Neil McDonald Working Dog School
4 Day working dog school with Neil McDonald of Muster Dogs
Capacity building - LP003-010
The issue
Local producers identified a need for practical training in low stress livestock handling and working dog management. Improving stockmanship skills can lead to better animal welfare, increased productivity, safer workplaces and reduced stress on both livestock and handlers. The school provided an opportunity for producers to learn proven techniques from an experienced industry leader and apply them directly within their own enterprises.
The solution
Condobolin District Landcare partnered with livestock handling and working dog trainer Neil McDonald to deliver a four-day practical school in April 2026. Funding support enabled the course to be offered at a subsidised rate, making it accessible to local producers. The school combined classroom learning with hands-on livestock and working dog demonstrations, covering stock behaviour, low stress handling techniques and dog training principles. Local businesses and volunteers also provided in-kind support, helping ensure the event was affordable and delivered high-quality outcomes for participants.
The impact
The school attracted strong participation from producers across the region and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants reported increased confidence and practical skills in livestock handling and working dog management, with many identifying changes they could implement immediately on-farm. The success of the event has already led to another school being scheduled, demonstrating the ongoing demand for this type of training. By improving stockmanship skills, the project is contributing to better animal welfare, workplace safety and productivity outcomes across local farming enterprises.
This program was made possible thanks to the Graincorp Community Foundation Grant which contributed to a participant subsidy as well as venue hire and providing catering for the course.
In kind donations were also received from Tullinga Dorper Stud, Condobolin Pony Club & Stockpro
Key facts
- Very successful course with great feedback and demand for another
- Venue is the key to smooth running, accessible yards and shed for theory essential