Jacqueline Tinker

Jacqueline Tinker is a rancher, educator, working dog trainer, speaker, and host of The Instinctive Australian Shepherd podcast. She has been training working dogs since the age of 14 and has dedicated her career to preserving and promoting the working Australian Shepherd as a capable, versatile ranch dog.

As the founder of StockDogTrainer.com and the driving force behind Working Aussie Source, Jacqueline works with ranchers and stock dog enthusiasts across the country, teaching them how to develop dependable working dogs for real-world livestock operations. Rather than training dogs for clients, she specializes in helping owners understand instinct, stockmanship, and the principles that produce reliable partners in the field.

A former teacher, Jacqueline is known for breaking down complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Her passion lies in helping people better understand the relationship between genetics, instinct, training, and livestock, while preserving the traits that have made the Australian Shepherd an invaluable working partner for generations.

In 2024, she revived the Australian Shepherd Futurity after a 20-year absence, creating a venue to recognize and promote the next generation of outstanding working Australian Shepherds. She also founded the World Ranch Dog Finals, furthering her mission to celebrate dogs that excel in practical ranch work.

Through The Instinctive Australian Shepherd, Jacqueline explores the history, genetics, training, behavior, and real-world application of working Australian Shepherds. Whether interviewing respected trainers, ranchers, breeders, and veterinarians or sharing lessons from her own ranch, her goal is to educate, inspire, and strengthen the community dedicated to preserving the breed’s working heritage.

When she’s not behind a microphone, you’ll find her on her Texas ranch working livestock with her dogs, teaching clinics, writing children’s books, or helping producers build more effective stock dog programs.