Meet the Trainer

About Carly

Carly Treinen, owner and founder of 4 Pillars Dog Training, has always known her path would involve working with animals. Her professional journey began at Country Roads Kennel, where she gained hands-on experience as a kennel technician—developing foundational skills in animal care, handling, observation, and behavior management.

As a young adult, Carly became the head trainer for the Rock County 4-H Dog Project, where she mentored youth handlers and helped shape the next generation of confident dog owners and competitors. She later joined Think Pawsitive in Wisconsin, where she spent five years as an instructor and Assistant Training Manager. During her time there, Carly taught a wide range of classes including basic and advanced manners, agility, rally, disc, canine fitness, tricks, and AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC). She also hosted events, led training leagues, and provided grooming care like nail trims.

Carly has continued to expand her knowledge through mentorships and workshops with many respected trainers and competitors, including Jason Rigler, Andrea Sacca, Jessica Ajoux, Lee Gibson, Ola Kordas, Stefanie Theis, and others.

In 2025, she returned to her hometown to fulfill a long-time dream—opening 4 Pillars Dog Training, a space dedicated to building stronger human-canine partnerships through communication, confidence, control, and capability. Carly’s training philosophy is rooted in practical experience, ongoing education, and a passion for helping both dogs and people succeed, whether they're working on basic manners or pursuing national-level goals.

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: 2

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

• 🏆 Competitor at the 2024 & 2025 UKI 1-TDC Invitational

• 🏅 2024 & 2025 UKI Midwest Cup

• Competitor at the 2024 UKI US Open

• 🥏Freestyle Finalist at the 2024 & 2025 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

🐾 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