Family Dog Mediator
The Family Dog Mediator is a groundbreaking program recently introduced to the dog training industry by ethologist Kim Brophey, author of “Meet Your Dog.” Kim’s “L.E.G.S.” model of behavior analysis takes into consideration the following attributes that influence every dog’s behavior:
Learning
Learning
A dog’s experiences and education
Environment
Environment
The many aspects of a dog’s external world
Genetics
Genetics
The DNA that designed the dog inside and out
SELF
SELF
The unique interior world of a dog: health, development, age, sex, and individuality
Until the L.E.G.S. model was introduced, the dog training and pet owning population has widely accepted the notion that “it’s all how you raise them” to explain the reason for problematic dog behaviors. However, this conclusion misses the significant role that genetics bring to the equation. It cannot be overlooked that specific behavior traits were selectively influenced for centuries through the artificial breeding process to fulfill specific purposes that humans desired from dogs as working partners.
The Role of Genetics in Dog Behavior
To understand the reasons why our dogs behave in certain ways, it is important to consider the influences of their DNA.
To learn more about these breed categories, the behaviors for which they were selectively bred, and which category your dog fits, please read Kim Brophey’s book “Meet Your Dog.”
Gun dogs were bred to work alongside humans to locate food sources such as waterfowl, fish, and upland game birds, but not kill them.
Guardian dogs were bred to protect property or livestock from outside threats.
Herding dogs were bred to help humans move livestock, without harming or frightening them.
Scent hounds were bred to vocalize when they discovered the scent of a tracked animal, and to tenaciously follow the scent.
Sighthounds were bred to acutely perceive prey at a distance and to hunt wolves.
Toy dogs were bred to provide humans with companionship.
Terriers were bred to unearth and kill pests such as rats, badgers, and foxes.
Bull dogs were bred to assist in combat during ancient Rome, and later for blood-sport entertainment against larger animals such as bears and bulls, and unfortunately today, although illegal, against other dogs.
Natural dogs are the most closely aligned with their primitive ancestry in terms of behaviors.
World dogs, also known as mutts or mongrels, are the most diverse dogs, genetically speaking.
The Clash between Environment and Genetics for Pet Dogs
Our society has changed so rapidly through advances in technology within the past 50 years that the environment in which we ask pet dogs to live has largely eliminated the need to employ them for the jobs they were bred for. As a result, many pet dogs are not getting their basic needs met, largely living as captive animals with very little autonomy and oftentimes, very little exercise or mental stimulation. No wonder there is an abundance of “undesirable” behaviors from our beloved dog companions – barking, destructiveness, separation anxiety and reactivity, to name a few. These behavior issues are commonly a result of dogs being bored, stressed, and frustrated. Put simply, many pet dogs are screaming for help through their behaviors.
How L.E.G.S Can Help
Enter the Family Dog Mediator, which brings an entirely new perspective to solving dog behavior problems, considering the genetic programming which influence dog behaviors. With this model, Kim Brophey has introduced new solutions for dog owners to help their beloved pets live more harmoniously with their humans. As a Family Dog Mediator, I am so excited to be a part of this new revolution in dog training. If you are interested in becoming a part of this exciting new journey to help dogs, I invite you to join me!
My affiliate link to the L.E.G.S. course: