Welcome to Kaya's Canines

Dog training rooted in connection. Adventure pack hikes designed to fulfill.

Based in East Vancouver, we create balanced packs, both in homes and on the trails, to support happy dogs and humans.

Learn more

East Vancouver dog trainer Jin walking four dogs on a loose leash

Our Services

East Vancouver dog trainer Jin with two dogs focused on her in a park

TRAINING

Whether you're struggling through problem behaviours or looking to get your dog trail-ready, we have a custom training plan to support you. We take a balanced and holistic approach, centred on improving your relationship with your dog. We specialize in supporting owners with newly adopted rescue dogs and high energy breeds.

More info

PACK HIKES

Pack hikes are 1.5 hour structured adventures on North Shore trails, providing your dog with consistent exercise, fulfilment, and healthy socialization. Maintenance training is integrated into every walk, however this service is only open to dogs with excellent recall. (Still working on recall? Get started with a training session instead).

More info

About Me

Hi there, I'm Jin!

I'm the owner and operator of Kaya's Canines. I started working with dogs full-time after moving to Vancouver from the U.K. along with my partner and our dog, Kaya. As we grew roots into our much-loved community in East Vancouver, so did this little venture.

Our reputation is for helping dogs reach their fullest potential. Whether through our enriching pack hikes or coaching owners towards a more connected relationship with their dog, our goal is to support you to live a more joyful life with your dog.

In addition to training and hiking dogs, I'm also an experienced foster, working with rescue organizations to rehabilitate dogs and set them up for success in their forever homes.

My approach

East Vancouver dog trainer Jin with her dog Kaya on a sunny day outdoors

Vyas & Melissa

"We’ve been taking our very high energy dog for nearly two years weekly to Jin and it’s made a world of difference. She helps us meet his energy needs and with socializing him with a variety of dogs and training his recall, reactivity, and being calm before and after big hikes. Jin consistently updates us on our dogs behaviour and sends a big tranche of photos and videos every day that we’re scheduled. She’s easy to deal with, reliable, and pays close attention to detail. We strongly recommend Jin for day care, training and hikes and we can’t imagine our dog making as much progress without her."

Endlessly grateful to be doing what I love every day, working with the most wonderful dogs and humans 💓

I’m currently taking new training clients! Get in touch via my website or send me a dm 👋

#dogtraining #vancouverdogtrainer #packhikes

This gorgeous cowdog is Nova 🐄💕 we’ve been fostering her for about 2.5 weeks now so it’s time for an intro! Nova is almost 4 years old and available for adoption through @official_laldr

Nova is but a gentle creature 🥺🐥🌸 she came to us pretty withdrawn and fearful of the world. But with guidance, patience and a focus on regulating her nervous system, she’s become the most loving girl. Her confidence and ability to tackle new environments has come on leaps and bounds (adopters should be prepared to continue supporting her in this area but I’ll happily provide 3 free training sessions).

She’s one of the softest, most polite dogs I’ve ever met. A real angel in the home, quiet, calm, and neutral to other dogs/people once she feels settled and safe. She’s the kind of dog who will bond DEEPLY with her own people once you’ve gained her trust.

Nova has a brother Diego (an equally sweet, sensitive soul who we also fostered for a week) and while they’ve shown they’re capable of succeeding independently, applications for both dogs together are very welcome. You can learn more about Nova and Diego in my story highlights 💖

#adoptabledogsvancouver #adoptorshopresponsibly #dogsofvancouver #vancouveradoptables #rescuedog

Last night I got the heartbreaking news that sweet, mucky, mischievous Rua passed away suddenly from a heart tumour, just a day after our last pack adventure together, and only three days before she was set to fly home to Scotland with her family 💔💔💔

I was preparing to say goodbye but couldn’t have imagined it would be like this. Rua was so full of joy on our last hike, chasing her friends, dunking herself in mud puddles, nudging my hand for treats. But I think that’s a testament to the kind of dog she was - full of life until the end. A true dog of a dog. The muckiest one I’ve ever met!

I’m so grateful to have been a part of Rua’s life. My whole heart goes out to her family, for their immense loss and the timing of it all. I just know wherever Rua is now there are endless fields of mud and a free flow of treats 🌈 love on your dogs extra hard today ❤️‍🩹

Upcoming away/closure days with no regular daycare/hikes. Spring is comingggg 🌱🐥🌸🌷🐛🌿☀️

- Monday Feb 16 (Family Day)
- Friday Apr 3 (Good Friday)
- Friday Apr 24 - Sun, Apr 26 (out of town)
- Monday May 18 (Victoria Day)

What a joy it was to work with Pancake over the last 1.5 months, watching her go from super stressed and unsure to a playful, confident and regulated girly 🥹💓

We were asked by @official_laldr to foster Pancake because she was having a hard time at her previous foster’s, snapping at their resident dogs and hiding in corners, so the number ☝️ thing I knew she needed was a ton of ✨STRUCTURE✨

That meant plenty of crate and place with intentional leash work/exercise/fulfilment outside of that. The aim was to build security, predictability and of course connection!

