If you’d told me over 11 years ago that a simple jigsaw would become one of the defining parts of my work, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
Back then, I wasn’t trying to create a framework or develop a philosophy.
I was simply trying to understand why some dogs, handlers and partnerships flourished while others struggled, even when they seemed to be following the same advice.
The more I coached, the more I realised something important.
There was never just one answer.
Every time someone came to me with a challenge, there were always multiple factors influencing what I was seeing.
A dog’s confidence.
A handler’s mindset.
The environment.
Communication.
Learning history.
Emotions.
Experience.
Skills.
Pressure.
Relationships.
None of these existed in isolation. Each one was another piece of a much bigger puzzle.
Without really thinking about it, I found myself explaining things using the language of jigsaws.
I’d talk about putting the right pieces in place.
About strengthening the pieces that mattered most.
About stepping back to see the bigger picture instead of becoming fixated on one missing piece.
It wasn’t a teaching technique. It was simply how my brain made sense of complexity.
That way of thinking became so central to my work that it even found its way into my branding.
My original KB Agility logo was built from jigsaw pieces, alongside the strapline:
Building your success, piece by piece.
At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what I was creating.
Looking back now, I can see that The Jigsaw Approach™ had already begun to take shape.
Over the years, my work expanded far beyond agility.
I began supporting neurodivergent dog guardians, working with dog professionals, speaking about neuro-inclusive practice, coaching businesses and helping people create more accessible, understanding environments.
What surprised me was that the jigsaw still fitted.
It didn’t matter whether I was talking about an agility partnership, a business, a learning environment or a neurodivergent experience.
The questions remained the same.
What does this puzzle look like?
Which pieces matter most?
Which pieces need strengthening?
Because every puzzle is different, I realised there could never be a single formula.
That’s why The Jigsaw Approach™ isn’t about following a fixed method.
It’s about learning how to identify the right pieces for each individual situation.
Every puzzle has corner pieces.
Every puzzle has pieces that influence one another.
But no two puzzles are ever identical.
That’s why my role isn’t to force every partnership, business or person into the same mould.
It’s to help them understand their unique puzzle and put the right pieces in place for success.
Today, The Jigsaw Approach™ has become the practical framework that underpins everything I teach.
It helps me bring ideas to life.
It helps people see the bigger picture.
Most importantly, it reminds us that lasting progress rarely comes from chasing one perfect answer.
It comes from understanding the puzzle in front of us.
Because when we understand the right pieces…
We can strengthen them.
When we strengthen them…
We create stronger foundations.
And when we build stronger foundations…
Success becomes a natural by-product.
If you’ve already explored The Connection Code™, you’ll know that’s the philosophy sitting underneath everything I do.
The Jigsaw Approach™ is the practical framework that brings that philosophy to life.
Together, they shape the way I understand dogs, people, partnerships, businesses and the wonderfully complex world we all navigate every day.
Where to next?
If this resonated with you, I’d love to invite you to explore the ideas a little further.
- Discover The Jigsaw Approach™ and learn more about the practical framework behind my work.
- Explore The Connection Code™ to understand the philosophy that underpins everything I teach.
- Browse the blog for more thoughts on neurodivergence, dog behaviour, agility, professional practice and creating stronger partnerships.
Every blog I write is another piece of a much bigger conversation, and I’m so glad you’re here for the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Jigsaw Approach™ just for dog training?
Not anymore. Although it began through my work in the dog world, it has evolved into a framework I use across neurodivergence, professional practice, agility, business and many other areas where understanding complexity matters.
How is The Jigsaw Approach™ different from The Connection Code™?
The Jigsaw Approach™ is the practical framework I use to understand the individual pieces that make up a situation. The Connection Code™ is the philosophy that explains how those pieces influence one another and how stronger connection is built over time.
Can I use The Jigsaw Approach™ in my own work?
The ideas behind The Jigsaw Approach™ are designed to encourage curiosity, deeper understanding and a different way of thinking about complexity and connection.
If you’d like to explore how I apply the framework in practice, I’d love to invite you to continue your learning.
Inside the Learning Hub, you’ll find courses, resources and practical guidance that bring these ideas to life.
Members of the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Network (NIPDN) also have access to a growing library of downloadable resources and tools, helping them apply these principles within their own professional practice in a way that reflects their clients, their values and their own unique approach.
These downloadable resources have been created exclusively for NIPDN members and are provided to support their own professional practice. They are not licensed for redistribution, resale or sharing outside the Network.
Continue your journey
Discover courses, resources and practical learning designed to help you understand and apply The Jigsaw Approach™ and The Connection Code™.
→ Join the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Network (NIPDN)
Become part of a growing community of dog professionals committed to creating a more understanding, accessible and neuro-inclusive dog world, with exclusive resources, downloads and ongoing professional development.
Thank you for reading.
Katrina x
Dogs And Divergent Minds 
Leave a comment