TEAM
TEAM
The famous Q-TIP of the Calgary Stampede Dog Bowl belongs to Carly Zeleny. Q-Tip's fans have brought posters and signs to the Dog Bowl, and she is always mobbed for autographs... Q-Tip is definitely a celebrity!
Carly Zeleny

The Canine Stars
Trainer

Since
2018

Specialty:
Agility, Freestyle Dance

Alberta
Canada

THE CANINE STARS TEAM

Trainer

BIOGRAPHY

Interview with

Carly Zeleny

May 6, 2021

By

@CANINESTARS

Q: What’s your specialty in The Canine Stars shows?

Q-Tip and I do agility for the Canine Stars performances. We enjoy jumps, tunnels and weave poles. Sometimes we will do a dock diving performance (she gets some good distance for a small dog). She also dances but she can be a little performance shy. I think her all time favorite part of any show is the meet and greet! She LOVES meeting everyone!

Q: Tell us about your pack…your family of dogs.

I have three dogs and a cat. Katie is an 12 year old Maltese X Yorkie. She is showing her age and the only trick she does now is ‘sit’ and only when she wants too. Q-Tip is a 6 year old Havanese and for a small dog she has a lot of work ethic. She wants to go and she needs something to do. She loves agility and trick training. Sophie is a 3 year old mix adopted from central Alberta. She is extremely wary of new people and new things but shines at agility, is starting to love disc and we are going to try dock diving this summer! She also loves watching TV and could probably sleep in bed all day if she was allowed! Callie is the cat of the family and is 10 years old. My cousin found her on the highway after seeing her thrown from a vehicle. She loves playing fetch with her tennis balls and she is the biggest cuddle bug.

Carly Zeleny

Carly Zeleny

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performing dogs

Q-Tip

Q-Tip

Havanese

Carly Zeleny

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retired stars, and those waiting at the bridge

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Q: What are your favorite Canine Stars shows and adventures?

Q-Tip and I love performing at the Calgary Stampede. The crowds are amazing and there is so much energy. It is amazing to perform in front of thousands of people!

Q: What are your top FOUNDATION skills that you like to train?

My top foundation skills are related to ENGAGEMENT, RECALL and FUN. Engagement is the name attention and checking in with me. Knowing that when I say their names, they are to check in and look at me. Recall is just so important for a variety of reasons. Safety being the first. When you say your recall command can your dog come to you immediately? FUN is the most important. I teach tricks immediately to build the bond and the training fun. Basics like sit, down, leave it but also tricks like spin, shake a paw, backing up are all important body awareness exercises too!

Q: What are your favorite TRICK skills that you teach all your dogs?

Every dog has different tastes and different tricks they enjoy. The main foundation skill I teach is a TOUCH. This helps with training quite a few tricks. My favorite tricks to train are leg weaves, jumping into my arms and spin. There are so many fun tricks to train and its an amazing way to bond with your dog!

Q: How did you get started in dog sports and dog training?

I started training dogs when I was a child. I have always loved animals and my first dog was an amazing girl. My parents had a Cocker Spaniel so when I was born I had an older doggie sister. I grew up with her and to this day, I believe she was the smartest dog out there. She got me interested in training. She liked to hunt and when she went deaf in her older age I taught her hand signals, she picked them up quickly and to this day I love working with special needs dogs. I started volunteering at a few local rescues when I was in high school. It was good for me to be able to do something that I truly enjoyed. From there I volunteered with a Spay and Neuter clinic and a couple more rescues and the passion continues!

Q: Outside of performing with The Canine Stars, what is your “normal” life like?

In my real life career I am a Primary Care Paramedic, Veterinary Assistant and Agility Trainer! Let’s just say, I keep busy! In between shows and days off I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoying the outdoors. During the summer, we are usually hiking or spending the day at the lake. We also enjoy a sunny day on the deck, or a mountain road trip. Winter means it is time for hibernating although I do get out skiing once in awhile.