In this fresh twist on the Muster Dogs experiment, it’s not just the puppies being put to the test – it’s the participants. This six-part season, shifts the spotlight onto the trainers, challenging six participants with limited dog and stock handling experience to raise and train a working dog from puppy to paddock-ready in just 12 months.
With three Border Collies and three Kelpies, the participants – a mix of tree-changers and seasoned farmers who have never worked with dogs in a skilled and focused manner step into unfamiliar territory, learning how to harness the incredible potential of working dogs. Guided by expert trainers and Muster Dogs alumni, they’ll be mentored through milestones and assessed on their bond-building, stock handling, and training techniques.
As the puppy’s progress, so do their trainers – often through frustration, breakthroughs, and moments of emotional growth. With high stakes and hard lessons, this season offers an inspiring and heartfelt look into what it really takes to become a great working dog trainer. Because in season four, we’re asking: can the trainer be trained?
Our participants are drawn from across the country and include:
Shaydie-Jane Campbell:
After the heartbreaking loss of her mum, Shaydie-Jane felt the need to start fresh, leading her to the Northern Territory. In the quiet of the outback, she found purpose, and a dog who stole her heart. This journey is her next step in rediscovering herself.
Sam Mackaway:
After starting a family, Sam returned to his childhood farm to give his kids the country life he loved. With plans to take over from his father, he’s bringing fresh ideas, including the power of working dogs. Now, he’s on a mission to master the art of training one himself.
Courtney Moir:
Courtney swapped the city and corporate life for a seventh-generation farm and motherhood. Feeling lost in the transition and unsure of her identity beyond motherhood and the farm, Courtney found purpose in sheep dog trialling. This journey is her next chapter: building her skills, supporting the farm, and reconnecting with her own sense of self.
Max Hudson:
A vibrant and upbeat young man, Max was working a trade in the city but always felt called to a different kind of life. Since making the move to the country, he’s never looked back. Now, Max is diving headfirst into the world of working dogs with no prior training experience, but a whole lot of heart and an eagerness to learn every step of the way.
Rex Grey-McCormack:
Living on his family’s property in Broome, Rex helps run the caravan park his mum built from scratch. Inspired by her drive, he’s ready to step up, learning to use working dogs to support the station and carry on the family legacy.
Ian Worley:
A school principal in Nundle, Ian juggles education with life on the family farm. Ready to switch roles and become the student, he’s eager to learn how to train dogs, and maybe even show that you can teach the teacher.
OUR PUPPIES KELPIES
ROXY
Strong Willed
Roxy is the red and tan Kelpie female pup partnered with Max. She’s bursting with instinct and drive, with a bold, dominant streak that sees her constantly pushing the boundaries. Quick, clever and confident, Roxy often runs rings around Max, who’ll need to dig deep to guide her energy and earn her focus.
ALFIE
The Curious Worker
Alfie is the black and tan Kelpie female pup partnered with Rex. She is quirky and easily distracted, she’s more daydreamer than go-getter. Rex will need to dial up the energy and keep her focused to bring out her full potential.
BURUMA
Playful Troublemaker
Buruma is the red and tan Kelpie male pup partnered with Ian. His name, Buruma is a First Nations word meaning tame dog; however it doesn’t quite match his current vibe. Buruma is bursting with personality: playful, quirky and full of fizz. It’s up to Ian to help shape him into the name.
BORDER COLLIES
TURNER
Devoted One
Turner is the tri-coloured male Border Collie pup paired with Shaydie-Jane. Deeply affectionate and completely devoted, he’s happiest by Shaydie-Jane’s side. But that strong bond means Shaydie-Jane will need to gently build Turner’s independence and focus to help him become a confident working dog.
CAPTAIN
Goofy Charm
Captain is the black eye patched male Border Collie pup paired with Sam. With a distinctive black patch over one eye, he looks like a little captain ready to take charge. He’s a charismatic and playful pup, full of goofy charm, but beneath the silliness lies a strong desire to work and please. Sam must harness that energy and focus it into productive work, while still letting Captain’s cheeky personality shine through.
BLOSSOM
Full-On Firecracker
Blossom is the black and white female Border Collie pup paired with Courtney. She’s a hyper and spontaneous pup, full of energy and easily distracted when she isn’t working. But when she sees stock, she snaps into gear with laser focus. Courtney must learn how to channel Blossom’s boundless energy and keep her switched on.
Funny, dramatic and heart-warming, Muster Dogs season 4 is a grass roots, regional Australian series rooted in an industry that underpins a significant aspect of our Australian identity. And did we mention there are lots of cute puppies?
Production Credits: Commissioned by the ABC. An Ambience Entertainment production for the ABC with production investment from Screen Queensland, Screen NSW and financed with support from the ABC. Series Director: Monica O’Brien. Director: Sally Browning. Producers: Sally Browning, Michael Boughen, Monica O’Brien. Co-producer: John Unwin. Executive Producer: Matthew Street. Executive Post Producer: Lauren Rudd. ABC Executive Producer: Rachel Robinson. ABC Commissioning Editor: Jo Chichester. ABC Head of Documentaries and Specialist: Susie Jones. International Distributor: ABC Commercial.
