Our story

Let dogs
be dogs again.

Bark & Hike exists because modern dogs are under-stimulated, over-restricted and disconnected from their natural instincts. We're here to change that.

The philosophy

Where adventure
meets discipline.

We believe dogs are meant to move, explore and socialise naturally, and that true fulfilment comes from structured freedom, not restriction.

Balanced dogs come from meeting their genetic needs, not just managing their behaviour. That belief shapes every pack, every trail and every day on the coast.

What this is, and isn't

Not your average walk

This is not

A leash walk around the block
A dog-park free-for-all
A daycare-style service

This is

Structured off-leash pack adventures in nature
Professionally managed, balanced groups
Purpose-driven outings built for fulfilment

The origin

Born from
URBAN K9.

URBAN K9 Dog Training Academy was founded by Nikola Rosic, a professional dog trainer focused on solving behavioural issues, particularly in reactive and high-drive working breeds.

His mission was simple: help dogs achieve true freedom through structure and training. Bark & Hike is the natural extension of that philosophy, giving trained (or trainable) dogs a way to live that freedom out in real environments.

Michelle Lausen in her Bark & Hike shirt in the bush

Leadership today

Led by
Michelle Lausen.

Nikola has since stepped away from Bark & Hike and URBAN K9, which are now led by Michelle Lausen.

Michelle brings a lifelong love of dogs, the outdoors and behaviour change to Bark & Hike. In her previous career, she led national programs encouraging Australians to eat more vegetables by understanding what drives positive behaviour. Today, she's applying that same passion to canine wellbeing, helping dogs become calmer, happier and more fulfilled through structured adventure, enrichment and socialisation.

Alongside her own adventure dogs, Augie and Izzy, Michelle believes every dog has the potential to thrive when their natural instincts are understood and nurtured.

Join the Pack

The people behind the pack

Meet the team.

A shared love of dogs, nature and a day well spent outdoors.

Our team brings care and attention to every adventure, from the first pickup to the journey home. Small packs give us time to get to know each dog and support them as they explore.

Meet Us & Join the Pack