Create clarity.

cultivate confidence.

Structured pack hikes, boarding and real world training for dogs in Nanaimo, BC and surrounding areas.

every dog is different, and training should reflect that.

Through tailored guidance, structured adventure, and real-world experience, we help dogs build the skills needed to thrive both on the trail and at home.

Energetic

✳︎

reactive

✳︎

social

✳︎

pushy

✳︎

over-excited

✳︎

nervous

✳︎

stubborn

✳︎

distracted

✳︎

adventurous

✳︎

shy

✳︎

Energetic ✳︎ reactive ✳︎ social ✳︎ pushy ✳︎ over-excited ✳︎ nervous ✳︎ stubborn ✳︎ distracted ✳︎ adventurous ✳︎ shy ✳︎

hike. train. stay.

  • Take to the Trails & Train for the trails

    Structured off leash pack hikes with limited numbers, secure transport, and trained hike leaders.

    Focused on calm socialization, real-world skills, and balanced fulfilment for dogs who need more than a walk around the block.

    join our pack

  • Teach the Trouble Maker

    Curated, dog-dependent training tailored to your individual dog, goals, and lifestyle.

    From foundational skills to behavioural challenges, sessions are focused on creating clarity, building confidence, and improving real-world reliability.

    get started

  • Reliable Rebel E-collar training

    Structured training programs focused on building calmer, more capable dogs through clear communication, real-world application, and consistent guidance.

    Whether through immersive Board & Train programs or in-person e-collar training, Reliable Rebel is designed to help dogs develop dependable responsiveness, greater freedom, and practical everyday reliability — while helping owners build the clarity and confidence needed to maintain lasting results at home.

    check it out

  • (UN)Leash & Learn

    Trainer-led, individual, walking and training sessions focused on building engagement, neutrality, practical real-world skills, and dependable communication through consistent guidance and thoughtful exposure.

    Available in both on and off leash formats, these sessions are ideal for dogs needing additional support, structured exercise, confidence building, or continued skill development outside of formal training sessions.

    Get Walking

  • Structured & Social Sleep-paw-vers

    Thoughtfully managed boarding experiences tailored to your dog’s individual needs, temperament, and lifestyle.

    From social adventure stays with group hikes and outdoor exploration to quieter structured environments focused on calmness, routine, and individualized guidance, we provide safe, supportive care designed to help dogs feel settled, fulfilled, and successful while away from home.

    Stay with us

Built for adventure.

  • 2024 Mercedes E-Sprinter

    Affectionately named Beluga, our fully electric Mercedes E-Sprinter is purpose-built around calm, comfortable transport and successful adventures on the trail.

  • RuffLand Kennel System

    Secure RuffLand kennels of varying sizes help support safe transport, calmer travel routines, and comfortable rest between adventures.

  • 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation 4×4

    Aptly named Cobalt, our GMC Canyon allows us to safely and efficiently access trails across Vancouver Island, while supporting smaller group transport and flexible route management.

  • Custom-built crate system

    Cobalt’s custom-built canopy crate system is designed specifically for safe, structured transport and smooth loading and unloading routines.

  • Garmin GPS Collars

    Garmin GPS collars with up to 8km of range and 25–40 hours of battery life, provide an additional layer of safety during our wilderness adventures.

Meet the Team

  • Melody Shaw

    HEAD TRAINER / OWNER

    Veterinary clinics in New Zealand. Horseback trail guiding in Alberta. Daycare, pack hikes, and dog training in British Columbia. Over eight years working with dogs across a wide range of environments, alongside in-person and online learning from trainers around the world, have shaped Melody’s practical, real-world approach to training and handling.

    Her approach brings together adventure, relationship, clarity, and boundaries, with training tailored to each dog and their human.

  • Michael Brown

    TRAINER

    35 years of hands-on experience. Obedience, scent detection, tracking, and protection work across the UK and Canada.

    Michael’s approach combines calm structure, clear communication, and real-world training to help dogs and their humans build confidence, connection, and reliability together.

  • Maya Reside

    HIKE LEADER

    Dogs, hikes, and outdoor adventure have always been part of Maya’s life.

