Australia is gearing up for the much-anticipated premiere of the third season of Muster Dogs, which airs on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM on ABC iview and ABC TV. This season introduces thrilling competitions between two of the country’s most beloved working dog breeds: the Australian Border Collie and the Kelpie. Fans are eager to discover which breed will emerge as the ultimate Champion Muster Dog.
This season's format will see six passionate graziers take on the challenge of training three puppies from each breed over the course of twelve months. They will test their skills against each other, showcasing various training techniques and the dogs' natural abilities. According to the show’s producers, the goal is not only to crown one breed as superior but also to explore the inherent differences and similarities between these two iconic Australian breeds.
The captivating competition promises to be both engaging and educational. Renowned dog trainers Neil McDonald and Mick Hudson will supervise the training sessions, ensuring the puppies develop the skills they need to succeed as proficient muster dogs. Each grazer, from seasoned farmers to newer entrants, will share their unique stories of adapting to life with their working dogs.
Marlene Brewer, one of the featured graziers, brings over three decades of experience. At the age of 60, she reflects on her lifelong dream of training dogs, noting, "I wanted to say to older women... chase it. Don't think you're too old..." Marlene's determination to join Muster Dogs stemmed from her personal experiences and challenges throughout her life. After years of persistence and resilience, she is finally achieving her dream of training dogs.
Collaboratively embarking on this adventure, Marlene passionately highlights the qualities of her new training partner, Hudson, the Border Collie. She states, "It was definitely a challenge, but I really applied myself..." This commitment to personal growth resonates with viewers, particularly those who may feel they are too old to chase their aspirations.
The season kicked off with the exciting revelations of new litters from the breeders featured on the show. The first episode showcased Border Collies born to first-time parents Nikki and Boss, as well as Kelpie pups delivered by Reba, who surprising defied expectations. The early delivery added both excitement and unpredictability to the training narrative. Each selected puppy demonstrates their unique personalities and capabilities, setting the stage for both heartwarming and dramatic moments throughout the series.
While the rivalry between Kelpie and Collie fans can get fierce, Mick Hudson offers some candid insights. He believes, "Farmer gets him [kelpie], takes him to the paddock and he learns the job himself," highlighting the Kelpie’s boundless adaptability compared to the more trainable Collie. Hailing from this competitive perspective, the show cleverly juxtaposes various ownership narratives and training experiences as the farmers work through their dog training milestones over five-month intervals.
This season’s challenges will put the dogs' instincts and training to the test, and viewers will witness the passion and dedication of each grazer as they invest time and energy to prepare their pups for the ultimate muster dog title. The emphasis on individuality is significant, as Marlene Brewer eloquently shares, "Any dog is only ever going to be as good as the test you put in front of them, and every dog is different." This mantra serves as the backbone of the training process, encouraging dog owners to embrace the unique traits of each canine they work with.
Throughout the show, audiences will not only cheer for their favorite breeds but will also resonate with the personal stories of the graziers, their struggles, and triumphs. Each story stands to inspire viewers, particularly older women, to pursue their dreams regardless of their perceived limitations.
Overall, Muster Dogs season 3 promises not just competition but also connection—between the dogs and their trainers, as well as between the audience and the behind-the-scenes realities of life on the land.
Mark your calendars for February 2nd, and prepare to see spectacular working dogs paired with the heartfelt stories of graziers across Australia, as they confront the joys and challenges of dog training head-on. Tune in to find out who will be crowned as this season’s Champion Muster Dog.