Australian farmers are masters in teaching working dogs new tricks, and not just here but in the United States and Europe.

Nyngan's Gary White is one of the most respected dog trainers in our nation and has travelled overseas to give over 30 working dog training clinics since his first visit to the USA in 1999.

With a trip earlier this year, he has now been to the US eight times, as well as to the United Kingdom, and countries all over Europe.

He recently returned from a six-week tour where he held clinics in Belgium, Sweden, Finland and Switzerland - a lifelong interest in working dogs taking him a long way from his Nyngan home.

The current Australian Utility Sheepdog trial champion also travels around Australia and is a sought after expert for his knowledge on how to train a working dog for both farm and those who wish to participate in competitive dog trials.

His approach involves a step by step program which encompasses the learning stages from a pup to a fully trained dog.

Gary works on the premise of training from a place of respect and not fear, by use of correct body positioning and instilling a confidence in the dog to be the best they can be.

He currently holds eight National titles and 20 state titles alongside a swag of placings in sheep dog trials and runs his own kelpie stud.

Whites Kelpie Stud was founded by his father John more than 60 years ago making It one of the oldest studs in Australia.

A stockman and farmer for over 40 years, he knows what it takes to have a good dog and how much that dog makes a difference in the day to day running of any stock operation.

Gary returned from Europe last week where he worked with many farmers.

"I really enjoyed travelling to Europe these last few weeks with my wife Angie, to meet up with all the handlers in Europe and to help them out with training their dogs.

"It really doesn't matter what country you are in - a lot of the problems are the same in terms of training your dog, which is so interesting to see especially as the countries are so diverse, and the climates require different things for people and their dogs.

"Dogs are so adaptable and if treated with love and respect will give their owner a lifetime of loyal service.

"Mostly it is the handlers who need the most assistance, and they are generally the first to admit this.

"By showing people a method of training, it gives them a starting point and a reference to follow which helps not only them but their dog.

"Dogs will always try as hard as they can to please.

"My dogs got me through many a hard day of stock work and I so appreciate their value, their work ethic and their need to please."

Some of the working dog community in Switzerland. [IMAGE: A White]

Gary's expertise has opened doors to destinations and experiences that most tourists will never see.

"It is fantastic for us to travel overseas as we are lucky enough to stay with host families, and we get to see first-hand their life on the land and the work they have to do with their dogs.

"Not only that but we get a real taste of life in that particular country and their culture and we love that.’’

In Switzerland, Fabienne Kunz now aims for bigger things after his work with Gary.

‘’After a long time, I was finally able to welcome Gary and his lovely wife Angie back to Switzerland.

"We experienced a lot and visited many beautiful places, and the Kelpies and I really enjoyed the time together.

"Since the alpine season was just ending, we were able to help gather a few sheep at the Susten Pass, who were peacefully enjoying their alpine summer by the beautiful and mystical Steingletschersee.

‘’Now I'm the only Kelpie qualified to compete in the Swiss Championships this year.

"So I'm incredibly happy and grateful to be able to spend a few more insightful, helpful, and motivating hours with Gary working with Simona's sheep."

Gary's love for training dogs has taken him to some spectacular places in the world. [IMAGE: A White]

Nina Sixtensson of Sweden says getting Mr White to Europe was taking her dogs to a new level.

‘’Once you reach a certain level, you're simply grateful for any input from a much bigger professional.

"All the years of experience help you better implement the small maneuvers and details in your work.

‘’Garys clinics helps you to have a clear plan to educate your dog.

"It also reminds you to relax and have fun during schooling your dog.

"The importance of body language for your dog’s understanding is really obvious.

"For me it’s like classic dressage horse education, where every step matters for your improvement. 

"Everyone who works stock and uses a dog should participate in Garys schools, for the dog’s sake.’’

Gary says it has also been a learning curve for him and he is often stunned by the spectacular scenery he is surrounded by when running his schools.

"We have made amazing friends from all the travel and held clinics in the most beautiful places from Snowdonia mountains in Wales, to the Swiss Alps, the rolling hills of Scotland, to the cattle country of the USA.

"It certainly has been a memorable journey.

"If I had of told my younger self as a kid at living outside of Hermidale I would be doing this I would have laughed.

‘’I am so lucky as a kid from the bush.’’