Once we had the foundations in place, we started exploring more of the world together and Pancake was full of surprises. Who knew this low rider sleepy potato would become a biking legend ! 🚲 and she continued to learn just how capable she is (water is not lava, towels are not the enemy).

All this to say - structure is kindness ! Structure gives us the framework to show dogs what choices to make and set them up for success.

🙂‍↔️ no to too much freedom too soon
🙂‍↕️ yes to adding more freedoms when your dog is ready for them

Pancake went to her PERFECT forever home with the most amazing and dedicated adopters last week. We miss her and her chunky paws so much but we couldn’t be happier for all of them 💗💗💗

#rescuedogsofinstagram #fosterdog #dogtraining #dogtrainer #adoptorshopresponsibly

Riding so many highs from the end of 2025 into the new year ! An amazing trainers workshop with @packlife_la, weekend at a horse ranch where Kaya could run free, working and playing with so many top dogs, and training our first @official_laldr foster dog Pancake!

We also had our fair share of hiccups over the year e.g. lost car keys at the beach, swarmed by a whole hive of bees, and a fair few injuries.

Through it all I’m constantly reminded how grateful I am to have incredible clients who care about giving their dogs the best lives possible, collaborate on training plans, and are deeply kind and supportive in ALL the ways.

Can’t wait for all that 2026 brings, I feel like it’s gonna be a good one 🎊

#dogsofvancouver #vancouver #2026

I don’t believe there’s anything more fulfilling for dogs than off-leash frolicking in nature, but the leash is an important part of how I set the tone.

Whether I’m working with one dog or a whole pack, the leash is one of my favourite ways to build pack drive ie connection✨ It’s about getting into a groove together where I’m relevant, the dogs are engaged and we’re moving in sync (literally and figuratively)

—> this translates into dogs staying tuned in off leash, following commands and staying safe together.

If you know me I don’t care much about obedience, it’s about mindset and connection 🔗💞 some former big pullers in this group but look at us nowww 🥳

#packhike #dogtraining #dogwalking #vancouverdogs

Meet our foster 2 year old 🥞Pancake🥞 available for adoption through @official_laldr ! She is so full of love and if she doesn’t melt your heart you need to go see a doctor lol.

When we first got her we were Pancake’s third foster in a week and we were told she was very anxious and overwhelmed, which is understandable with everything a new rescue dog goes through especially one with such a gentle soul. We’ve focused on making her feel secure with lots of structure and predictability, and her joyful personality is really shining through 💗

Pancake is a dream on leash, a low-medium energy girl who loves to snooze and cuddle. She ADORES people and is learning that not everyone we pass on our walks is there for her but she’s very easy to redirect. We’re also working on not jumping up and mouthing (even though it’s gentle) when she gets excited.

But these things will come quickly with consistency and I’ll happily provide 3 free private training sessions to her adopters.

A real soft girl, so calm and sweet, v food motivated. She’d do great even with first time owners as long as they’re willing to put the work in (as all owners should be) to continue building her confidence and showing her how capable she is. She’s great with dogs with the right introductions.

More videos of Pancake and the training we’ve been doing in my story highlights. She’s gonna be very hard to say goodbye to but this is a dog who’s ready for her forever family. If you think that family is you fill out an adoption application with @official_laldr ❤️

#adoptablevancouver #adoptme #dogsofvancouver #vancouverdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram

What a busy and full couple of months, lots of exciting things been happening and I have some big things planned for the upcoming year 🤓 in the meantime since I’ve completely neglected posting (you already know it’s my least favourite part of the job 🫠🫠🫠) let me throw some pack photos at you! More varied content coming soon I promise lol

#dogsofvancouver #dogsthathike #adventuredogs #dogsthatexplore #packhike #vancouver

Deep in the frolicks for the last of summer ☀️🦋🪾🌊💗🍃🐾🍦🪩🫐 finally getting around to posting the rest of the August pack pics

#dogsofvancouver #dogsthatexplore #adventuredogs #dogsthathike #packhike #vancouver

My next set of away/closure dates! 🗓️ Regular hikes and daycare will NOT be running during these periods:

🚀 Mon Sep 22nd - Fri Sep 26th
I’ll be away at @packlife_la ‘s Train the Trainer workshop for the week. Samantha’s style of training really resonates with me and I’m soooo buzzing to learn from her in person!

🎄Wed Dec 24th - Fri Jan 2nd
Weekly scheduled hikes/daycare will be paused, but I’ll be here for the holidays and can accomodate a limited number of dogs. Lmk asap if you need boarding/care during this period.

❄️ Mon Jan 26th - Fri Jan 30th
I’ll be taking the last week of January off for a family vacation.

✨ Statutory holidays
My general plan is to take stat holidays off, but clients are always welcome to check if I’ll be around to provide care on these days if needed. Replacement days can also be arranged!

