Dogs And Divergent Minds

Understand the person holding the lead. Change the way you work with dogs.

Working with dogs means working with people too.

But what happens when the way you communicate, teach, run your classes or deliver your services works brilliantly for some people, but creates unnecessary barriers for others?

The dog world is changing. And creating a more inclusive future starts with understanding more than just the dog.

Every dog professional works with two nervous systems. Yet so often, we focus almost entirely on the dog’s behaviour, overlooking the human experiences, needs and differences that can influence the entire partnership.

Neuro-Inclusion gives us another lens through which to understand the people we work with, recognise barriers, and discover what might be missing when things aren’t quite working.

NIDPN is a professional development network for dog trainers, instructors, behaviourists and other dog professionals who want to understand the human side of the lead, develop more inclusive practices and create better experiences for both people and dogs.

You don’t need to be neurodivergent to join. You don’t need to be a neurodiversity expert. You just need to be open to understanding things differently and making positive changes to the way you work.

Inside, you’ll find practical learning, resources, professional development, accountability sessions and a supportive community of people who want to make a difference.

Because talking about changing the dog world isn’t enough. We need to put that change into practice.

Learn. Understand. Adapt. Connect. Be part of the change.

What About the Person Holding the Lead?

We spend so much time learning to understand dogs. We study their behaviour, their communication, their body language, their learning and their needs.

But what about the person holding the lead?

Dog training involves two nervous systems, working alongside one another and navigating the same experiences. Yet so often, we focus almost entirely on the dog’s needs, overlooking the human factors that can influence how successfully training is delivered, received and implemented.

Sensory preferences, processing differences, communication styles, emotional capacity and the mechanics of handling can all influence the experience.

Sometimes, the missing piece isn’t another training technique. It’s a better understanding of the human involved.

Because how can we truly support the dog if we’re not also considering the nervous system so deeply connected to theirs?

More Than a Professional Network

A different perspective. A different kind of professional development.

We hear a lot about how the dog world needs to change. There’s growing recognition that we need to do more to support the different people and dogs accessing our services.

But recognising the need for change is only the beginning. We also need the knowledge, tools, confidence and support to actually make it happen.

That’s where NIDPN comes in.

At the heart of the Network is a different way of looking at dog training and professional practice. By bringing together dog behaviour, human psychology, neurodivergence and lived experience, we explore the often-overlooked human side of the lead and how it influences the entire partnership.

But learning about neuro-inclusion is only part of the picture.

NIDPN gives you two things:

Professional Development That Makes a Difference

Develop your understanding of neuro-inclusive practice, explore the human factors that can influence training and behaviour, and discover practical ways to make your classes, consultations and services work better for different people.

You don’t need to completely overhaul your business or change everything you do. Often, it’s the smaller adjustments, different approaches and greater awareness that can make a significant difference.

A Community That Helps You Move Forward

Change is easier when you don’t have to figure everything out alone.

Connect with other dog professionals who want to learn, develop and make a positive difference. Share experiences, ask questions, explore challenges and get support from people who understand the realities of working in the dog world.

Whether you need accountability to get things done, a different perspective on a challenge or simply somewhere you can talk openly without feeling judged, NIDPN gives you a place to belong.

It’s not just about understanding what needs to change. It’s about having the support, confidence and practical tools to make those changes happen.

Together, we can help create a more understanding, accessible and neuro-inclusive dog world.

There Isn’t One Right Way to Do This

The dog world is full of different people, different dogs and different ways of learning, communicating and experiencing the world.

Yet there’s often an expectation that everyone should fit into the same approach.

The same instructions. The same teaching methods. The same class structures. The same expectations.

But what works brilliantly for one person might create unnecessary barriers for another.

A client might struggle to process several verbal instructions at once. Someone else might find certain sensory experiences uncomfortable. Another person might need more time, written information or a different way of learning.

And sometimes, the things we interpret as a lack of engagement, commitment or progress have much more going on underneath.

Neuro-inclusive practice isn’t about creating a completely different service for every individual. It’s about recognising differences, understanding potential barriers and being willing to adapt.

Often, it’s the small adjustments that make the biggest difference.

