Working Dog Training School (Clunes)

A skilled farm dog can accomplish complex tasks in minutes—tasks that would take a human hours. More than just a worker, they are loyal companions who genuinely enjoy their work. Plus, they are far more affordable to employ than human workers.

Raising a great farm dog isn’t just about natural ability—it also requires proper training. That’s where Gary White and his internationally renowned Working Dog School come in.

Since 1999, Gary has been traveling across Australia and around the world, holding clinics to share his expertise in working dogs with farmers. His work has taken him to the Americas, Europe, and Britain, and he’s always in high demand.

Gary’s connection to working dog training runs deep. Born and raised in Nyngan, Gary grew up surrounded by dogs. His father established White’s Kelpie Stud nearly 60 years ago and was one of the founding members of the Working Kelpie Council.

“Dad always managed properties and had working dogs to assist him. On the farms, he worked alone, and the dogs were like his right-hand men,” Gary explains. “When I was a kid, Nyngan was remote, with no television or other entertainment, so I spent all my time outside, and the farm dogs were my constant companions. I had a very outdoor childhood, and the dogs were integral to it. Much of what I know about working dogs, I learned from my father.”

Gary’s early exposure to working dogs came when he was just a child. “I started working with dogs very young,” he recalls. “I loved helping my dad with cattle and sheep. He would leave me with the sheep, accompanied by one or two of his older trained dogs. Working with and training dogs is in my blood.”

After building a local reputation for training dogs, Gary was invited to the US to lead specialised clinics. These clinics, typically held on farms, focus on helping dog owners work with their dogs' natural instincts. The first US clinics were so successful that Gary began receiving invitations to travel to other countries as well.

“No matter where I am in the world, I train dogs the same way. The method doesn’t change. Even though dogs may be used differently abroad—like in the US, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, or Germany—the basics remain the same,” Gary says. “While they might not be working with the large numbers of livestock we manage in Australia, the core principles of training are universal.”

Join Gary for this FULL DAY workshop:

9:00am - Arrival
9:30am - Welcome and Introduction
10:30am - Morning Tea (supplied)
11:00am - Practical Session 1
12:30pm - Lunch (supplied)
1:30pm - Practical Session 2
3:00pm - Afternoon Tea (supplied)
3:15pm - PracticalSession 3
4:30pm - Close

This workshop will be open for up to 12 participants and their working dog, and as many spectators that are keen to come and watch on. More the merrier!

The location of this event will be annouced closer to the workshop.

Due to very limited spots being available, we request for your appreciation that there will be a waiting list - if your circumstances change and you're no longer able to attend, please contact Jai Edwards, j.edwards@hepburn.vic.gov.au, with as much notice as possible to allow us to fill the spot.

The location of this workshop will be confirmed closer to the date.

Do you have a property that might be suitable for to hold this event? We're looking for a property that can supply a flat area, a 12 panel "arena" and 12 sheep! Contact Jai Edwards by emailing j.edwards@hepburn.vic.gov.au.