    Maya brings consistency, care, and a grounded presence to the trail — helping dogs build confidence, social skills, and successful group dynamics through real-world adventure.

  • Tara Wood

    HIKE LEADER

    After years spent transporting “precious cargo” as a driver and courier, Tara followed her lifelong love of dogs into the world of pack hiking and canine care.

    Tara brings reliability, attentiveness, and a caring presence to the trail.

  • Jacqueline Solberg

    ADMINISTRATION

    Jacqueline’s path into the dog world began in kennel work before spending five years as a hike leader with Adventure Dog in Victoria, where her passion for dogs and pack dynamics continued to grow.

    Alongside privately hiking and boarding dogs, Jacqueline supports Kuri K9 behind the scenes.

490804209_1016229310718819_2104841168193623746_n.jpg
20220610_100406.jpg
20230509_093125.jpg
20260501_095431.jpg
20230531_091718.jpg
FB_IMG_1779666672006.jpg
480707160_976856984656052_6307421472435623327_n.jpg
20220520_104549.jpg
20260309_101737.jpg
FB_IMG_1779666521311.jpg
618662974_18075461384616593_9024051364440315689_n.jpg
20230509_131602.jpg
20260227_101829.jpg
20260519_093429.jpg
20251130_091753.jpg
20230929_181500.jpg
20260128_094933.jpg
20230527_102824.jpg
20260401_102548.jpg
FB_IMG_1779666628043.jpg
FB_IMG_1779682588881.jpg
Yard 3.jpg
e086ec74602117fca52bde19e5cc4454.jpeg
20260410_102641.jpg
20260520_102022.jpg

GEt in touch

Tell us a little about your dog, your goals, and the type of support you're looking for — we’ll help guide you toward the best fit.

  • "Kuri K9 is the highest standard in Nanaimo when it comes to off leashing dog hiking and training! Melody is professional, knowledgeable and a true animal lover! Melody not only hikes with your pup but is also constantly working on your dogs obedience and recall. I have tried three different groups within Nanaimo and have been simply blown away by melody and the Kuri K9 crew! Your pet with love their time with Melody learning, hiking and exploring! If your pup is your world as Leo is mine, Melody is the best pack leader and training within Nanaimo!"

    —Sophia Negrin

  • “Kuri K9 is the best off leashing dog hiking and training in Nanaimo! Melody has been so helpful with her knowledge and pure joy for what she does! The hikes are perfect for our dog as she is working on her recall and trail skills with other dogs. I simply cannot say enough about how much I appreciate what Melody does. I do not trust many with my dog, as she is my world, but I am confident with Melody and the Kuri K9 Services 100%"

    —Sarah Pelletier

  • "Melody, is amazing with all dogs, especially the harder breeds ! She has given my doberman what he needs to be safe and confident in his pack walks and also over night stays . I would recommend her services best of luck Melody in your success"

    —Tove Ryan

  • "We just have had the amazing fortune of adopting a rescue dog named Mazie from Korea. As you can imagine she came full of fear. I work out of town two days per week and wanted someone to help exercise and help Mazie's anxiety. Well, we met Michael and he has done TERRIFIC work with Mazie and us as a family. I would recommend Kuri K9 and Michael ANYTIME"

    —Darlene Pierce

  • "Melody and her crew at Kuri k9 are amazing!! I have two eccentric bullies that each have completely different personalities and she has helped us transform not only their training but our confidence and respect for ALL dogs and their individual needs"

    -Stacie Bayntun Albert

  • "We are so happy to have found Melody and her friendly team. Melody and her team has helped our Maui come out of his shell and become less anxious and more comfortable with other dogs. He comes back a happy pup after each outing. We continue to highly recommend her."

    -Randi Touhey

  • "I couldn't be happier with the experience we have had with Melody and her company. Melody's expertise and dedication truly impresses me. Melody has a deep understanding of dog behavior, she is patient, calm, professional, always on time and it is evident that she cares about each dog's individual needs. Melody has exceeded my expectations and helped my dog develop essential skills."

    -Carlie Graham