And this is where looking beyond the dog becomes so important.

We need to consider the human, the dog, the relationship between them and the environment in which they’re learning and working together.

A Different Perspective. A Different Kind of Professional Development.

The NIDPN brings together a unique blend of dog behaviour and training, human psychology, counselling, business development and neurodivergent lived experience.

Founded by Katrina Bayliss, The Neurodivergent Dog Coach, NIDPN brings together more than 11 years of experience in the dog industry, previous professional experience in business management, coaching and mentoring, qualifications in counselling and psychology, and specialist knowledge of neurodivergence.

Alongside her professional background, Katrina brings her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, offering a personal understanding of the challenges, barriers and often-overlooked needs that can influence how people experience the dog world.

It’s this combination of professional knowledge, practical experience and lived perspective that shapes the Network’s approach: looking beyond the behaviour, recognising what’s often missed and helping dog professionals put Neuro-Inclusion into practice.

We’re not simply looking at neurodivergence in isolation. We’re exploring how people learn, communicate, experience their environment and interact with their dogs, and how professionals can use that understanding to improve the services they deliver.

From Understanding to Action

Inside NIDPN, we encourage you to:

NOTICE what’s happening in the situations you encounter, including things you might previously have overlooked.

UNDERSTAND the different factors influencing the human, the dog and the partnership between them.

ADAPT by making practical, thoughtful changes that support your clients, your dogs and your own professional practice.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to change everything overnight. And you certainly don’t need to do things exactly like everyone else.

You just need the willingness to look at things differently and the support to put that understanding into practice.

Because better understanding creates better opportunities for connection, learning and success, for both ends of the lead.

What You’ll Find Inside the Network

Everything inside NIDPN has been designed to help you develop your understanding, strengthen your professional practice and connect with others who share your commitment to making a difference in the dog world.

Whether you’re looking to better understand neurodivergence, explore the human side of dog training, improve your client experience, develop your business or simply find a community of like-minded professionals, there’s something here to help you move forward.

You’ll have access to practical learning, professional development, resources, accountability sessions and opportunities to connect with people who understand the challenges and rewards of working in the dog industry.

From exploring new ideas and developing your skills to making practical changes in your own business, NIDPN gives you the knowledge, tools and support to keep learning, growing and putting Neuro-Inclusion into practice.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Your Monthly Rhythm

We know life is busy, especially when you’re balancing work, dogs, clients and everything else life throws at you.

That’s why NIDPN follows a simple monthly rhythm, giving you regular opportunities to learn, connect, make progress and develop your professional practice without feeling as though you have another overwhelming commitment to keep up with.

Week 1

Your Monthly Network Update

Your monthly email brings everything together, including dates for upcoming sessions, what’s happening inside the Network and details of the latest featured resource from the Connection Code Academy.

Week 2

Side-by-Side Session

Dedicated time to work on something that matters to you.

Whether you’re developing your business, implementing something you’ve learnt, tackling a task you’ve been putting off or simply trying to make some progress, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside other members.

You don’t need to arrive with a finished plan. Just bring whatever you’d like to move forward.

Week 3

Fireside Chat

Our monthly community get-together.

A relaxed space to share experiences, ask questions, explore ideas and talk about the real-world challenges of working with people and dogs.

Bring a question, share something you’re working through, contribute to the conversation or simply listen.

Week 4

Rise Up Webinar

Focused professional development exploring a particular aspect of neuro-inclusive practice, human understanding, dog behaviour, client relationships or running a dog business.

These sessions are designed to take you beyond simply learning something new. You’ll have the opportunity to consider how the ideas apply to your own work and what you might do differently as a result.

The exact days and times vary from month to month, helping accommodate different working patterns, caring responsibilities and commitments. While the dates may change, the monthly rhythm stays the same, making it easier to plan ahead and know what’s coming.

Quarterly Planning Sessions:

Every three months, we’ll come together for a dedicated planning session to reflect, reset and look ahead.

Designed with neurodivergent ways of thinking and working in mind, these sessions help you recognise your capacity, celebrate progress, identify what’s working and create realistic plans for the next three months.

