The Monday Morning Inbox After Crufts…
You know the one.
Every year, like clockwork, my inbox is flooded with messages from people who’ve just watched the Crufts agility and now want to get started with their dog. And don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s brilliant that people are inspired.
But here’s the thing… I don’t take beginners anymore.
For those who don’t know, along with running my coaching business for dog professionals, I’m also an agility handler, trainer, and a specialist in problematic agility behaviour. So every year, right after Crufts, I get a wave of messages from people who want to get into agility.
And yet, despite my website and messaging making it clear that I no longer take on beginners, the inquiries keep rolling in.
This used to frustrate me. But now? I see it for what it is—proof that if your business messaging isn’t razor-sharp, you’ll keep attracting the wrong clients. And if you keep saying yes to the wrong clients, you’ll burn out.
And I know that because I’ve been there.
How It Started – Taking on Clients That Didn’t Align
Years ago, when I first started teaching agility, I took on beginners. It made sense—I wanted to build experience, prove myself, and get my name out there.
Even though I already had qualifications in dog behaviour, training, and agility, my confidence was rock-bottom. Other trainers were vocal about why I shouldn’t be teaching. They made me doubt myself. So I figured, If I start from the bottom and work my way up, maybe I’ll finally feel like I belong.
And in many ways, I built a successful business. I was running multiple classes every night, doing one-to-ones, workshops—the lot. I was busy. I was making lots of money. On the surface, it looked great.
But under the surface? I was exhausted.
Because while I loved agility, I didn’t love the way I was teaching it. I’d built a business that didn’t actually align with my values.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but my neurodivergent brain picks up on every tiny detail. It is fantastic for my behaviour work, but not so for beginners who just want to have fun with no desire to compete or learn more than was necessary to have a tired dog.
I don’t just want to run around a course for fun—I want to understand exactly how to get the best out of a dog. I want to understand the dogs emotions and needs and build a strong relationship and team where the results are just a by-product of the relationship you have created, and I want to work with people who care about those details too!
But back then? My messaging wasn’t clear. I was attracting people who just wanted a fun activity with their dog (which is totally valid, but not my thing).
I burnt out. I stepped away. And I honestly thought about walking away from agility completely.
The Turning Point – Realising My Worth
Around the same time, I noticed another trainer who was shouting loudly on social media. They had loads of clients, and I assumed they must be better than me.
My confidence plummeted. What’s the point? They’re doing it so much better than I ever could.
But then… I saw them in person. And I realised the information they were giving out wasn’t factually correct.
Meanwhile, I had the right knowledge—I just wasn’t shouting about it.
That was my wake-up call. I rebranded, refocused, and started attracting the right clients.
Now, I only take on a small number of in-person agility clients, and most of my agility coaching happens online through my membership, monthly coaching and one-to-ones zoom consultations.
The people who come to me now? They’re actually excited to dive into the details.
And that’s the difference.
Key Takeaways – Why Aligning Your Business with Your Values Matters
If you’re constantly attracting the wrong clients, it’s not because there’s something wrong with them—it’s because your messaging is off.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1️⃣ Your Business Needs to Fit YOU
It’s easy to get stuck in the “I should” mindset. I should take on beginners. I should say yes to every inquiry. But should doesn’t build a sustainable business. You have to shape your business around what actually works for you.
2️⃣ If It Doesn’t Align, You’ll Burn Out
You can chase the money, but if the work drains you, it won’t be worth it in the long run. Trust me—I’ve been there.
3️⃣ Confidence is Everything
If you don’t back yourself, no one else will. I spent years believing other trainers were “better” than me, only to realise they were just louder.
4️⃣ Messaging is Key
If you’re attracting the wrong people, it’s time to tweak your messaging. Your ideal clients are out there—but they need to know you’re the right fit for them.
The Neurodivergent Connection – Why This Matters Even More If Your Brain Works Differently
For years, I couldn’t understand why I was so easily drained by the work I was doing. Only in the last year—since being diagnosed with autism and ADHD—have I truly understood it.
Neurodivergent brains process things differently. We often notice everything, feel emotions more intensely, and struggle when things feel wrong on a fundamental level. If something is misaligned, we can’t just ignore it. And when we try? Burnout hits harder and faster.
This is why I’ve created the Neuro Business Hub—a free Facebook group opening this Friday for neurodivergent dog owners, agility handlers, and dog professionals. It’s a space where you can be yourself and connect with like-minded people who get it.
🐾 Whether you’re an agility handler struggling with confidence, a dog trainer battling imposter syndrome, or a dog owner who feels like mainstream training advice doesn’t quite fit—this space is for you.
The Neuro Business Hub is a completely safe, welcoming space where you can connect with others who get it. Whether you’re navigating agility, training, or just the everyday challenges of running a business as a neurodivergent person, or if your business is neurodivergent friendly, you don’t have to do it alone.
The group officially opens this Friday 9am, and I’d love to welcome you in.
🔗 Join the Neuro Business Hub here
Because your business—and your training—should work for you.
Till next time, Katrina x
Katrina Bayliss Coaching 