode, Jacqueline interviews two passionate enthusiasts: Danielle Beumkes from the Netherlands and Kimberly Watson from Texas. Discover how this exciting sport combines the agility of dogs with the grace of horses, creating a dynamic and fun experience for both animals and their handlers.

Segment Highlights:

Danielle Beumkes shares her experiences from the Netherlands, where horse and dog trail activities are gaining popularity. Learn about her journey with her Australian Shepherd, Tony, and her quarter horse...

In this episode I am talking with Kat Farrants from the UK about her successes with her Australian Shepherds in high levels of competition. We spend our time talking about dog sports and mindset and all things Aussie competition. It's a great conversation and I am sure you will enjoy more stories about the working Australian Shepherd. 

Kat Farrants has owned Aussies for 25 years, and bred for 20 years. She started in obedience with Shanti, her homebred Aussie, at pre-beginners, and in just 4 years, we were working Championship Class, and were the highest placed female Aussie in the c...

Yes, Virginia, a Working Ranch Dog can Trial!

Join us for this fascinating discussion about working ranch dogs and trialing dogs with Tom Collins from Fruitville, Idaho. Tom and I discuss the value of a working ranch dog and the fun of the game of trialing. 

This conversation morphed out of a spirited discussion in the Working Aussie Facebook group. Tom and I share the opinion that a dog can work and ranch and then go win in the trial arena. 

Tom and I share the honor of winning the ASCA Stockdog Finals Ca...

Ok. The Big Announcement I have been teasing is here! It turns out there are 4 announcements. BIG CHANGES coming for the Working Aussie Source....   Please share with your friends. This is very pertinent if you are trialing in January! Get in on this soon....   The season runs from January 1- December 31, 2025   Special props to Trudy VanDine Viklund 

This is part 1 of an excellent interview with Erin Eckert. 

In this podcast episode, Jacque Tinker and Erin Eckhart delve into the intricacies of training and trialing Australian cattle dogs and Australian shepherds. They discuss the challenges of working with livestock, the importance of understanding dog behavior, and the impact of genetics on performance. They emphasize the need for resilience, continuous improvement, and the value of a supportive community. The conversation also touches on the importance of overcoming fear of mistakes, adapting to varying conditions, and the deep bond formed between handlers and their dogs through the p...

In this podcast episode, host Jacque Tinker interviews Jan Wyatt-Owens, who is involved with Australian Shepherds and raises bulls for rodeos. They discuss Jan's involvement with Australian Shepherds, her experiences with training and trialing her dogs, and the intelligence and versatility of the breed.

Jan also talks about her experiences raising bulls for rodeos, the process of raising and training them, and the dangers and challenges involved. They touch on the development of the Hanging Tree breed and the rodeo industry as a whole. Jan also mentions her excitement about getting a new puppy and the importance...

Pull your toes in or put your steel toed boots on! We are getting real in this episode and some topics may be uncomfortable.

In this particular episode of the Instinctive Australian Shepherd Podcast, the host, Jacque Tinker, engages in an insightful conversation with Jodi Tietjen, a guest who has extensive experience in working with dogs, particularly Australian Shepherds and Border Collies. Jodi shares her knowledge and expertise on training and breeding these dogs, highlighting the significance of preserving good lines in the breed. She explains how breeding practices can impact the health and temperament of the...

In this episode, Jacque speaks with Brad Hawkings, an Australian Shepherd breeder and trainer in Pembroke, Kentucky.

About 5 years ago, Brad learned about a therapy dog workshop in his area. At that time thought that his dog, Bannock, would be perfect to enroll. Bannock not only passed with flying colors, but he was then allowed to go into any situation therapy dogs are allowed, schools, hospitals, nursing homes. 

Soon after becoming certified, Brad and Bannock were invited to a camp for children with serious illnesses. Tune in to hear Brad tells this story, which is s...

When owning an Australian Shepherd, or thinking of getting one, so many questions arise. In this episode, Jacque becomes an Aussie Whisperer and answers some of the most commonly asked questions about the truth behind owning and training an Australian Shepherd.

Questions in this episode:

Today Jacque speaks with Joe Sheeran about Aussies. This is a very interesting conversation about Joe's dog Woody the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2019 Farm Dog of the Year (the first Farm Dog of the year!).

Joe has a fascinating story about how he came to work with Austrailian Shepherds.

When Joe was looking for a dog, he met Rodger Stevens, owner of Pincie Creek Australian Shepherds. This is who he adopted Woody from. After that, Joe met Shelly Spotswood. She really introduced him to training his dogs for stock work. That led to trialing. 

In this episode, Jacque speaks with Randy Kidd, owner of Kidd's Australian Shepherd, about the history of Australian Shepherd, and what defines a working dog. They also discuss Australian Shepherd genetics and how it is so important when choosing a dog. 

Randy Kidd grew up around working dogs. As he got older and started working in livestock, he decided it was time to get his own dogs. In 1979, Randy Kidd got his first registered Australian Shepherd and still works them to this day. He is the owner of Kidd's Australian Shepherd. 

Randy tells stories about wo...

