Have you ever struggled to take in new information, teach clients effectively, or improve your dog handling skills? You’re not alone!
For years, we’ve been told that people are either visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic learners, but new research suggests that learning is much more complex—especially for neurodivergent people.
Whether you’re a dog trainer, agility handler, or dog business owner, understanding how you (and your clients) learn best can make a huge difference in:
✅ Retention & understanding – so clients take action on what you teach.
✅ Performance & confidence – so you train smarter, not harder.
✅ Business growth – so learning new skills feels easier, not overwhelming.
So what actually works? Let’s dive into the science of learning and how to apply it in the dog world.
The ‘Myth’ of Learning Styles – What the Research Says
You’ve probably heard of learning styles, where people are categorised as:
- Visual learners (prefer pictures, diagrams, and written words)
- Auditory learners (prefer listening to explanations)
- Kinaesthetic learners (prefer hands-on learning and movement)
This idea feels right to many people including myself, but research suggests that people don’t learn better just by using their preferred style. Instead, a mix of learning strategies leads to better understanding, memory, and application of knowledge.
But here’s the catch… most studies on learning focus on neurotypical adults. What about neurodivergent people, like those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia?
How Neurodivergent Brains Learn Differently
If you’re neurodivergent (or work with neurodivergent clients), learning strategies might need to be adapted. Here’s how different brains process information:
🧠 ADHD Learners – Thrive with novelty, structure, and hands-on tasks. Long lectures? Not ideal. Short, interactive sessions? Much better.
🔹 Autistic Learners – Prefer clear, structured patterns and may struggle with vague instructions. Direct communication and predictable formats work best.
📖 Dyslexic Learners – May struggle with written information but excel in multisensory learning, like listening, watching, and doing at the same time.
This is why traditional teaching methods don’t work for everyone—especially in the dog industry, where clients come from all backgrounds!
What Actually Works: Cognitive Strategies for Learning
Let’s look at what the new research says.
Instead of focusing on “learning styles,” studies show that cognitive strategies help all learners (neurotypical and neurodivergent) process information better.
1. Chunking (Break It Down!)
💡 Example for dog trainers: Instead of teaching everything at once, break skills into small, digestible steps. Clients (and dogs!) learn faster when lessons are structured in stages.
2. Visualization (Picture It in Your Mind!)
💡 Example for agility handlers: Visualising a course before running it can improve muscle memory and reaction time.
3. Self-Talk (Verbal Processing!)
💡 Example for dog business owners: Talking through a problem aloud can help clarify ideas and reduce overwhelm. This is especially useful for ADHD learners.
4. Reframing (Mindset Shift!)
💡 Example for business growth: Struggling with marketing? Instead of seeing it as “selling,” reframe it as “helping people find the right solution for their dogs.”
5. Association (Link New to Familiar!)
💡 Example for learning theory: Instead of memorising terms, link new concepts to things you already understand (e.g., “Shaping is like playing hot & cold with your dog!”).
Applying This to the Dog Industry – Why It Matters
If you’re a dog trainer, knowing how your clients learn can help them retain information, practice effectively, and get better results.
If you’re an agility handler, understanding your own learning process can help you improve your handling skills and achieve more success in competition.
If you’re a dog business owner, learning efficiently means less stress, faster growth, and more confidence in your business journey.
Want to Learn More? Join the Neuro Hub!
If you’re curious about how neurodivergent learning affects dog training, business, and mindset, I have just opened up a brand new FREE Facebook group where we bridge the gap between neurodivergence and the dog world!
Join the Neuro-Inclusive Dog Hub – a community for neurodivergent and neurotypical dog owners and professionals who want to:
✅ Learn smarter, not harder
✅ Adapt their teaching and training methods
✅ Connect with like-minded professionals and dog owners.
It is an inclusive safe space where people connect, share ideas and tips to help both the dog owners and dogs succeed in whichever ways work for them.
📢 Join the conversation inside the Neuro Hub and let me know what learning styles work best for you.
There is certainly so much to still learn, but together we can make the changes necessary for everyone to succeed!
Till next time, Katrina x
Katrina Bayliss Coaching 