Animal Experts Discuss Barnaby Joyce's Dog Discipline on TV

By Caitlin Furlong

ABC New England

Topic: Animal Behaviour

Thu 23 Jul 2026 at 6:20am

Barnaby Joyce's dog, Stella, caused a stir when she interrupted a live TV interview.

In short:

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce's dog Stella is famous after interrupting an interview on ABC's 7.30 with Sarah Ferguson. She barked during the interview.

Mr Joyce told the dog to sit down on live TV.

Dog experts gave advice on how to manage dogs that bark inappropriately.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce had an interview interrupted by his dog. He told the dog to be quiet. The dog is a border collie-cross-Staffordshire terrier.

Mr Joyce used strong language with his dog Stella, which surprised many dog owners.

Kersti Seksel, a vet, felt sorry for Mr Joyce. But she didn't like that he yelled at the dog.

Kersti Seksel said yelling at the dog doesn't help because the dog doesn't understand.

Yelling at dogs doesn't help them understand.

Speaking quietly can calm a situation down.

Dr Seksel suggested giving the dog a treat or asking it to do a task to stop barking.

People think they need to speak loudly to dogs.

Peter Hogan has 35 years of experience training working dogs.

Peter Hogan says Stella will be fine.

Stella the dog would have been fine after the incident.

Farm dogs are used to being spoken to firmly.

That's how farm dogs are handled.

If we want the dog to know we're upset, we change our tone of voice.

Stella was probably feeling pressure during the interview.

Working dogs are highly trained and valued for their abilities.

The dog was thinking something was wrong and responded by barking.

Discipline and routine are key to having a well-behaved dog.

The dog doesn't need to be spoken to in a high-pitched voice.

The dog wants a calm leader, not a high-pitched voice.

Peter Hogan says dogs look for strong leaders.

Mr Joyce said Stella would enjoy being famous from her TV appearance.

Dogs can be very affectionate after being scolded.

Dogs are our working colleagues and understand us well.

Just accept how we live in the country and stop judging us.

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