The Neuro-Inclusive Dog Pod | Series TwoHonest, compassionate conversations about dogs, people, and doing things differently, so neurodivergent dog people finally feel seen, safe, and supported!In this episode, I’m joined by Nathan Dunleavy to talk about dog walking, wellbeing, boundaries, and what it really takes to build a sustainable pet business.Dog walking is often seen as “just taking dogs out for a walk” but as this conversation shows, it is so much more than that!We talk about why dog walking and other pet-related roles can be such a good fit for neurodivergent people. The flexibility, the autonomy, and the ability to shape work around your own needs rather than forcing yourself into a rigid system that does not fit.Together, we explore:- Where to start if you are thinking about becoming a dog walker- Solo walks versus group walks and how to choose what is right for you and the dogs- Why understanding training and behaviour matters in real-world walking setups- The hidden challenges of dog walking that are rarely talked about- The unexpected joys, confidence boosts, and direction that can come from this work- We also go deeper into wellbeing in the pet care industry, including boundaries, burnout, and why caring deeply does not mean you have to overextend yourself.Nathan shares how he supports pet professionals, his thoughts on pricing and valuing your time, and how his background in business and corporate banking blends with a wellbeing-led approach.💚 Join the Community HubIf you would like a calm, supportive, neuro-inclusive space to talk about all things dog, you are very welcome inside the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub on Facebook.👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub🔗 Learn More About NathanTo learn more about Nathan, explore his work, or access his resources and freebies, you will find all the relevant links below:https://dogwalkingmentor.co.ukhttps://nathandunleavy.comFREEBIE:https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Y5JhBLvkD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Neuro-Inclusive Dog Pod | Series TwoHonest, compassionate conversations about dogs, people, and doing things differently, especially for neurodivergent and overwhelmed handlers.

In this episode, I’m joined by Andy Gibney, author of Dog Walking for Beginners, who shares the story of becoming an unexpected dog owner after loss.

Gentle content note: this episode includes discussion of bereavement and references to domestic abuse.

After the sudden loss of his partner Kirsty, Andy found himself caring for her dog, Sabat, with no prior experience of the dog world. Through patience, humour, and learning from mistakes, Andy began to build a relationship based on understanding rather than punishment.

We talk about grief, overwhelm, positive reinforcement, and what dogs can teach us about ourselves when we slow down and learn together.

💛 Join the free communityIf you’re not already part of my free community, you’re very welcome to join us.https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub🔗 Find Andy & his book:Learn more about Andyhttp://dogwalkingforbeginners.co.uk/

Buy a copy of Dog Walking for Beginners, Click here

In this final episode of Series One, I’m joined by Debby Lucken, founder of Kids Around Dogs (KAD), an organisation dedicated to creating safe, positive, and inclusive relationships between children and dogs.

Debby shares how her personal experiences shaped the creation of KAD, why she developed a course specifically for neurodivergent children and families, and how trainers and parents can better support children in their day-to-day lives with dogs. From challenges families face, to gaps in the dog training industry, to the importance of making services more accessible even without a formal diagnosis — this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and practical takeaways.

🔑 Key Points:

- How Kids Around Dogs was founded and what inspired Debby’s work

- Why she created a specialist course for neurodivergent children

- Common challenges neurodivergent families face when living with or training dogs

- Misunderstandings that can arise when professionals overlook neurodivergence

- A closer look at the course content and who it’s designed for

- Why Debby bought in experts like child psychologists and play therapists

- What’s missing in the wider dog training world and how KAD bridges the gap

- Making services more inclusive for children even without a diagnosis

- The positive feedback from trainers and real-life stories of impact

- Advice for dog professionals who want to be more inclusive but don’t know where to start.

👉 Want to connect with like-minded people, share experiences, and access resources on neuro-inclusive dog training? Join the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub free Facebook group today - https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub

🔗 Learn more about Debby’s work here: www.kidsarounddogs.co.uk

Insta: www.instagram.com/kadkidsarounddogs/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/KADkidsarounddogs Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kadkidsarounddogs

Neuro-Inclusive Dog Pod Ep 24 - This week I’m joined by Jess Kemp a Canine Behaviour Consultant and DTC Dog Trainer at Hoof and Paws, for a conversation that lifts the lid on the dog training industry.

We dive into the things people don’t often say out loud:

✨ The hidden challenges and toxic sides of the industry

✨ Why the pressure to “do all the courses” can be damaging

✨ Standing out without burning out in a judgmental space

✨ Bridging the gap between behaviour experts and intuitive trainers

✨ How lived experience shapes real connection with dogs and clients

✨ The importance of setting boundaries to protect wellbeing

This episode is all about honesty, values, and shaking off the pressure to fit the mould. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the dog world, you’ll want to hear this.

