Muster Dogs' Frank Finger passes on tricks of trade to next generation of trainers

Frank Finger is an expert at turning a pup into a world-class working dog.

Australians know the central Queensland grazier as the season 1 winner of the Muster Dogs television series, taking out the top prize with kelpie Annie.

But away from the show ring, the working dog trainer is passionate about passing on the lessons and wisdom he's acquired throughout his 30-year career.

"Dogs can't make themselves," he said.

"The first 16 weeks of a pup's life is the most important time, that's where they learn the manners."

Several times a year, he opens his Clermont property to working dog trainees and their owners for weekend-long learning sessions.

"Sometimes there'll be a lot of young pups, sometimes there'll be a lot of old dogs, sometimes there'll be overeager dogs," he said.

"So, every school is slightly different because the people are different."

Since 2021, more than 1,000 eager trainees from across Australia and overseas have attended one of the working dog sessions.

"It's very humbling, very overwhelming," Mr Finger reflected

"One girl came from Liverpool in England … around Texas [in USA], a lot of people have made contact with us."

Training the next generation

While at the helm of the school for now, Mr Finger insists on educating the next generation of trainers.

His son Scott instructs most of the school's attendees.

Like his father, he finds the job rewarding.

"Even people coming you know for their fourth or fifth time to our schools and seeing … the progress they've made working their dogs on the livestock," he said.

But it's not just about teaching the dogs, he explained.

"People think they come here for a pup starting school, it's more so to get themselves right too.

"Whether it be their demeanour or … something like that, they can just … take it all on board and it'll all fall into place."

Trainer Jonty Beney has been learning from Mr Finger the last four years, including the agricultural show circuit.

He said the mentorship had empowered him to be a better trainer.

"He [Frank] always wants people to step up and have a go and not wait to be told to do something," Mr Beney said.

"He doesn't look down at anyone, he just wants everyone to go away with a win."

PXY frank and trainers

Recognising a legacy

In his hometown, about four hours west of Rockhampton, the Clermont Tourism Board and Isaac Regional Council recently honoured Mr Finger's leadership in the community with a water tank mural.

Against the backdrop of a stunning Clermont sunset, the mural painting in the town centre depicts the revered local on his quad bike next to Annie.

Mr Finger's beloved dog, who he considers to be the best he's trained, passed away last year, in the same week as his wife Cathy.

A decade in the making, the artwork was spearheaded by Mr Finger's sister-in-law Marg Finger and her fellow members at the Clermont Tourism Committee.

"[It was] a no-brainer," Mrs Finger said.

"He's done a lot of work for our community and everybody's proud he's up there."

The recognition is adored by locals and visitors, according to committee chair Janine Williams.

"They're [the community] just amazed … Even people that live out of town and drive in every day say that they just absolutely love driving past and still glancing up and seeing it."

For Mr Finger, the mural captures what he believes to be the most important lesson when training working dogs.

"If you don't love dogs, it doesn't kind of work. You've got to like your dogs."