4 Pillars Dog Training - About the Trainer

Meet the Trainer

2022 World Agility Open Championship in The Netherlands with Jonah

Moses and Carly with their ribbons after an agility trial- 2014

2025 UPDIF Freestyle Finalist with Dominion

About Carly

Carly Treinen, owner and founder of 4 Pillars Dog Training, has dedicated her life to understanding dogs, improving their skills, and helping people bring out the best in their canine partners. With over a decade of hands-on experience in training, behavior, and canine sports, Carly brings a depth of knowledge that comes only from years of working with hundreds of dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.

Her career began at Country Roads Kennel, where she learned the foundations of animal care, safe handling, and behavior observation - skills that still shape her training approach today. Soon after, she became Head Trainer for the Rock County 4-H Dog Project, mentoring young handlers and developing training programs that turned first-time dog owners into confident competitors.

Carly went on to spend five years at Think Pawsitive, Wisconsin’s largest dog training facility, where she taught everything from puppy manners to advanced competition skills. As an instructor and Assistant Training Manager, she ran classes in agility, rally, disc, canine fitness, tricks, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and more. She also organized events, led training leagues, and offered specialized care such as nail trims to keep dogs healthy and comfortable.

Committed to continual growth, Carly has trained under and learned from internationally respected competitors and instructors, including Jason Rigler, Andrea Sacca, Jessica Ajoux, Lee Gibson, Ola Kordas, Stefanie Theis, and others. These experiences keep her methods current, effective, and adaptable to a wide range of goals—from family manners to national-level sport performance.

In 2025, Carly returned to her hometown to fulfill a lifelong dream: opening 4 Pillars Dog Training, a purpose-built facility dedicated to communication, confidence, control, and capability. Her teaching philosophy blends practical experience, modern training science, and a genuine passion for helping both dogs and their people succeed. Whether you’re raising a well-mannered family companion or chasing competition titles, you’ll find in Carly a knowledgeable, supportive partner who truly understands the journey.

Meet the Dogs

At 4 Pillars Dog Training, the dogs aren’t just part of the family—they’re an essential part of the journey. Each dog has played a unique role in Carly’s development as a trainer and competitor, from first trials to world stages.

🐾 Moses

Shetland Sheepdog / Beagle / Pug Mix
2008–2021

Carly’s journey began with Moses, her first dog and heart dog. At age 12, she began self-training him in agility, and by 14, they were competing successfully in both agility and 4-H Obedience & Rally, frequently earning High in Trial. Moses went on to compete in flyball, disc, and canine freestyle, earning numerous honors, including:

🏅 Rock County Fair Talent Show Winner (2016)
🥈 Wisconsin State Fair Reserve Champion (2016)
📍 6th place 16” dog at the 2014 CPE Nationals
🏆 UKI Lifetime Achievement Award
🐕 Agility Forerunner at the 2015 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge
🌍 International Top Mixed Breed in UKI Agility (2017)

Registered Name:
IWACs4 IACs5 C-ATCH4 WCSSs SCCs2 jr. C-CATCH5 jr. C-ATE CT’s Rockin’ the Boat ChST ChWC ChSN ChJU ChFH ChJP ChCL AD CD RE ETD Agility Silver Jumping Silver Games Silver Speedstakes Bronze

🐾 Jonah

Border Collie / Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Age: 8

Jonah joined Carly in 2016 as a rescue and quickly made a splash - earning High in Trial in Novice Obedience and Rally at just 10 months old. He now serves as 4 Pillars’ main demo and distraction dog and continues to compete at an elite level in multiple sports:

Team USA Agility Member – 2020 FCI Americas & Caribe (Brazil)
World Agility Open (Wildcard – 2022, Team USA – 2023)
🥇 Podiums at Updog International Finals - UPDIF (2022–2025)
🥏 AKC ESPN Disc Dog Challenge Competitor -2024
🏆 Overall Winner of "7up" at UPDIF 2025
🥈 UKI 1-TDC North American Invitational Reserve Champion (2024)
🥇 UKI 1-TDC North American Invitational Champion (2025)
🏆 UKI Midwest Cup Champion (2021, 2024, 2025)
🐾 Division 7 Winner – 2022 U-FLI Flyball Tournament of Champions
🌊 2024 NADD Regional Qualifier – Distance
✨ Active in: Nose Work, Rally, Flyball, Agility, Dock Diving, Disc, Barn Hunt

Registered Name:
IWAC7 IAC9 SSC3 WSSC Yahweh Eye of the Storm ORT RE CGC CGCA RATN TFE-III CCSSL1 CFDA DDPE

🐾 Dominion

Border Collie
Age: 3

Dominion is Carly’s rising star, already proving himself as a talented and versatile performance dog. Competing in disc, nose work, agility, rally, and dock diving, he has quickly established a name on the national stage:

🌊 2024 NADD Regional Qualifier – Distance
2024 and 2025 5x WI State Fair Tunnel Challenge Grand Champion
🏆 Competitor at the 2024 & 2025 UKI 1-TDC Invitational
🏅 2024 & 2025 UKI Midwest Cup
Competitor at the 2024 UKI US Open
🥏Competitor (2024) and Freestyle Finalist (2025) at the UpDog Disc International Finals (UPDIF)

Dominion continues to grow as a high-drive competitor and a reliable teammate for Carly in training and competition.

Registered Name:
Quickwits Chaos Theory RE CCSSLI HIC RATI CFDA DE DM CGC TF-III IND SSN

🐾 Nicodemo ("Nico")

Miniature American Shepherd / Italian Greyhound / Sheltie Mix
Age: 1

Nicodemo, affectionately called Nico, is the youngest member of the 4 Pillars team. He is currently in training for rally, nose work, agility, dock diving, and disc. With natural drive and focus, Nico shows great promise as a future sport dog and training partner.

Registered Name:
Tesoro Born of Water CFD