On Leash walks.

Off leash hikes.

We have a variety of options to suit you, and your dog’s needs. Need help deciding? Reach out and we can make a plan together.

Join our pack
Close-up of two dogs on a trail, looking at the camera, with blurry greenery and dirt background.

What We Offer

Every dog is different, and our services are designed to reflect that. From structured pack hikes and real-world training to immersive programs and thoughtful boarding options, our focus is always on creating clarity, confidence, and practical success for both dogs and their humans.

  • Structured one-hour off leash training hikes focused on building the skills needed for successful pack integration.

    These small-group sessions help dogs develop engagement, social skills, neutrality, confidence, and real-world reliability in thoughtfully managed outdoor environments.

    We work with dogs of many different temperaments and personalities, including energetic, shy, reactive, and socially inexperienced dogs.

    • Limited to 4 clients per pack

    • Pick up and drop off included

    • 2-4 sessions required to attend Take to the Trails

    • Suitable for puppies

    One dog $60 | Add a dog $50

    Intact and over one year? Your dog is still eligible for hikes on a case by case basis.

    Male add $2 | Female add $4

  • Structured two-hour off leash pack hikes focused on calm socialization, real-world skills, and guided adventure in thoughtfully managed small groups.

    Dogs travel securely in our purpose-built Mercedes E-Sprinter or GMC Canyon before heading out with trained hike leaders to explore trails, practice engagement, and build confidence in real-world environments.

    • Limited to 8 clients per pack

    • Pick up and drop off included

    • Minimum once-weekly attendance required

    • Train for the Trails hikes may be required

    One dog $48 | Add a dog $38 (same household only)

    Intact and over one year? Your dog is still eligible for hikes on a case by case basis.

    Male add $2 | Female add $4

  • Trainer-led on leash training walks tailored to your dog’s individual needs, goals, and environment.

    These sessions focus on building calmer handling, clearer communication, and more enjoyable real-world walks through thoughtful guidance and practical exposure.

    Ideal for dogs working on:

    • loose leash skills

    • confidence building

    • over-excitement

    • frustration

    • reactivity

    • engagement in everyday environments

    Dogs are collected from home and taken on focused 45-minute training excursions designed around their individual goals and needs.

    Book individually or through one of our training packages, which include owner sessions to help support long-term success at home.

    Initial Consult $75 | Single Walk $100

    Four Pack + One Session $460
    Ten Pack + Two Sessions $999

  • Private and semi-private off leash (or on leash) training hikes designed to build confidence, engagement, recall, neutrality, and real-world reliability in thoughtfully guided outdoor environments.

    These sessions offer a more tailored and lower-pressure alternative to full pack hikes, making them ideal for dogs needing focused support, additional training, or gradual social integration.

    Dogs are guided through meaningful mental and physical work while building practical real-world skills through adventure, structure, and clear communication.

    Custom pricing available based on location and training needs.

Our roles

  • A woman wearing a gray headband and outdoor gear, smiling and petting a white dog with light brown spots, in an outdoor setting with trees and a blue sky in the background.

    Melody Shaw

    HEAD TRAINER / OWNER

    Melody oversees training standards, new dog integrations, and the continued development of both dogs and hike leaders across the Kuri K9 team. While you may not often see her on regular routes, much of the structure behind our pack programs happens behind the scenes.

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

  • A person with an orange backpack and black jacket in a forest, surrounded by several dogs, some looking up at the person.

    Maya Reside

    HIKE LEADER

    Maya is the primary hike leader on our north route. You may meet her during pickups, drop-offs, or out on the trail with one of our adventure packs.

    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 person with a group of seven dogs in a dirt outdoor area surrounded by trees and hills.

    Tara Wood

    HIKE LEADER

    Tara is the primary hike leader on our south route, though you may still occasionally see her supporting our north route as Kuri K9 continues to grow and expand.

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

  • A woman smiling with a backpack on a forest trail, surrounded by seven dogs of various breeds and sizes.

    Michael Brown

    TRAINER

    Along with taking our Leash & Learn walks, Michael steps in wherever he is needed, supporting both dogs and team members with a calm, capable, and adaptable approach. He regularly joins pack hikes to maintain hands-on involvement with our dogs, team dynamics, and real-world handling.

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

  • A person crouching outdoors on grass and dirt, smiling, wearing glasses, a beanie, a gray jacket, and jeans, with a black and white dog wearing a red and black checkered coat in front of them, plants, trees, and blue sky in the background.

    Jacqueline Solberg

    ADMINISTRATION

    Jacqueline keeps Kuri K9 organised behind the scenes — coordinating calendars, planning daily routes, and helping ensure every dog and human ends up where they’re meant to be.

    She brings direction, organisation, and cohesiveness to the business. We would (quite literally) be lost without her.

Two dogs playing in the snow, one tan and white with a close-up view of its face, the other black and white, both wearing harnesses and leashes, with greenery in the background.
Two dogs, one with curly gray and white fur and another with black and gray fur, standing outdoors on a dirt path surrounded by trees, both with their mouths open and looking at the camera.
Three dogs standing on snow-covered ground in a forested area with tall trees. The dogs have different fur colors and patterns, some with blue eyes and some with brown eyes. One dog has black fur with a white stripe on its face, another has mostly black fur with some white, and the third has tan and white fur.
A woman walking with a group of dogs on a forest trail surrounded by trees.
Group of multiple dogs with various breeds and colors outdoors on a trail in a forested area with blue sky and clouds in the background.

Why clients trust us

Garmin GPS Handheld and T20 Collar
Dog First Aid Kit

GPS Collars

All off leash dogs wear Garmin GPS collars, providing reliable real-time tracking and an added layer of safety during our off leash adventures.

First Aid Certified

Our hike leaders and trainers maintain DOGSAFE® Canine First Aid certifications, preparing them for the bumps, scrapes, and unexpected adventures that can happen along the trail.

Human and dog sitting together overlooking the mountains and forest

Licenced & Insured

Kuri K9 is fully licensed and insured, providing peace of mind while your dog is in our care.

Mercedes E-Sprinter van loaded with 17 fully secured RuffLand kennels

Secure Transport

Dogs travel safely in secure RuffLand kennels aboard our purpose-built Mercedes E-Sprinter, or within a custom-built crate setup in our GMC Canyon — helping create calm, comfortable journeys to and from the trail.

Ready to join us?

Fill out the form to register your interest in joining our off leash pack hikes, or sign up for on leash training walks. We will get back to you within 2-4 business days.

  • "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