Using flexible, practical and nervous-system-friendly planning approaches, we’ll focus on moving forward in a way that works for you, your business and your life.

It’s not about chasing productivity or filling every available hour. It’s about creating space to think, prioritise and make progress on the things that matter.

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🧩 The Connection Code Academy

The Connection Code Academy is your learning hub, bringing together the frameworks, courses, resources and practical teaching at the heart of the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Network.

Built around The Connection Code™ philosophy and brought to life through The Jigsaw Approach™, the Academy helps you explore the connections between the human, the dog and the partnership they share.

Because understanding the dog is only part of the picture. We also need to understand the person holding the lead, the experiences they’re bringing into the relationship and the factors that influence how successfully they can work together.

Inside the Academy, you’ll find learning designed to help you develop your understanding, reflect on your professional practice and put new ideas into action.

Your Learning Library

Explore a growing collection of learning across areas including:

• Connection Code Foundations
• The Human Jigsaw
• The Dog Jigsaw
• The Partnership Jigsaw
• Creating Neuro-Inclusive Dog Spaces
• Supporting Others
• Growing Your Dog Business
• Performance & Competition

From understanding neurodivergence and human behaviour to exploring dog training, professional relationships and business development, the Academy brings together different perspectives to help you see the bigger picture.

Practical Resources to Support Your Learning

Alongside the core learning, you’ll have access to a growing collection of downloadable guides, worksheets, practical tools and resources.

These are designed to help you take what you’re learning and consider how it applies to your own clients, classes, services and professional practice.

Each month, a featured resource is highlighted in your Network update, giving you something new to explore without feeling overwhelmed by an ever-growing library.

New to The Connection Code™?

The Connection Code™ is the philosophy that underpins everything I teach. It explores the connections between the human, the dog and the partnership they share.

→ Learn more about The Connection Code here.

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🎤 Rise Up Webinars

Dedicated professional development to help you understand more, think differently and put Neuro-Inclusion into practice.

As part of your NIDPN membership, you’ll have access to the monthly Rise Up Webinar series, exploring the ideas, challenges and practical changes that can help create a more inclusive dog industry.

Each webinar focuses on a different aspect of professional practice, bringing together neurodivergence, human psychology, dog behaviour, communication and business considerations.

We’ll explore topics such as:

• Understanding why Neuro-Inclusion matters in the dog industry.
• Creating a more accessible and supportive client journey.
• Communication that builds understanding and connection.
• Designing neuro-inclusive dog services and experiences.
• Recognising the needs of both ends of the lead.
• Turning awareness and understanding into practical changes.

These sessions aren’t about giving you another list of things you should be doing. They’re about helping you see familiar situations from a different perspective, explore new ideas and discover realistic ways to apply what you’re learning.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and learn alongside other dog professionals who want to make a positive difference.

Because professional development should do more than give you information. It should help you change the way you think, the way you work and the experiences you create for others.

Coming Up in the Rise Up Webinar Series

The Rise Up series is evolving alongside the wider work of NIPDN.

Over the coming months, we’ll be exploring practical aspects of neuro-inclusive practice and connecting them to the situations dog professionals are already seeing in their work.

Rather than treating neuro-inclusion as an abstract concept, we’ll look at what it can mean in real classes, consultations, client relationships and dog services.

Every webinar is included in your NIDPN membership and added to the Rise Up Replay Hub, so you can join live, catch up later, or return to a session when you need it.

November

Communication That Creates Connection
Explore how the way we communicate, explain and share information can shape the experience people have with us.

December

Designing for Both Ends of the Lead
Explore how thoughtful design can support both the human and the dog, without requiring you to completely redesign the way you work.

Growing Library of Webinar Replays

Can’t make a live session? No problem.

As an NIDPN member, you’ll have access to a growing library of Rise Up Webinar recordings, so you can catch up whenever it suits you.

Whether you want to revisit a particular topic, explore something you missed or go back over an idea you’d like to put into practice, the recordings are there for you to access throughout your membership.

There’s no pressure to attend everything live or keep up with every session. You can learn at your own pace, return to the content when you need it and take away what is most useful to your professional development.