This is a very interesting episode about training with chain behavior and how explosion detection dogs! Jacque speaks with Élise Saint-Pierre, the owner of Dig It Dogs Canine Services and an explosive detection canine handler. 

She started with training when she was in high school with her terrier mix. After she graduated high school, she went to British Columbia for 6 months to learn more about dog training. When she got back to Nova Scotia, she started boarding and private training. 

For Élise, chain behavior training sessions are her favorite way to work with a dog beca...

In this episode, Jacque speaks with Aaron Steele, founder of Goats On The Go and host of the Farm Dog podcast.  

This is a very interesting conversation about finding a working dog that works for you. When you are looking for a working cattle dog, it is very important to understand the dog's genetics. Building a relationship with an outside breeder is important, especially if you want to know the dog's background, training, and potential health issues. 

It is important to know what dog you want for your lifestyle, and that is why podcasts like The...

Title: Clinic Hopping with Kathi Schwengel

In this episode, I chat with Kathi Schwengel, an author and Australian Shepherd enthusiast. There are so many similarities between our lives, this conversation is like speaking with an old friend. 

We talk about how having Australian Shepherds is like having a Ferrari without breaks. These dogs are amazing, they have such inner knowing, but you need to put breaks on them!

We also talk about what it is like living with Australian Shepherds, living on a farm, dealing with sheep, ducks, and other animals. Kathi was w...

This story is a nail biter. Trudy and her family escape the 2020 Wilhoit fire Oregon fire. She shares her story day by day and talks about how her Aussie, Jill rounded up the sheep and ducks. 

Trudy talks about how the fire brought out the best and worst in people. She shares lessons learned and how she now prepares for potential disasters in the future.

Thanks Trudy for sharing this amazing story. 

Meet Sonja Galley, owner of Bindi, 2021 Farm Bureau Dog of the Year. Bindi saved Sonja's life on her family dairy when a rogue heifer charged Sonja and had her on the ground.   Bindi is Sonya's right hand on the dairy farm. This is not only a great story, which will leave you with a lump in your throat or tears in your eyes, it is a nice look into the life of an American farmer and her dog. Make sure you check out the video in the link below...It is very exciting.   Copyright 2021- The Instinctive Australian Shepherd Edited by...

This episode celebrates the resilience and intelligence of the Australian Shepherd. Jade is a young Aussie that is lost in Yellowstone following a serious accident. 

Today I am interviewing Jade and her owners David Sowers and Laura Gillise as well as the author of the book, Bring Jade Home, Michelle Caffrey. The book is published by FarCountry Press. 

This episode can be found on youtube at: https://youtu.be/hk645uL_aPo  Meet Jade and watch this great interview! 

www.theinstinctiveaussie.com

episode edited by: Dorien Vogelaar

www.BringJadeHome.com<...

Today we are talking about those naughty Aussie puppies and dogs! My guest, expert dog behaviorist and trainer, Sarah Dixon and I offer solutions to puppy behaviors and adult Aussie behaviors.   This is part 2 of our awesome conversation about puppy training and adult dog training. Topics of this conversation: -Crate training puppies (dos and don'ts) -Overprotective Aussie behavior -Relationship building behaviors -Dog sports for relationship building  

Today we are talking about those naughty Aussie puppies! My guest, expert dog behaviorist and trainer, Sarah Dixon and I offer solutions to puppy behaviors. 

We discuss nipping/biting, chewing, jumping, reactivity and fear of loud noises! This is part 1 of of 2 of a great discussion. You can tell we are both extremely passionate about this topic and hope that you can learn something that helps you out!

Want to share your Aussie stories on the podcast? Go to www.theinstinctiveaussie.com and click on the big orange button and share your best Aussie stories w...

You thought the first episode was good? Part 2 of Around the Campfire with Larry and Glenda Teaff is even better! These two are such amazing story tellers. Re-join the conversation and learn about dog training and great dogs. Larry talks about how to judge power on a dog and what a dog has to do to be strong on cattle. Learn how to start dogs on cattle with a mature dog. Those of you who run under Larry as a judge should really listen to this. He shares what he wants to see in a trial dog as well...

Join me in a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Larry and Glenda Teaff. This episode reminds me of the post-trial campfires surrounded with friends and full of the dog stories where legends are made!

Larry and Glenda are dear friends who were there when I first got started in the dog trialing many years ago. Larry is an ASCA stockdog judge and stockdog trainer. And Glenda is his partner in crime. The two of them carry tons of knowledge of the working dogs and lines in this breed.

These stories are endearing and a...

Today's guest represents 3 generations of working Aussie breeding. Beth Crandall visits the show to talk about her family's line of working dogs. This episode is just jam packed with great working dog information, ranching talk and dog training.   This is one of those easy listening conversations about dogs that allows me to appreciate a working Aussie even more.   Looking for a working Aussie? Check out the list of proven working breeders at https://workingaussiesource.com/listing-by-name/   Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an episode!   

Today I get to interview Rick Hardin. Rick has been influential in the working Aussie for many years. This is a great historical episode - especially those of you fellow pedigree nerds!   We have lots of pedigrees to share of the dogs Rick mentioned. I will list the time and pedigree below. Enjoy!

