Understanding Our Dogs Through the L.E.G.S. Framework: A New Way to See Our Canine Companions
Hey there, dog lovers!
If you've been following our journey at Magnolia Dog Training & Behaviour, you might have noticed we've been diving deep into understanding our dogs on a whole new level. I recently completed the Kim Brophey Ethology course, and let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer. Today, I want to share some of what I’ve learned and how it’s reshaping the way we look at our dogs, their behaviors, and their needs.
What is L.E.G.S.?
L.E.G.S. stands for Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self. It’s a framework that helps us understand our dogs by considering four key factors that shape who they are.
Learning: Every experience your dog has had, from the moment they were born, plays a part in how they see the world and how they behave. This includes everything from how they were trained to the experiences they’ve had with people, other animals, and different environments.
Environment: Where your dog lives and what they’re exposed to daily affects their behavior and well-being. This includes their physical surroundings, the people they interact with, the other animals in the home, and even the energy and vibe of the household.
Genetics: Just like us, dogs inherit traits and tendencies from their parents and ancestors. These genetic factors can influence everything from how your dog responds to certain situations to their natural energy levels and instincts.
Self: This is your dog’s individual personality—their unique way of seeing and responding to the world around them. It’s the combination of all the other factors and how they come together to create the one-of-a-kind dog you know and love.
Why This Matters
Understanding L.E.G.S. has really opened my eyes to why our dogs behave the way they do. For example, if your dog is reactive on walks, it’s not just about "bad behavior" or something you did wrong. It could be a combination of their past experiences, their genetics, the environment you’re walking in, and their individual personality. This perspective helps us see the bigger picture and realize that behavior isn’t just about training—it’s about understanding and meeting our dogs’ needs on multiple levels.
The Rise in Reactive Behaviors
One thing we’ve been noticing lately is an increase in reactive behaviors in dogs. There are a few reasons for this, and L.E.G.S. gives us some insight into why it’s happening.
Firstly, our environments have changed drastically, and not always in ways that suit our dogs. More crowded urban areas, more noise, more stress—it all adds up. Add to that the fact that many dogs are bred for traits that might not mesh well with modern life (think high energy working breeds living in small apartments), and you’ve got a recipe for stress and reactivity.
And let’s not forget learning—if a dog has had negative experiences or hasn’t had the chance to learn how to cope with certain situations, they’re more likely to react strongly when they’re stressed or scared.
What We Can Do
So, what can we do with this knowledge? First off, we can start by being kinder to our dogs—and to ourselves. Understanding that behavior is complex and not just about training can take a lot of pressure off. It’s okay if your dog isn’t perfect; none of us are!
We can also start thinking about how we can better meet our dogs’ needs. This might mean adjusting their environment, giving them more enrichment, considering their genetics, or even changing how we train them to focus on building their confidence and reducing stress.
Final Thoughts
The L.E.G.S. framework has given me a fresh perspective on our dogs and their behavior. It’s not just about obedience or training; it’s about understanding who our dogs are, where they’ve come from, and what they need to thrive. I’m excited to keep exploring this and sharing more insights with you all.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can support our dogs in a way that considers their whole selves, stay tuned! There’s so much more to dive into, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with you and your pups.
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