about kuri k9

Real-world adventure, practical training, and supportive care for dogs and their humans on Vancouver Island.

At Kuri K9 Trail & Train, we believe successful dogs are built through clarity, relationship, structure, and meaningful fulfilment.

What began in 2021 as a small local pack hiking business has continued to grow into a collaborative team offering training, adventure, and quality care for dogs across the Nanaimo region — but the heart of the business has remained the same.

We’re passionate about helping dogs live fuller, more successful lives through adventure, guidance, appropriate structure, and real-world experience.

From off leash pack hikes and socialization to private training, immersive Board & Train programs, and structured boarding stays, our goal is to help dogs and their humans build calmer, more connected lives together.

Every dog is different, and our approach reflects that. We work with each individual dog in mind, adapting our handling, training, and environments to support long-term success in the real world — not just the training session.

We’re not interested in quick fixes, trend-based training, or one-size-fits-all approaches.

Instead, we focus on practical communication, fair guidance, intentional management, and helping dogs learn how to successfully navigate everyday life — whether that means calmer walks, more reliable off leash freedom, improved social skills, or simply a more peaceful home environment.

Adventure remains an important part of who we are.

Our hikes, walks, training sessions, and boarding programs are designed to provide dogs with meaningful physical exercise, mental engagement, social fulfilment, and opportunities to practice real-world skills in structured, well-managed environments.

At the end of the day, we know dogs are more than just pets — they’re companions, adventure buddies, family members, and deeply important parts of people’s lives.

We’re grateful to be trusted with them.

A person in trail running gear standing with a group of six dogs in a lush green forest on a dirt trail.

Meet the Team

  • A woman smiling outdoors in a wooded area, wearing a grey tank top with a colorful print, a headband, and a smartwatch on her left wrist.

    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.

  • A man sitting on the ground with two German Shepherd dogs, one on each side, in front of a wooden fence with some greenery and dry leaves.

    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.

  • A girl and multiple dogs in a lush green forest. The girl is kneeling next to a black and white dog, and there are several other dogs of various breeds and colors sitting and standing around her. The background features trees and dense foliage.

    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.

  • A woman with long blonde hair holding a small black and tan puppy in a backyard with trees and a fence, smiling at the puppy.

    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.

  • A person with short hair, glasses, and a gray beanie smiling outdoors, holding a small black and white dog wearing a red and black checkered jacket, in front of evergreen trees on a sunny day.

    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.

let’s chat

Whether you’re looking for hikes, training, or boarding support, we’d love to learn more about you and your dog.