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📚 Creating Neuro-Inclusive Dog Spaces

Creating more neuro-inclusive dog spaces starts with recognising that the environment, communication and way a service is delivered can all influence how someone experiences the dog world.

What feels straightforward and comfortable for one client might create unexpected barriers for another. From sensory demands and information overload to communication preferences, processing differences and the pressure of group environments, there are often factors we haven’t considered.

Inside NIDPN, you’ll find practical guidance, resources and real-world examples to help you recognise these barriers and explore ways to make your classes, consultations and services more accessible.

You’ll discover ways to adapt communication, consider your physical and learning environments, and make small changes to everyday interactions that can make a meaningful difference.

It’s not about completely redesigning your business or creating a different service for every client. It’s about understanding what people might need, recognising where barriers exist and making thoughtful adjustments so more people can participate, learn and succeed.

You’ll find:

• Practical guidance, downloadable guides, checklists and worksheets to support your professional development.
• Resources to help you improve communication, accessibility and the overall client experience.
• Real-world examples and practical ideas you can adapt and apply in your own classes, consultations and services.
• A growing collection of resources, with new materials added as the Network develops.

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🔥 Around the Campfire

The heart of the Network.

Imagine pulling up a chair, settling around the campfire and having a proper conversation with people who understand the world you work in.

That’s the feeling behind The Campfire.

It’s the community at the heart of NIDPN. A place to connect with other dog professionals, share experiences, ask questions, exchange ideas, celebrate successes and talk openly about the challenges of working with people and dogs.

It’s about having people in your corner. People who are willing to listen, offer a different perspective, share what they’ve learned and encourage you along the way.

For neurodivergent dog professionals, it can also mean finding a space where you feel understood, without always having to explain why you think, communicate or work differently.

And you don’t need to be neurodivergent to belong. You simply need to value connection, understanding and making a positive difference in the dog world.

There’s no pressure to attend everything, contribute to every conversation or keep up with everyone else. Pull up a chair when you can, get involved in the ways that work for you and take what you need from the community.

Within Around the Campfire, you’ll find:

🔥 Fireside Chats

Our monthly online get-togethers around the virtual campfire.

Hosted on Zoom, Fireside Chats are an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of running your dog business and connect with other members.

Some months we’ll have a particular topic to explore, perhaps prompted by a question from a member, something I’ve been thinking about or a subject where we’d love to hear different opinions, experiences and perspectives.

Other months, we might simply get together for a catch-up, share what’s happening in our work, exchange ideas and enjoy a relaxed community conversation.

There’s no formal agenda or expectation to arrive with something prepared. It’s about making connections, learning from one another and having a space to talk with people who understand the realities of working in the dog world.

Come along, pull up a chair and join the conversation. Or simply listen in. You’re welcome either way.

🤝 Side-by-Side Sessions

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t knowing what needs doing. It’s finding the time, focus or motivation to actually get started.

Our relaxed body-doubling sessions give you dedicated time to work alongside other members and make progress on whatever matters most to you.

That might be planning your next steps, studying, creating content, catching up on admin, working through a business task or finally tackling something you’ve been putting off.

There’s no teaching, no formal agenda and no expectation to contribute. You don’t need to turn your camera on, speak or explain what you’re working on.

It’s simply about having some dedicated time, a little accountability and the company of others working towards their own goals.

Sometimes, knowing you’re not doing it alone is all it takes to get things moving.

Bring your to-do list, settle in and make some progress alongside others.

🔥 Campfire Conversations

Throughout the year, we’ll welcome guest speakers into the Network for our Campfire Conversations.

These sessions bring together lived experience, professional expertise and different perspectives on the realities of neuro-inclusive practice, working with dogs and running a dog business.

You’ll have the opportunity to hear from people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise, explore new ideas, discover different approaches and consider how their experiences might influence your own professional practice.

From thought-provoking discussions to practical insights, Campfire Conversations are about broadening our understanding, challenging familiar ways of thinking and learning from the people around us.

Because sometimes, a different perspective is exactly what we need to see something in a new way.

