Iowa Dog Trainer Taps Into Global Surge in Working Dog Demand

A renowned working dog trainer who got his start in Iowa says a popular television series is fueling a worldwide boom in demand for skilled canine workers. Gary White, an internationally recognized trainer, first brought his expertise to the Hawkeye State in 1999, and now his workshops are more sought after than ever.

How an Iowa Connection Launched a Global Career

White's journey to Iowa began with a family legacy. His father, John White, started White's Kelpie Stud in Australia in the 1950s. American dog enthusiasts visiting the stud gave him a connection that led to his first training workshop in Iowa in 1999.

“It just all blossomed from there,” White said. “It's my life now, actually. I've been over to America and Canada eight times, all through Scandinavia and Europe.”

Why Working Dogs Are More Valuable Than Ever

White says the demand for working dogs has surged, driven by labor shortages in agriculture and the popularity of the ABC series Muster Dogs. The show, which follows contestants training puppies, has sparked international interest.

“Everywhere I go, even overseas, all they want to talk about is Muster Dogs,” White said. “Even with the running of training schools, the demand is definitely there a lot because of that Muster Dog series.”

A 2025 report from ANZ Bank found that demand for working dogs has increased over the past decade, especially as the agricultural workforce faces strain. White noted that dogs are a cost-effective solution for farmers.

“When I was contracting, they'd employ me with my team of working dogs instead of employing another two people,” he said. “They're very cost-effective.”

The Rising Cost of a Top Working Dog

Prices for quality working dogs have climbed sharply. At a recent auction in Australia, the top price for a dog reached $28,500. White says dogs now commonly sell for between $20,000 and $50,000.

He credits the goat mustering market for driving up prices. “If [someone] pays $10,000 for a dog, and they go out and muster in that first week $10,000 worth of goats, that's a cheap dog,” White explained.

More Than a Tool: The Bond Between Farmer and Dog

For Iowa farmers and ranchers, the value of a working dog goes beyond economics. White emphasized the companionship they provide during long, difficult days.

“Some people just love their dogs to bits, and they're widely called their best mate,” he said. “Their dogs [have] helped them get through sticky situations. I know people that [say] their dogs actually helped them through the drought.”

John Lawrence, an Australian station hand who has used working dogs for over 60 years, agreed. “You must have dogs,” he said. “We've got pretty hard country, like hilly country, and it's pretty difficult to get around sheep at times. The dog jumps off, and he's got them together in no time flat.”

Technology Won't Replace the Working Dog

Despite advances in drones, autogyros, and motorbikes, White and other experts insist that working dogs remain irreplaceable. “I think young people are realising how important it is to have dogs,” Lawrence said. “That's why I see so many turn up to these schools, because people are using dogs a lot more than what they did.”

White's workshops focus on the partnership between human and dog, a skill he says is more critical than ever. “I can pretty well pick straight away whether a dog suits an owner,” he said. “If we've got a dog that's very strong-headed, and doesn't want the partnership to blossom with the human, it can be hard work.”

For Iowa's agricultural community, the message is clear: a good working dog is an investment that pays dividends in efficiency, companionship, and tradition.