Speaking & Media

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to conversations that are helping shape a more neuro-inclusive dog world.

Through published articles, podcast appearances, speaking engagements and professional education, I share practical, evidence-informed approaches to creating dog training environments where neurodivergent people—and their dogs—can thrive.

My work combines lived experience, professional knowledge and practical application, focusing on making neuro-inclusive practice achievable for dog professionals, organisations and dog guardians alike.


Areas of Expertise

My work centres around:

  • Neuro-inclusive dog training
  • Supporting neurodivergent dog guardians
  • Accessibility within dog training classes
  • Neuro-inclusive business practices
  • Reasonable adjustments in the dog industry
  • Neurodivergence in dog agility and dog sports
  • Communication and learning styles
  • Professional development for the dog industry

Published Articles

Edition Dog Articles:

My work has been published in Edition Dog, including an article selected for the magazine’s Crufts edition, alongside a growing series of features exploring neuro-inclusive practice across different areas of the dog world.

Neurodiversity in Dog Training: Why It Matters:

Published in the Edition Dog Crufts edition, this feature explores why neuro-inclusive practice matters within modern dog training and how greater understanding benefits both people and dogs.

Different Ways of Learning: Making Dog Training Classes More Accessible and Inclusive for Neurodivergent Guardians:

Exploring how small changes to communication, structure and delivery can make dog training classes more accessible and supportive for neurodivergent dog guardians.

Designing Dog Businesses for Different Brains: How Inclusion Improves Performance Across Teams and Clients:

A trade-focused article examining how neuro-inclusive working practices, communication and reasonable adjustments can improve both team performance and customer experience within dog businesses.

When Your Brain Runs a Different Course: Neurodivergent Experiences in Dog Agility:

Looking at agility through a neurodivergent lens, exploring processing differences, sensory load, competition pressure and practical ways to help handlers thrive.


Agility Voice Magazine

Published article exploring neurodivergence within dog agility, including the barriers many handlers experience and practical ways the sport can become more accessible and inclusive.


Other Publications

My work has also appeared in local and specialist publications covering dog training, behaviour and agility, helping bring neuro-inclusive thinking to a wider audience across the dog world.


Published Author

Milo: The Dog That Gave Me It All

My first published book tells the story of how one dog changed the course of my life.

It follows my journey from struggling with severe anxiety and barely being able to leave the house, to building a successful career in the dog industry. Along the way, it explores the powerful relationship between people and dogs, and how understanding ourselves can transform the way we work, learn and live together.

Further books are currently in development.


Hosted Podcasts

As well as writing and speaking, I host two podcasts exploring neuro-inclusive practice, dog training, agility and the wider dog industry.

These conversations bring together lived experience, professional expertise and practical ideas, creating a space where honest discussions help drive positive change across the dog world.

🎙️ The Neuro-Inclusive Dog Podcast

The Neuro-Inclusive Dog Podcast explores the experiences of neurodivergent dog professionals, dog guardians and industry experts who are helping shape a more accessible and inclusive dog world.

Together, we discuss neurodiversity, dog training, business, wellbeing and the practical changes that can help people,and their dogs, feel more seen, supported and understood.

👉 Explore The Neuro-Inclusive Dog Podcast

🎙️ Dog Agility Unmasked

Formerly Ground Zero to Grade 7, Dog Agility Unmasked explores the often-overlooked aspects of agility beyond handling skills.

Episodes cover mindset, confidence, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, the dog-handler relationship and the realities of navigating agility as a neurodivergent handler, while encouraging more inclusive conversations within the sport.

👉 Explore Dog Agility Unmasked


Podcast Appearances

I regularly join podcasts and interviews to discuss neuro-inclusive practice within the dog world.

Dogs Do Speak Podcast

Creating More Neuro-Inclusive Dog Training Services

In this conversation with Colin Spence, we explore what it really means to create dog training services that are genuinely inclusive for neurodivergent people. We discuss the barriers many trainers and clients experience, why the human end of the lead deserves just as much attention as the dog, and how simple, practical changes can make training environments more accessible and supportive.

This episode is particularly valuable for dog trainers, behaviourists, agility instructors and other canine professionals who want to build services that are both inclusive and effective, helping more people and their dogs succeed together.

👉 Listen to the episode

The Rachel Spencer Podcast

Neurodivergence, Burnout & Creating a More Neuro-Inclusive Dog World

In this conversation with Rachel Spencer, we explore how neurodivergence influences dog training, business, communication and wellbeing. I share my own journey into the dog industry, why creating neuro-inclusive environments benefits both people and dogs, and how small changes can make dog training more accessible for everyone. We also discuss burnout, authenticity, boundaries, social media, and the importance of supporting the human end of the lead

👉 Listen to the episode

The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast

Neurodivergent Dog Professionals: Building Sustainable, Inclusive Businesses

In this conversation with Nathan Dunleavy, I explore why so many neurodivergent dog professionals feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or like they’re “doing business wrong”—when in reality, many traditional business models simply weren’t designed with different brains in mind.

Together, we discuss burnout, emotional load, inclusive service design, sustainable ways of working, and practical strategies that help dog professionals build businesses that work with their brains rather than against them. We also explore how creating more neuro-inclusive services benefits both professionals and the clients they support

👉 Listen to the episode


Speaking & Professional Contributions

Alongside writing and podcast appearances, I deliver talks, workshops and professional development sessions for organisations, businesses and events across the dog industry.

My sessions focus on creating practical, achievable change through neuro-inclusive approaches that improve learning, communication and wellbeing.


Interested in Bringing These Ideas to Your Audience?

If you’re organising a conference, podcast, workshop, CPD event, panel discussion or professional development session, I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator or podcast guest, I create engaging, practical and thought-provoking sessions tailored to your audience.

👉 Book Katrina Bayliss to Speak

Explore my speaking topics, workshop formats and how we can work together to create a more neuro-inclusive dog world.

Or, if you’re ready to start the conversation, please get in touch below to discuss your event, audience and availability.

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I’m Katrina

I’m the founder of Dogs & Divergent Minds and the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Professional Network (NIPDN)

I’m passionate about making the dog world more neuro-inclusive through education, speaking, practical resources and community – helping dog professionals, organisations and neurodivergent dog guardians create environments where everyone can thrive.

🧩 Join the NIPDN
Become part of a growing community working together to create positive change across the dog industry.

🎤 Speaking & Media
Explore my published articles, books, hosted podcasts, guest interviews and media features exploring neuro-inclusive practice across the dog world.

📚 Learning Hub
Browse practical resources, guides and articles on neuro-inclusive dog training and professional practice.