The Instinctive Australian Shepherd

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-year absence and why the former "Maturity" competition evolved into the more inclusive World Ranch Dog Finals, which is open to Australian Shepherds outside the current Futurity class.
The episode takes listeners through the event's demanding cattle and sheep courses, including pasture gathers, practical ranch obstacles, trailers and chutes, long-distance outruns, and a challenging double-lift-style final. Jacqueline explains the course philosophy, scoring considerations, weather complications, and the considerable amount of planning and volunteer work required to conduct a realistic ranch-dog competition.
She then recognizes the champions and reserve champions from the Futurity divisions and Ranch Dog Finals, focusing not only on placements but also on the growth, perseverance, stockmanship, and handler-dog partnerships demonstrated throughout the weekend.
Finally, Jacqueline previews plans for the 2027 event, including possible course adjustments, expanded challenges, livestreaming, sponsorship opportunities, and the effort to provide enough added money to make the trip worthwhile for competitors traveling from across the country and beyond. She also explains eligibility for the 2027 Futurity, the distinction between Futurity and Ranch Dog Finals entries, and where owners can find registration information through Working Aussie Source.
 
www.workingaussiesource.com
www.stockdogtrainer.com

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 first time in 20 years, and now expanded into a multi-event weekend designed to showcase real ranch work—not just arena patterns.
You'll also hear updates on upcoming events, how to support the Futurity, where to find trainers and resources, and a personal announcement Jacque has been waiting a long time to share.
In This Episode
What the Working Aussie Source is and why it exists

How breeders and litters are vetted (and why that can be controversial)

Why working Aussies need a purpose—and why placement matters

The return of the Futurity and what makes it different today

Why Jacque raised the Futurity age and structured it around real ranch tasks

Introduction of the World Ranch Dog Finals (the updated "maturity" concept)

Details for the combined 2025/2026 event weekend: April 23–26, 2026

How to sponsor and support: Friends of the Futurity

Training opportunities, camps, and lessons through stockdogtrainer.com

Big personal news: Jacque's Copper the Ranch Dog children's book series is underway

 
Announcements Mentioned
 
Swag shop: australianshepherdnation.com
Discount code: INSTINCT10 (10% off)


Futurity + Ranch Dog Finals: April 23–26, 2026

Support the event: "Friends of the Futurity" sponsorship option on workingaussiesource.com

Cattle Camp + training: stockdogtrainer.com

New books coming: Copper the Ranch Dog children's book series (Book 1 in illustration now; Books 2–3 in editing

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 deep into the real-world process of training detection dogs on lanternfly egg masses (including the surprising challenges: "dead" vs. "live" eggs, changing scent over time, tiny odor cones, and why trust in your dog matters more than your eyes).
You'll also meet her three Aussies:
Que (retired, still brilliant, still hungry)



Epic (the seasoned field dog with the "freeze-and-dance" alert)



River (the young trainee learning the difference between "search" and "follow my footsteps")



Along the way, you'll hear a jaw-dropping story about egg masses hidden inside a woodpecker hole and under bark—found by scent alone—plus a candid look at how conservation detection work is built through experimentation, mistakes, and miles.
If you've ever wondered what "a real job" for an Aussie can look like outside the ranch—or you're looking for ways to channel that busy brain into meaningful work—this one will light you up.
Topics include: conservation detection dogs, spotted lanternfly impact, training aids and scent tubes, field searches on the edge of infestations, handler trust, and why mental work can tire an Aussie better than endless fetch.
www.theinstinctiveaussie.com

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 different—his natural stock sense, his ability to adjust his pressure based on the type of cattle, and the stamina it takes to work all day because "there is no putting him back."
You'll also hear about Rooster's temperament off the cattle—calm, social, and beloved by everyone on the operation—plus the moment Shawn realized Rooster wasn't just a good dog… he was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of dog. From "thinking dog" instincts to heat conditioning, from real-world usefulness to trial-ring differences, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what we're trying to preserve: the true working Australian Shepherd.
Plus: Rooster's recognition through the Georgia Farm Bureau, including public events, interviews, and meeting state leaders—proof that working dogs still matter, and still inspire.
If you care about preserving the working Aussie, this one's for you.
Join the conversation:
Facebook group: Instinctive Australian Shepherd
Show notes + links: theinstinctiveaussie.com
Here are some cool links:
https://youtu.be/N6gRhdrtyUs

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, Lena, as they navigate this thrilling sport.

Kimberly Watson, a pioneer of the horse and dog trail program in the U.S., discusses the challenges and joys of starting this activity stateside. Discover how you can get involved and what it takes to train your dog and horse for these unique competitions.

Whether you're a seasoned trainer or new to the world of horse and dog trails, this episode offers insights, tips, and inspiration to get started. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that celebrates the bond between humans, dogs, and horses.
🔗 Join the Conversation:
Connect with fellow enthusiasts on our Facebook group, "The Instinctive Australian Shepherd," and visit our website at theinstinctiveaussie.com for show notes and more.
Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on new episodes. See you on the trail! 🐴🐶
 
Resource mentioned in the podcast:
https://hadtrailusa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541735102159617
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxhVWnpg3wc&t=18s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIhqaoCtzUg