ABOUT MELODY

Professional Member - International Association of Canine Professionals

Hi! I am the owner of Kuri K9 Trail & Train. Thank you for visiting our website, and coming here to learn more about me!

My career in animals started out as a 'Kennel Kid' for a veterinary clinic in New Zealand at 12 years old. Detours were taken; gaining a Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management, and traveling overseas spending a summer trail guiding on horseback, amongst other jobs. Eventually winding my way to a position in a daycare and boarding facility in Victoria, BC.

When the opportunity came up to join Adventure Dog as a Hike Leader, I jumped on it. I spent two and a half years leading offleash pack walks, honing my skills and seeking ways to improve our walks for both two-legged and four-legged beings.

Moving to Cedar, I took a Hike Leader position with Pooch Pack Adventures and have been working there until launching Kuri K9 Trail & Train.

I have 3 of my own incredible Australian Shepherd furballs, Tui & Rua, and most recently, Aio. We have trained and learned together, taking agility classes, rally-o classes, and competing in disc competitions, as well as gaining multiple DMWYD Trick Titles and dabbling in dock diving.

I also raised Kahu, an Australian Shepherd puppy who is totally deaf, which challenged me to think and train in slightly different ways. Kahu, now Juno, is living his best life on an acreage in Nanaimo.

I am always on a quest to do more, learn more and become better. Part of that quest lead me to an Assistant Trainer position with Smart Dog Training, where I assisted with group classes and puppy socialisation groups. The knowledge I have gained here is supplemented by various online courses, educational books and plenty of fun trial and error training my own dogs.

I have gained further experience sharing my knowledge with training clients, helping them to sharpen up their dog's basic obedience. Some of my favourite classes are the private puppy sessions, helping get them and their new owners off on the right paw towards a successful future together.

Seeing dogs' confidence bloom on our pack walks, or helping to reform our more exuberant members and create well mannered K9 citizens nourishes my soul; as does helping dogs and their owners build the trust, partnership and communication between them.

ABOUT ELLIE

Hike Leader - Part Time

Hey hey hey! My name is Ellie and I’m thrilled to be apart of the Kuri K9 team!

I’ve been working with dogs for the last 5 years and couldn’t be happier. I’ve worked in pet stores, grooming, nutrition and even ran my own dog hiking business in my home town. Now that I’m a student working to get a degree I’ve taken a step back from that, but can’t wait to learn even more from Melody and her team to stay connected with the dog community!

I can’t wait to meet your lovely pups and get on the trails!

ABOUT CINDY

Hike Leader - Part Time

Growing up on our farm in Alberta, I have almost always had dogs in my life, along with various other farm animals like donkeys.

I started running with dogs on trails to train for triathlon races and for over 19 years, I have enjoyed running with my dogs Bud and Rex on trails like Westwood Lake, rain or shine.

Now Sadie and I look forward to meeting and working with your dogs!

ABOUT LARA

Hike Leader - Part Time

With 19 years of experience owning a successful pet care business, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for working with dogs. My background includes front-of-house roles at two veterinary clinics, hands-on grooming experience, and a team member at multiple large-scale doggie daycares and kennels. I am also Pet First Aid certified, ensuring the highest level of safety and care for every dog I work with. My dedication to providing loving and attentive care drives me every day. I am thrilled to join the Kuri K9 crew and look forward to contributing my expertise to this fantastic team!