Chelsea's dogs show their moves

How to teach a dog to recycle? Photo / Chris Steel

Fresh from competing at an agility competition in Taupo, Chelsea Marriner and her team of 'dogstars' were a hit at Sunday's A&P Show in Katikati.

Chelsea gave three performances throughout the day assisted by her mum, Alix Marriner, as commentator.

Adults and children were in awe of the dog trainer as the four-legged stars stacked bowls, jumped through hoops, weaved through her legs as she walked, pushed a stroller, and even said their prayers.

The 25-year-old lives on a four-acre lifestyle block in Rotorua with her parents and has 12 working dogs, all border collies.

She works with them every day both as a pack and individually - and is in demand around the country to perform at field days and A&P shows. She also has her eldest dog, Quest, and a seven-month old pup in training.

Chelsea first realised her love of working with animals, and especially dogs, when she was a toddler.

Alix said when Chelsea was three she watched television show, Wonder Dogs and said 'my dog can do that' and she had her dog doing all sorts of things.

Brodie was her first dog, a pup she stole from her dad.

At 7 she went into agility and at 10 was a winner in the SPCA Animal Ark Young Animal Carer of the Year.

At 17 she represented New Zealand at the World Agility Championships in England and in 2008 debuted on national television on the show, New Zealand's Got Talent.

Chelsea's reward comes from seeing people of all ages share her enjoyment of what her dogs can do, and she has a busy year ahead.

She will be one of the star attractions at the annual Te Puke A&P Show this weekend.

While she loves training and doing tricks with the dogs, she admits her dream job is shepherding. "I do some casual farm work and love it."