This summer has been hectic with schedule changes, various injuries/illnesses, dogs away, new dogs joining. But I am SO proud of how the work we put in every week has made it all a breeze. I can count on the dogs who have been with me for a while to always know how to act, and it’s helped our new pack members learn the ropes so quickly.

#dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #vancouver #packhike

How do you explain the feeling of getting looked at like this at work? 😍😍😍 The Astronomer CEO could NEVER.

I think often people assume we work really hard on obedience to get our group shots (which we kinda do). But most of all I focus on ensuring my relationship with each dog is 🔝. Connection over control. Consistency over perfection.

#dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #packwalk #vancouver

📢 All services are back in motion TODAY ! 🎉🕺 Here’s a very full carousel of adventures I didn’t get to post before my vacation, I missed these dogs too much 😭💓

#dogsofvancouver #dogsthathike #adventuredogs #vancouver #dogsthatexplore #hikingwithdogs

Last couple weeks of spring have been dreamy. Now we’re fully charged 🔋and ready for some summer frolicking 🥳☀️🌊

#hikingwithdogs #dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #dogsthathike #beachdogs #vancouver

Highlights from the past week or so. Happy doggos, happy me 😃😃😃

#dogsthathike #packdogs #dogsthatexplore #adventuredogs #dogsofvancouver #vancouver

We walk, we train, we play, and we do it again. And yet no two days are ever the same 🐾

#dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #vancouverdogwalker #vancouver

Gah my heart. Just obsessed with these sunshine dogs ☀️💓😌

#dogsthatexplore #adventuredogs #dogsthathike #dogsofvancouver #vancouverdogs #vancouver

It’s that time when I realize I haven’t posted in a while! Grateful to be adventuring in these beautiful places with the goodest of dogs 🐾

#dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #vancouver

Pack dump from the past two weeks ! 🤍🤍🤍

#dogsthatexplore #dogsthathike #dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #packhike #doglife #vancouver

That time of year when we just don’t know what the skies are gonna throw at us ! It’s like weather roulette out here. 🌦️🌦️🌦️

Feeling very proud of all these pack pups lately, I’m gonna be doing some long overdue intros soon so you can get to know each of them better 💕

#dogsofvancouver #dogsthatexplore #adventuredogs #packhike #dogwalkersofvancouver #vancouver

🌻Spring/Summer🌻 closure dates, regular hikes and daycare won’t be running during these times:
Fri, May 2 - Mon, May 5
Fri, June 20 - Tue, July 1 (Canada Day)
Sat, August 2 - Mon, August 4 (BC Day)

Have a dog that loves to adventure? You’re in the right place! Beach or forest, snow or rain, our pack dogs have the BEST time 🐾🥳

Our structured adventures ensure dogs are fulfilled both physically and mentally, while also learning the skills to succeed on and off the trails. All alongside their best pals !

Follow along to see what we get up to and if you live in Vancouver, we’d love your dog to join us ! We have just a couple of spots left in the pack, get in touch to learn more (or even just to say hi 👋 )

#dogsthathike #adventuredogs #dogslife #vancouver #dogsofvancouver #dogsthatexplore #packhike

Last of the snowy pics (and start of some rainy ones). Gah I’m away on holiday this week but miss my doggos so much ! 🥺

#dogsonadventures #dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #packhike #vancouver

Finally getting around to posting last week’s MAGICAL snow days ✨🐾🤩

#dogsofvancouver #dogsthathike #adventuredogs #dogsthatexplore #vancouver #snowdogs

Been sitting on these January gems 💎😍 at this point we’ve forgotten what rain is!

#adventuredogs #dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #packhike #vancouver

A few faces I was lucky to end last year with/ start this year with. Now let’s do it again ! 🥳

#dogsofvancouver #adventuredogs #dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore

It was totally impossible to pick my favourite highlights from the last year so here are some from our holiday adventure club instead ! 🤩🐾💃

#dogsofvancouver #dogsthathike #adventuredogs #dogsthatexplore #vancouver #dogwalkersofinstagram

Last pack dump of the year ! Feeling very grateful for each of these pups and all my amazing clients 💗 every kind/funny message, referral, extra treats (for both the dogs and me) throughout the year and most of all the trust to hang out with the BEST doggos around 🥰🥰🥰

Looking forward to a few more adventures with dogs booked in over the hols and we’ll be back to our regular hike/daycare schedule starting Jan 2. Happy holidays everyone !

#dogsthathike #dogsthatexplore #dogsofvancouver #adventureswithdogs #adventuredogs #vancouver

Happy December ! 🎄🎊💖 Some upcoming dates we will be closed over the next few months, including over the holidays* and in early ✨2025✨

*We will be here for those booked in during the holiday period, but regular daycare and hikes will not be running Dec 23 - Jan 1 (unless already booked!). Back to our regular schedule on Jan 2nd 🥳

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@kayas_canines

Kaya's Canines