Ever wonder what a dog can do to help you out on your operation? No matter how large or how small your place is, your Aussie partner can help you get the job done! 

Today's episode is a very practical episode. It's just me and my mic, surrounded by my best ranch hands, talking ranch and farm dogs! I am sharing the 6 chores my dogs do around the ranch on a regular basis, plus one thing they do naturally that makes the ranch life better! 

Introduction

[00:30] Working Aussie Source www.workingaussiesource.com

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This episode is all about the athlete Australian Shepherd. I get to interview ultra runner, Michelle Coleman.

Michelle Coleman is a true southern girl, hailing from West Tennessee, but has happily settled in the beautiful Flint Hills of North East Kansas. Michelle fell in love with trails and trail racing because it was kinder to her body, and most trail race directors allow her Australian Shepherd running partner, Stella, to accompany her. She especially enjoys hitting up the trails around Clinton Lake or Wyco in Kansas City, with Stella out in front and leading the way. Michelle...

This episode is packed full of nosey topics like tracking, search and rescue, skijoring and more....This is a very interesting episode if you are thinking about starting in the sport of tracking or in search and rescue! 

Christine Tait is my guest this episode. She does tracking, nosework, barn hunt and search and rescue and skies with her Aussies in Alaska! We discuss all things tracking and search and rescue! 

Tantalize your inner zombie with our gross conversations about human remains and body farms! 

This episode is super fun. Tanya Wheeler is an ASCA, AKC, AHBA and CKC stockdog judge with many years of trialing, judging and training experience.

We talk about everything from Tanya's moose rearing experience to the controversies in the trialing arena. I appreciate Tanya's intelligence and understanding of the breed and the issues the breed faces in trialing and working worlds.

Tanya has recently released an online herding program. Check it out at www.thetalkingdog.ca

Join our conversation and give us feedback on Facebook and join The Instinctive Australian Shepherd private group.<...

Today I get to interview author Sheila Pierson who incorporates an Australian Shepherd, Jax. She took a real event that happened in her hometown and following her inspiration and muse to create an exciting adventure with an Australian Shepherd. This is a bit of a different podcast...you creatives will enjoy it! 

I am sorry we don't have much Aussie stuff in this podcast. I indulged my creative side and the writer in me couldn't help it! I had to talk writing. 

Download Endangered in the Ozarks today. 

1:00 Learning about Sheila and her dog...

This episode is packed with stuff for you and your dog. I have the pleasure of interviewing Billie Richardson, who with her dog Dan, won the 2018 Calgary Stampede Stockdog Trial, making them the first Aussie team in history to be crowned the winners at the Stampede! Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npi79Z6CoLQ

Billie shares her lovely heart with us and reveals a passion she has for improving the mindset of handlers and trainers everywhere. I met Billie at a stockdog clinic she presented and fell in love with her...

Today we are talking to Steve Gannon - frisbee competitor! Steve competes in disc events with his three Aussies, reaching World Competition Success. 

Join us for an engaging chat. Learn about the sport and how to get started training your Aussie to be a frisbee champ!

www.theinstinctiveaussie.com

Today I interview Dave Dourson from Kinetic Performance Dog Food company. This is a great conversation to listen to no matter what kind of diet you are feeding your dogs.

Dave and his partner designed a dog food that feeds the most elite canine athletes, warriors and performance dogs in the country. The Department of Defense dogs (think the military dogs that are deployed overseas and at home), many police departments and sheriff's department K-9s across the country as well as many high level performance and competition dogs are fed Kinetic Dog food.

I...

Today I am talking to rancher, Susan Boyd from Boyd Ranch in Mountainair, NM. Susan uses her Aussies to work rough cattle on a huge ranch in rough terrain. 

This is an excellent episode highlighting the intelligence, ability and trainability of the working bred Australian Shepherd.

Susan shares her experiences ranching with dogs including some great stories! She tells us how she trains her dogs and the talks about an average day on the ranch for her cattle bred Aussies.

After the interview, find Susan on facebook here or her website www.boydranch.n...

Today we are talking dock jumping with Heidi Mobley. Heidi and her friends developed the dock jumping program for the Australian Shepherd Club of America!   Heidi shares her experience getting the dock jumping program submitted and approved as an ASCA program.   We talk about training and preparing for dock jumping competitions. And address issues like dogs who are afraid of water and how to get them to jump of the edge of the dock!   Did you know the longest Aussie jump recorded in ASCA at the time of this recording was 26 feet! Where the nub lands! Heidi gives us some gre...

NERD ALERT! In this episode, I am talking with CA Sharp about the genetics of the Australian Shepherd and we dig into the tricky topic of genetics. 

CA Sharp is probably the most influential and knowledgable genetic researchers working with the Australian Shepherd breed. She is a science writer and internationally recognized lay expert on canine genetics and hereditary diseases.

We start the conversation on a grim note- discussing the most common genetic and life threatening diseases found in the Australian Shepherd- hemangiosarcoma and epilepsy. CA talks about the research efforts in this area and h...