Podcast · Kids & Family

The Instinctive Australian Shepherd

by Jacqueline Tinker · English · Kids & Family

The definitive podcast for all things Australian Shepherd.

New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 51 min
Latest: 3 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

3 Oct 2026 · 40 min

Don't Get Squished: 4 Rules for Safe, Well-Controlled Livestock

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 part of their head…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · E2 · 22 Jul 2026 · 29 min
The Futurity Returns: Heartbreak, Comebacks, and the World Ranch Dog Finals
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.…
S2 · E1 · 25 Feb 2026 · 43 min
Protecting the Working Aussie: The Futurity, Vetting, and What Comes Next
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…
E40 · 14 Jan 2026 · 46 min
Instinct at Work: Australian Shepherds with a Job That Matters
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…
S1 · E39 · 31 Dec 2025 · 49 min
The Australian Shepherd That Replaced Four Cowboys
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…
E35 · 19 Nov 2025 · 46 min
Saddle up with your Aussie- Horse & Dog Trail Competitions
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…
E37 · 3 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
Australian Shepherds Across the Pond- High level working dogs with Kat Farrants
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 crufts…
E36 · 20 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
True Versatility - Working Ranch dogs - Winning Trial dogs with Tom Collins
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 Cattle Champion award. My dog Copper and I won in 2022 and Tom and his dog Doc won in 2024.…
E35 · 3 Jan 2025 · 34 min
The Working Aussie Source Big Announcement
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 Bruce Nelson Kristie Franks Fernand Ghen Bhoy Opelinia and thanks to everyone who has been supporting the Working Aussie Source over the years. Kristin Tara Horowitz , I hope this makes you proud! Announcement: 1) Website Update 2) Futurity & Maturity…
E34 · 10 Jan 2024 · 49 min
Upping our Herding Game- Raising Expectations with Erin Eckert Part 1
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…
E33 · 21 Jul 2023 · 54 min
Bulls, Broncs and Dogs- The Bulls Behind the Pro Riders and the Aussies that Care for Them
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…
E32 · 22 May 2023 · 59 min
A Look Back at Hangin' Tree Dude and Modern Day Trialing
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…
E31 · 2 Feb 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
Just what the Doctor Ordered- Australian Shepherd Therapy Dogs
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 sure to bring you to…
E30 · 13 Dec 2022 · 42 min
Am I exercising my Aussie enough? Common Myth Busted!
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: What can I do to exercise my dog enough mentally and physically during the day? How much exercise does my dog actually need? How can I stop my very excited Aussie from jumping and being a maniac when people come over to visit? How can I help my pandemic puppy combat separation anxiety? What should I do if my…
19 Jun 2022 · 1 hr 3 min
Joe Sheeran and Woody the 2019 Farm Bureau Dog of the Year
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. The way that Joe acquired Woody was very…
E28 · 1 Feb 2022 · 30 min
History and Working Dogs with Randy Kidd
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 working dogs and what a good working…
E27 · 20 Jan 2022 · 41 min
Chain Behavior Training and Working with Explosion Detection Dogs featuring Élise Saint-Pierre
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 because she can see their…
E26 · 27 Dec 2021 · 55 min
Finding The Working Dog That Is Right For You, featuring Aaron Steel from Goats On The Go
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 Instinctive Australian Shepherd and Farm Dog…
E15 · 6 Dec 2021 · 54 min
Clinic Hopping with Kathi Schwengel
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 working with the versatility line of…
E23 · 20 Aug 2021 · 50 min
Fire at the Double V
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. Copyright 2021- The Instinctive Australian Shepherd Edited by: Dorien Vogelaar
E23 · 29 May 2021 · 39 min
Bindi - Hero Dog
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: Dorien Vogelaar Video of Bindi!…
E22 · 30 Mar 2021 · 50 min
Bring Jade Home
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 Facebook Bring Jade Home (Jade's fanpage)…
10 Feb 2021 · 51 min
Aussie Behavior Issues
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 Should you really get an Aussie in the first place? How to meet the Aussie's needs. Choosing the right breeder for your Australian Shepherd.…
E21 · 26 Jan 2021 · 56 min
Solutions for Puppy Behavior Issues
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 with us! Edited by: Dorien Vogelaar…
11 Dec 2020 · 51 min
Around the Campfire with Larry and Glenda Teaff - part 2
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 as what is necessary to have in a ranch dog or ranch dog pair. These stories of amazing dogs and…
18 Nov 2020 · 53 min
Around the Campfire with Larry & Glenda Teaff
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 special documentation of the working history of the Australian Shepherd. This…
S1 · E17 · 22 Oct 2020 · 1 hr 2 min
Lor A Australian Shepherds with Beth Crandall
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! Edited by: Dorien Vogelaar Links:…
S1 · E16 · 9 Sep 2020 · 51 min
Rick Hardin and the Old Dogs!
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! 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! Edited by: Dorien Vogelaar Photo Credit: Rambling Cowgirl
S1 · E15 · 24 Aug 2020 · 55 min
6 Chores Your Working Aussie can do on the Farm or Ranch
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 [00: ] The value of a working dog on a farm or ranch [09:20] Chore #1 Holding Stock off…
S1 · E14 · 1 Aug 2020 · 1 hr 4 min
Run, Aussie, Run!
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 puts into…

About The Instinctive Australian Shepherd

The definitive podcast for all things Australian Shepherd.

The Instinctive Australian Shepherd is a English kids & family podcast from Jacqueline Tinker. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Jacqueline Tinker
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 51 min
Latest episode: 3 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1488278291

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