Meet Canine Trade Group – Lone Star Dog Training’s exclusive support team
John Van Olden – President/CEO – Canine Trade Group
John is a recognized and respected member of the canine professional community, and the president of Canine Trade Group. He started the company in 2010 to provide professional development, peer support, administrative, marketing and back office support for an exclusive network of invited professional dog trainers, who are all highly successful, independent, business owners.
His more than 30 years of experience began in the military and continued to grow as he started the very first dog training franchise in the country, K-9 Advantage, becoming one of the earliest members of the International Association of Canine Professionals, eventually serving on their Board of Directors.
Cristin Ellis – Operations Manager
Cristin works with John to connect dog owners with trainers in their area. Dog training has always been a passion for Cristin, who trained dogs in agility competitions for close to ten years with her Golden Retrievers, Rocky and Hunter before joining Canine Trade Group and learning more about the behavioral side of training.
Since the CTG techniques were able to help her train her own dog, Sike! a Border Collie who suffered from fear aggression and resource guarding. She is a true believer in the training, the process, and the company itself. Cristin works hard in the CTG office, and if you’re looking for a trainer, you may very well end up speaking with Cristin!
Cristin shares her life with her husband, daughters and Border Collies.
Shelane Hoverson – Customer Service Specialist
Shelane joined Canine Trade Group in 2023. Her professional background is in customer service and office administration, and she holds a BA degree in Psychology. She and her husband raised three daughters in Fargo, ND, and now split their time between Big Cormorant Lake, MN, and Phoenix, AZ.
Shelane is a life-long dog lover and currently has three granddogs: Chappie, Timmy, and Collette (pictured). She’s excited to help dog owners connect with skilled, certified trainers who can help them better communicate with their pets.
In her free time, Shelane enjoys traveling, pickleball, concerts, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Karen Usselman V.M.D. – On Staff Veterinarian Consultant
Dr. Usselman is originally from western New York, attended Cornell University and then the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. She graduated in 1996 and joined Brenford Animal Hospital in May 1996. She is currently a partner with the practice.
Dr. Usselman enjoys working with dogs and cats. She is particularly interested in internal medicine, ultrasonography, behavior and dentistry. She serves as the treasurer of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association and has taught in the Delaware Technical College Vet Tech program. Dr. Usselman is married to Dr. Jeff Booth and has two children, three dogs and a cat to keep her busy at home.
