We’re just real people.
We’re not trying to be something we’re not, and we don’t see ourselves as better than anyone else. We all started somewhere, and we haven’t forgotten that.
But what makes us different is that we’re honest, approachable, and we’ll always give it to you straight. No fluff, no ego. And we’re not here to impress anyone.
We’re here to do right by our dogs and help people who genuinely want to learn and work with them. If we can share what we’ve picked up over the years and make your journey a bit easier, then that’s a win for us.
We’re David and Sarah Lee, the faces behind The Lee’s Working Dogs, based in the heart of Western Victoria.
While Dave hails from Queensland and Sarah from the UK, our paths crossed in the rugged landscapes of Queensland, where we spent years mustering cattle and sheep on large stations – relying on our trusted horses and dogs every step of the way.
Together, we make up a unique husband-and-wife team that’s passionate about what we do.
We train and compete with our dogs, but we also love sharing what we’ve learned over the years.
As instructors at our clinics, we enjoy passing on our knowledge to others who share our passion for working dogs.
As a unique husband-and-wife team, you get double the expertise.
We bring different perspectives and skills to each dog, combining years of hands-on experience to ensure your dog receives the most well-rounded training possible.
While we follow the same core training principles, our methods are flexible, adjusting to suit each dog’s temperament and natural abilities. This means we can provide a more personalised, effective training service that’s tailored to work with the dog you have, not just the dog you want.
When you choose The Lee’s Working Dogs, you’re not just getting a dog that’s been trained to work – you’re getting one that’s been trained to work with you.
Our focus is on quality, reliability, and making sure your dog is ready to get the job done.
If you haven’t yet crossed paths with Dave, you’re in for a treat.
He’s the kind of down-to-earth, no-nonsense guy with a sharp wit and a quirky sense of humor that’ll keep you on your toes.
With a natural gift for connecting with animals, Dave has made his mark as a bronc rider, stock educator, and expert trainer of both horses and dogs. Through years of hands-on experience, he’s learned invaluable life lessons, giving him a deeper understanding of what it takes to train working dogs.
When it comes to rural life, Dave’s seen it all.
He left school at 14 and hit the road with a thousand head of bullocks, his trusty dogs, and a handful of horses.
He’s worked all over Australia in stock camps, bull catching, and contract mustering and has traveled the globe, soaking in wisdom from some of the best dog trainers in the world.
Along the way, he’s observed a variety of training methods, from the impressive to the downright questionable.
Sarah grew up on a small family farm in the southwest of England, where life was simple, hands-on, and always full of animals.
From the time she could walk, she was either riding ponies or tagging along with the dogs — and by 11, she’d already picked up her first job and never looked back. Hard work and muddy boots have always felt more natural to her than anything else.
At the age of 20, she packed a bag and flew to Far North Queensland where her sister was working on a remote cattle station.
She fell in love with station life immediately—working with horses and livestock felt like getting paid to do what she loved most. It was there she met Dave, who taught her the ins and outs of working with cattle and dogs.
Sixteen years later, they’re still side by side, having built a successful dog training and breeding business from the ground up, sharing their knowledge and passion with others in the industry.