💬 Staying Connected

Being part of NIDPN isn’t just about attending sessions or accessing resources. It’s about having an ongoing connection with a community of people who share your interests, experiences and commitment to making a difference in the dog world.

Your Monthly Network Email

You’ll receive a monthly Network email keeping you up to date with what’s happening inside NIDPN, including upcoming webinars, Fireside Chats, Side-by-Side Sessions, Campfire Conversations and new resources.

It’s an easy way to keep track of what’s coming up and find out what’s happening inside the Network.

The Campfire Facebook Group

As an NIDPN member, you’ll also have access to our private Facebook community, The Campfire.

This is where the community continues between our scheduled sessions. It’s a space to connect with other members, share experiences, chat, ask questions, celebrate wins and keep conversations going.

You’ll also find regular opportunities to get involved, including:

• Share Your Spark: A chance to share your weekly wins, achievements, ideas or something you’re particularly pleased with. Big or small, we want to celebrate the things that matter to you.
• Pull Up a Chair: Occasional informal Facebook Lives where I’ll pop into the group to share thoughts, observations, ideas and things happening in the dog world. Nothing overly formal, just a chance to connect and get conversations going.

The group is also where I’ll share announcements, reminders and updates about what’s happening inside the Network.

Prefer to stay away from social media?

That’s absolutely fine. You don’t have to be active on Facebook to get value from your membership.

Questions & Support in MemberVault

Inside MemberVault, you’ll also have access to our dedicated Questions & Support space.

This is where you can pick my brains when you need a more specific answer or perspective, whether that’s a business question, something you’re experiencing with a client, a challenge in your own dog training or something you’re trying to work through professionally.

You can also search previous questions and answers, so you may find that someone else has already asked something similar.

There’s no weekly check-in and no expectation to keep up with everything. You can get involved in the ways that work for you, dip in when you need support and make the Network part of your professional life in a way that feels manageable.

The Campfire is always there when you need somewhere to connect.

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Included as a Member

Staircase to Success (worth £97)

Seven Simple Steps to Start Strong and Succeed in Your Dog Business

A complete self-paced course to help you build the foundations of your dog business, with practical training, workbooks and resources to help you move from idea to action.

Agility Success Vault (worth £97).

This separate learning library brings together webinars, training insights and practical resources exploring dog behaviour, handler mindset, emotional regulation and performance in agility and other competitive dog sports.

While The Connection Code Academy provides the wider framework for understanding yourself, your dog and your partnership, the Agility Success Vault offers additional practical learning for those wanting to develop confidence, understanding and performance in sporting environments.

Both included as part of your membership at no additional cost!

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📍 Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Directory

As part of your NIDPN membership, you’ll have the opportunity to be included in the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Directory.

The directory has been created to help dog owners, handlers, competitors and fellow professionals discover dog professionals who are committed to creating more understanding, accessible and neuro-inclusive experiences within the dog world.

Being listed is completely optional. If you’d like to be included, your profile can help people discover your services, connect with other neuro-inclusive professionals and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development through NIDPN.

As the Network grows, so will the directory, creating a valuable resource for people looking for more understanding and neuro-inclusive support.

Your membership includes the opportunity for:

• An optional directory listing for active members.
• Increased visibility for your services.
• Opportunities to connect with other neuro-inclusive professionals.
• Being part of a growing network committed to creating a more neuro-inclusive dog world.

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Membership pricing

Join the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Network for £27 per month.

Your membership is just £27 per month, with your price locked in for as long as your membership remains active.

NIDPN brings together dog professionals who want to look beyond the behaviour, understand the person holding the lead and explore how Neuro-Inclusion can make a difference to the way we work with people and dogs.

You’ll have access to professional development, practical learning, resources, regular opportunities to connect and a supportive community where you can share experiences, ask questions and continue developing your practice.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be a neurodiversity expert. You just need to be curious, open to learning and willing to consider a different perspective.

Join us for £27 per month. Develop your understanding, connect with like-minded professionals and help shape a more neuro-inclusive future for the dog world.

Come and take your place around the Campfire.

Monthly membership. Cancel anytime. Access is linked to an active subscription. Terms & Conditions apply.