Working Dog Auctions | Buy & Sell Online - AuctionsPlus

Man's best friend has been a notable helper in the agricultural field for hundreds of years. Australian farms are no different, with many different breeds of livestock finding themselves a protector and guide with the addition of a working dog.

Find fully trained or newly born working dogs available for sale in your area with AuctionsPlus . With access to trusted breeders and sellers in your area, you can take your pick from great working dogs of all breeds and temperaments.

What is a Working Dog?

Unlike the typical dog kept as a pet, working dogs are identifiable by having a job on top of the usual benefits of companionship. These types of dogs are raised to perform certain practical tasks across a range of industries.

While some working dogs are trained to sniff out contraband or as disability aids, most working dogs in Australia are reared for farm work. The type of labour they perform while 'working' includes:

• Droving
• Protecting livestock
• Tending
• Pest control, especially rats
• Finding lost livestock

These kinds of abilities make well-trained dogs a great all-rounder for daily farm work. With their help, livestock can be better protected, transportation of sheep and cows can be streamlined, and pest numbers can stay down.

What Kind of Training Does Working Dogs For Sale Come With?

The level of training that a working dog for sale via online auctions comes with varies between providers, dog ages and their upbringing. For example, puppies up for auction are likely to have little to no training in farm procedures.

However, older dogs for sale are more likely to have in-depth farm training and experience, making them capable of getting straight to work after bonding with a new handler. This may take a few weeks after the initial purchase as your dog gets used to the new environment, people and responsibilities.

While not all working dogs for sale will come with farm training, you may encounter dogs with the following skills:

• Basic behavioural commands like come, sit, stay, stop, etc
• Good recall, even across long distances
• Mustering work and relevant skills
• Guarding
• Barking on command and posturing

It is best to check what skills the dogs for sale come with before purchase to ensure the best match for your farm needs.

Will You Have to Provide Additional Training for Working Dogs?

If you purchase a puppy from an online auction, you may have to train them from scratch. The best age to start often varies between dog breeds, but most can be trained in basic commands and droving practices when just a few weeks old.

Other dogs for sale that are older may also vary in their level of farm training. Typically, you can determine whether further training is needed on your part if a dog is labelled as "started" training or "well started".

"Started" working dogs tend to have the following traits:

• Understanding of basic commands
• Some training on-leash
• Over-enthusiastic engagement with livestock
• Capable of only short practice sessions
• Requires guidance from handlers on foot

"Well-started" dogs have a little more training experience, allowing them to add on the following traits:

• More confidence in farm skills, but still prone to being unsettled in strange places or situations
• More obedience but still need time to settle when working
• Can drive sheep, cows and other livestock, but still tend to go to the head of the mob
• May not be able to handle large mobs yet
• Can be guided by handlers on foot, via vehicles, or even by horse

You can always ask the providers the level of training their working dogs have before purchase. Further details into their behaviour can also help you find the best match for your working environment.

Popular Working Dog Breeds in Australia

Understanding the qualities of your dog's breed, whether it is purebred or mixed, can help you choose the right worker. That is why we have provided insights into some popular working dog breeds in Australia to help you in your decision-making process:

• Border Collie: An intelligent breed prone to high levels of activity, Border Collies are thus easy to train for physical farm work.
• Australian Kelpie: Bred as a working dog, Kelpies are especially good at herding sheep and cattle due to their agility, work ethic and intelligence.
• Australian Cattle Dog: With high levels of stamina and sturdiness, Cattle Dogs can keep up with a wide range of livestock and physical activities.
• Australian Shepherd: Both loyal and protective, Australian Shepherds can both herd cattle and protect other livestock from potential predators.
• German Shepherd: Incredibly hardworking, German Shepherds have the herding instincts and protective nature that suits farm work.
• Shetland Sheepdog: The agility of this breed allows Sheepdogs to keep a good eye on large mobs while remaining obedient to direct commands.

Overall, these breeds of dogs are typically used for farm work due to their natural ability to follow commands, engage with large mobs of livestock, and their overall stamina.

Why Use a Working Dog on Your Property

There are countless reasons to purchase a working dog for your farm, property or livestock management. If you need support while running tracks, herding livestock or protecting them, a working dog can help fill this gap.

Online auctions like those set up by AuctionPlus provide an efficient means of viewing available working dogs for sale in your area. You can also inquire into any listings to learn more about each dog and their temperament or training. That way, you can make your purchase with full confidence.

If you have any other questions about buying a working dog through an auction, you can always contact one of our helpful team members.