Muster Dogs From Pups to Pros

by Lisa Millar

When Muster Dogs first hit screens in 2022, viewers were enchanted. Five lively Kelpie pups adopted into farming homes across Australia and put on an intensive training program and became instant stars. Could they learn to herd and muster within a year? Could they prove that working with natural ability was an optimum way to farm? With the help of expert breeders and trainers, these dogs and their new trainers showcased not only what the puppies were capable of but how using dogs contributed to better stock, farm management and environment. Among those who lost their hearts to these amazing puppies was narrator Lisa Millar. Muster Dogs quite literally changed her life. In this book Lisa tells us about her journey over two seasons, bringing us up to date with the characters of series 1 -- human and canine -- and introducing us to five new collie pups, trainers and the hurdles of season 2

Genres: Dogs, Animals

292 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching the second TV series Muster Dogs which I loved, so of course I just had to read the book. I enjoyed this book, but I did find it a little slow in parts and other parts were quite interesting. The book does give you more of an insight into what goes on behind the scenes of filming the show.

Overall this is an enjoyable and informative book to read and I’m glad I read it. I did hear that there will be another TV series coming which I assume will be in 2025. Something to look forward to for those who have enjoyed the series. Recommended.

[Fae Le Friz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the first Muster Dogs book by Aticia Grey, and was hesitant to start the second one by Lisa Miller. I was worried that my love of the first book would overshadow any enjoyment of the second, especially as the author of the second book was not one of the participants. I needn't have worried! This was a nice cruisey read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I had a little giggle to myself though when reading a scene about Steve Elliott doing a film at Oondooroo Station here in Winton - I accidentally interrupted filming that day while on a mail run 😅😂 Unfortunately, the ill-timed postie didn't make it into the manuscript, but I still had a good laugh.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the second season of the tv show Muster Dogs. It is mostly about the lives of the contestants, with anecdotes about the dogs and some behind-the-scenes of filming. There's information about how farm dogs are different to 'pets', training, and how farm dogs work.

I haven't seen the show, but I love dogs and have a huge respect for farmers and their work. This book didn't wow me, and there were sections I skipped over as it got a bit bogged down with the biography focus rather than the dog focus, but overall it was a rather 'nice' palate-cleanser type of listen on my commute while I decided what my next book would be.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid fan of the show and life-long dog lover, I devoured this book in just a couple of days and I'm sure I'm smiled the entire time. Lisa Millar's writing is so conversational it felt like she was just chatting to me about the show, the crew, the participants and their four-legged companions. Little wonder Muster Dogs has been such a huge national success. It celebrates everything good and unique about Australian rural life and the people whose lives are so intricately interwoven with the animals they work and live with.

[Paula Bounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved both series and really enjoyed this very engaging book. We attended a Meet the Author event where Lisa was the guest author and really enjoyed hearing the behind the scene’s stories about the breeders, the gorgeous dogs and their amazing trainers. The book further developed these stories but also provided insights into life on the land and the filming of the series.

[Donna Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so much respect for Lisa Millar as a journalist and more recently, morning news presenter. It was great to listen to her book as she narrates it herself. It started very strongly but I got a bit bogged down by the detail half way through. Having said that I do plan to watch the series as I decided to listen to the book first.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read depicting the lives of the participants and their dogs in the 2 series of Muster Dogs. It gave me some insights into the life on the land and what challenges are faced when training their dogs. I enjoyed watching both of the series and I enjoyed reading the book. Thank Lisa Miller for taking us through the journey of the Muster Dog.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Muster dogs , both seasons but particularly season 1 asbi have a Kelpie.
I did skim read this quite alot as thought it would include more photos and stay the dogs and farmers were up to now. I wasn't that interested in the background of the filming and the farmers. However I could understand how others would enjoy this .

[Annie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give more than 5 stars. This book allows you to know even more of the background of these wonderful dogs and people. Everything you feel watching the TV programme just doubles when you read the book - you are one with the whole of Muster Dogs. Must say I am very partial to Border Collies. Good feelings/happiness. This is my Book of the Year.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written companion to the tv series. More focussed on season two as that is when the author was more involved.

Really enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of the participants' challenges, thoughts, doubts and insecurities.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great recap of both series and a more in-depth behind the scenes understanding from the show. Good responses from readers also…

[Kara Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Rachel Bullock · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars from me. Companion book to both the muster dog series. Some interesting background stories for participants. It seemed to jump around a bit. Didn’t love it but perfectly readable.

[Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book so far is great i wish i found it earlier if you like dogs this one is for you

[Ruth Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first one, but it's still very readable. I enjoy learning more about the dogs and people involved in the Muster Dogs series.

[Jacinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The five R’s when you call a dog - request, remind, reinforce, respond and reward.

[Kathfoster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant companion to the Muster Dogs series on the ABC and ABCiview. It looks at the importance of working dogs to not only Australian farmers, but to the Australian economy. It was also fun to see that my interview with Lisa Millar was included.