Riverina Stock Dog Apprentices Program

The Riverina Stock Dog Apprentices Pilot is a 12‑month, hands‑on training program designed to build the capability, confidence, and career opportunities of young people aged 18–30 who are passionate about working dogs, livestock handling, and life in agriculture.

The program brings together expert working dog trainers, animal health professionals, and experienced stock handlers to teach safe, effective, and humane stock‑handling skills. Participants learn how to train, manage, and work their dogs in real farm environments while building their understanding of livestock behaviour, welfare, dog nutrition, injury prevention, and low‑stress stockman ship.

About the Program

Across five face‑to‑face clinics held throughout the Riverina, apprentices gain progressive, practical experience in both dog training and livestock handling. Each session includes demonstrations, hands‑on practice, guest speakers, and access to a supportive peer network that continues throughout the program.

There are 7 spots available for this pilot of the RSDA Program. These positions are heavily subsidised thanks to the support of the VFFF and FRRR Backing The Future Grant.

This program is open to beginners, early‑career farmers, career changers, women in ag, and anyone wanting to strengthen their working dog and stock‑handling abilities.

The Riverina Stock Dog Apprentices Program is excited to have Geoff McDougall, President of the Hay Working Dog Club, outstanding working dog trainer and breeder as our lead trainer for this year’s program.

To find out more about the Hay Working Dog Club visit their page on Facebook here: Hay Working Dog Club Facebook

Meet the Trainer

    1. Participants must be aged between 18 and 30 years old and currently working in an on-farm role or deriving the majority of their income from on-farm/contracting work.

    2. Participants must bring their own working dog, a minimum of 12-months old and provide full vaccination certificate before or at the first training event.

    3. Participants must be working within 200km of Hay, NSW 2711.

    4. Participants must be relatively new to working dog handling <3 Years.

  • $300.00 for Hay Inc. Rural Education Program Alumni.

    $500.00 for general participants (Non-Hay Inc. Rural Education Program Alumni).

    This fee covers the cost of four, full day working dog schools and the final Graduation Trial. It also includes the cost of of trainers, meals, accommodation, participant membership to the Hay Working Dog Club and more.

  • By applying for the Riverina Stock Dog Apprentices Program you intend to attend all four schools and the graduation trial.

    Some schools will be followed by a Saturday evening activity and it is strongly encouraged that participants make the most of these opportunities to get the most out of the program.

Applications Open

Friday 23rd January 2026

Applications Close

Sunday 22nd February 2026

Apply Now!

Need more information?

Contact Jess on 0498 683 152 or email jess@agrishift.com.au

The Riverina Stock Dog Apprentices Pilot Program is included in Cohort 7 of the Backing the Future Grant.

The Backing The Future Grant is delivered by VFFF and FRRR to individuals supporting rural and regional young people aged 12-30.