Supporting agility coaches, instructors and neurodivergent professionals to better understand the partnership between the dog, the handler and the nervous system.
Most people think agility is about handling.
Being an agility professional comes with a unique kind of pressure.
Your own dog can feel like a reflection of your credibility. Demo dogs become part of your teaching, competition can become intertwined with your business, and the emotional load of trying to “look like the expert” is something most people never talk about.
This is a space to understand those pieces with curiosity, not judgement.
“I saw so much displacement from so many dogs on the start line today and I just wanted to give the handlers your business card. If anyone is struggling with focus and partnership with their dog Katrina is someone to work with” – Nic Jones
Why I See Agility Differently
Agility has been a huge part of my life for over a decade. I’ve been fortunate to compete with two Grade 7 dogs and I’m now on that journey again with Quest, whose story continues to remind me that no two partnerships are ever the same.
Alongside agility, I’ve spent years studying dog behaviour, human psychology and coaching, and one thing has become increasingly clear….
The partnerships that inspire me most aren’t simply the ones standing on the podium. They’re the ones built on trust, understanding, kindness and genuine connection!
Handling skills matter.
Training matters.
Technique matters.
But they’re only one part of a much bigger picture.
I’ve seen partnerships held back by confidence, misunderstanding, pressure, emotion, previous experiences and the way two very different nervous systems interact under stress.
I’ve also seen those same partnerships transform when we stop searching for quick fixes and start understanding the pieces that really matter.
That’s why my work has evolved beyond teaching agility skills alone.
Today, everything I teach is guided by The Connection Code™ and brought to life through my Jigsaw Approach™, helping handlers understand both ends of the lead and build partnerships where the results become a natural by-product of the relationship they’ve created.
Every Partnership Has Its Own Puzzle
Every agility partnership is unique.
Every dog has their own jigsaw.
Every handler has theirs.
Some partnerships need to build confidence.
Some need clearer communication.
Some need a better understanding of arousal, motivation or emotional wellbeing.
Others need support navigating the unique challenges that neurodivergence can bring.
That’s why I don’t begin with assumptions or generic advice.
Using The Connection Code™ and my Jigsaw Approach™, we’ll identify the corner pieces that matter most to your partnership and build from there.
Because when we understand the puzzle, everything else has somewhere to fit.
Two ways we can work together:
🐾 Support for you and your own dog
If you’re an agility instructor, coach or dog professional navigating challenges with your own dog, we’ll explore the behavioural, emotional and cognitive pieces influencing your partnership.
Spotlight 60 – £125
A focused 60-minute online coaching session designed to help you understand your puzzle, identify the corner pieces and leave with practical next steps.
Ideal if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or need clarity from someone who understands both the dog and the professional behind the lead.
Includes:
- 60-minute online coaching session
- Personalised coaching using The Connection Code™ and the Jigsaw Approach™
- Practical action points tailored to your situation
🧩 Creating Neuro-Inclusive Agility Services
If you’re an agility coach or instructor wanting to create more accessible classes, workshops and learning experiences, I’ll help you recognise the barriers that may be affecting your clients and identify practical changes that improve the experience without redesigning everything.
We’ll explore real agility environments through a neuro-inclusive lens, including communication, sensory load, lesson planning, processing time and the small changes that can make a big difference.
🎧Dog Agility Unmasked Podcast
The conversations don’t stop here.
On Dog Agility Unmasked, I explore the emotional, psychological and practical side of agility, sharing honest conversations about confidence, sensitive dogs, handler mindset and the partnerships that sit behind performance.
If you’re interested in understanding both ends of the lead, you’ll feel right at home.
Looking for more dog agility?
KB Agility is my dedicated agility website, where you’ll find more about my agility journey, specialist training, resources and the wider work I’ve been doing within the agility community over the years.