✨ Make sure you join the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub for more support, resources, and community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub

Check out the new website: https://dogsanddivergentminds.com/

💻 If you’d like to learn more about Jess, check out the links below:www.hoof-paws.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DUYyGXKuo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=18en5iww5ll71&utm_content=kvbpwsr

https://www.tiktok.com/@hoofpawsj?_t=ZN-8x5q8ESEDHq&_r=1

In today’s episode of the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Pod, I’m chatting with Helen Motteram from the Pet Professional Network.

Helen is not only a coach but also the creator of the Distinctive Dog Trainer program, where she helps professionals find their identity and build businesses that feel aligned and authentic.

Together we explore:- Why finding your identity as a dog professional matters, especially if you don’t feel like you fit the “typical mould”

- How being open about who we are (including being neurodivergent) can naturally attract the right clients

- The pressures of the dog training industry and how they can make authenticity harder

- Messaging, vulnerability, and bringing more of yourself into your business voice

- Practical steps for showing up more as yourself without feeling overwhelmed

- Creating a values-led, neuro-inclusive business that works for you and your clients

- Advice for handling clients who aren’t the right fit and instead attracting people who align with your values

- Finding confidence to stick with your own approach, even when it feels like everyone else is doing things differently

✨ Make sure you join the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub for more support, resources, and community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub

🔗 Connect with Helen:https://www.helenmotteram.com/https://www.petpronetwork.com/https://www.flockwithhelen.com/https://socialpawscheltenham.co.uk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/teade22?rdid=ZLFlMLZphYEwrxhy&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F16NKbok9w4%2F#

This week, I’m joined by Nina Fotara — a holistic gundog specialist, animal intuitive and confidence coach. We talk about her journey into the gundog world, why she believes energetics is the missing piece in dog training, and how her Reiki background shapes her work.

Nina shares how she supports neurodivergent clients, the power of intuition, and advice for anyone who feels they’re “not doing it right” in training or business. If you’ve ever felt pressure to follow a certain way — or you’re curious about the connection between human and canine energy — this is for you.

A must listen to for both dog owners and dog professionals!

Join the FREE Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub

Work with Nina or find out more here:https://confidentcanine.co.uk📧 Email: nina@confidentcanine.co.uk🎙️ Podcast: Holistic Dog – Listen on Spotify or your favourite platform💌 Mailing list (exclusive tips, brand discounts, & offers):https://confidentcanine.myflodesk.com/gundogsunleashed

Socials 🫶Instagram: @confidentcanineukTikTok: @holisticgundogspecialistFacebook: ConfidentCanineCentreYouTube: @TheHolisticGundogSpecialist🌿 Free quiz – Which Guardian Archetype Are You?Discover your unique energy type and how it impacts your dog:https://confidentcanine.myflodesk.com/elementalguardian

💫 Want to start with self-paced courses or online membership?Explore energy-based gundog training for balancing both ends of the lead at: www.holisticdog.uk

Struggling to keep up with social media as a dog trainer, solo business owner, or neurodivergent entrepreneur? You’re not alone — and this episode is for you.

In Episode 21, I chat with Tesni Kendell from Ace of Media, a social media strategist who supports small businesses — especially neurodivergent ones — to simplify their content and show up in a way that feels sustainable and aligned.

We talk about the most common challenges people face with social media, the pressure to be everywhere and do everything, and how to approach visibility without burnout. Tesni also shares her perspective on what real consistency looks like, how to choose the right platforms, and how to work with — not against — your energy levels. Plus, she introduces her fantastic 366-day content prompt workbook, designed to give you structure, inspiration, and low-pressure ways to stay visible throughout the year.

🎧 Topics include:

• Picking platforms that actually work for you
• Managing content overwhelm as a small business owner
• What consistency really means
• Sustainable strategies for neurodivergent brains
• How to keep showing up when energy or motivation runs low

If social media feels like a constant uphill battle, this conversation will help you find a rhythm that fits you — without the burnout.

Join the FREE Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghub

Work with Tesni or find out more here:

Workbook: https://aceofmedia.co.uk/product/aceyourmedia/

Website: www.aceofmedia.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ace-of-media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AceOfMedia

In this gentle and inspiring episode, I’m joined by Welsh artist Jane Lloyd, known for her beautifully detailed pet portraits and nature-inspired art.Together we explore how art can offer emotional support in the dog world — from helping people honour and remember the dogs they’ve lost, to giving trainers and owners a much-needed outlet to rest, reset, and reconnect with themselves.Jane shares her creative journey, how her portrait work brings comfort to grieving owners, and why you don’t need to be “artistic” to benefit from making something with your hands.Whether you’ve had a tough week, need a little space to breathe, or just want to listen to two creatives talk about the magic of memory, animals, and art — this one’s for you.Join the FREE Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/neurodoghubWork with Jane or find out more here:https://www.instagram.com/janelloydfineartisthttps://www.facebook.com/janelloydartisthttps://www.tiktok.com/@janelloydartisthttps://www.instagram.com/jane_lloyds_arty_partyhttps://www.facebook.com/janelloydsartyparty