Karyn is the owner, trainer, and driving force behind Curious Canine, bringing a lifetime of experience and passion to everything she does. Originally from New Zealand, her journey with dogs began with working gundogs and was shaped by a strong foundation in animal behaviour science.

With a career spanning dog handling, training, and leading international canine operations across detection, protection, and rescue environments, Karyn combines real-world expertise with a deep understanding of dogs as individuals.

Today, she focuses on helping dogs and owners build calm, confident partnerships through training, workshops, and specialist activities such as scent work, canicross, and lost dog tracking.

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John brings a calm, steady presence to the Curious Canine team, shaped by years of experience in the army, the outdoors, and working alongside dogs. With a background that includes mountain leadership, navigation, and advanced emergency first aid, he combines discipline and empathy in everything he does.

His passion for dogs grew through canicross and canitrail, racing with Arnhem until retirement and now competing with Atlas over distances from 5km right up to 50km. Alongside racing, John is deeply involved in canine fitness, physio routines, and training, and holds a Trick Dog qualification.

At Curious Canine, John supports behaviour consultations, particularly with nervous or sensitive dogs, where his quiet confidence and intuitive handling really shine. He’s also looking ahead to leading mountain and navigation training, helping owners and dogs enjoy the outdoors safely together.

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Arnhem has been at the very heart of Curious Canine from the beginning. From a bold, driven puppy (who was not warmly welcomed by Alfie), he grew into a powerful, intelligent dog with a huge work ethic and an even bigger presence.

Over the years, Arnhem has taught Karyn more than any course or qualification ever could — about patience, advocacy, resilience, and what it truly means to listen to the dog in front of you. He has shaped her as a trainer, a handler, and a person, influencing the ethos behind Curious Canine in ways that run deep and personal.

Arnhem thrived on challenge and purpose. Alongside John, he competed in canicross and canitrail events, from short distances through to demanding endurance races, before eventually retiring from competition. He also gained a Trick Dog qualification, took part in scent work, and consistently showed just how much dogs flourish when their needs are understood and met.

In more recent years, Arnhem has faced significant medical challenges. While these have changed how he works and lives, they have never taken away who he is. Arnhem meets each day with determination and dignity, adapting to new limitations while still showing a strong desire to engage, learn, and participate. His ability to rise to these challenges continues to inspire everyone around him.

Arnhem is more than part of Curious Canine — he is its teacher, its compass, and a living reminder of the depth, strength, and honesty of the bond we share with our dogs.

Atlas is a key part of the next chapter of Curious Canine — strong, driven, and endlessly enthusiastic about having a job to do. He brings together athleticism, focus, and a genuine love of working alongside his people.

With Karyn, Atlas channels that drive into lost dog tracking and scent detection work. He shows a natural aptitude for using his nose, working thoughtfully and methodically, and has already earned rosettes for his efforts — a testament to both his ability and his growing experience. He continues to develop across different scent disciplines, showing confidence, persistence, and problem-solving skills.

Alongside John, Atlas is a committed canicross and canitrail partner, taking on everything from fast 5km races to demanding endurance distances of up to 50km. He thrives on physical challenge and teamwork, building a powerful partnership grounded in trust and clear communication.

Atlas has also gained Trick Dog qualifications, highlighting his versatility and eagerness to learn. These skills add to his mental enrichment and reinforce the strong working relationship he has with both Karyn and John.

Atlas embodies the future of Curious Canine — combining sport, scent work, and thoughtful training, while carrying forward the values of partnership, purpose, and respect that define everything we do.