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