Episode 133. The Missing Piece in Dog Behavior: Are You Meeting Your Dog’s Needs? with Kim Brophey, Dog Behavior Expert

Why are so many dogs today anxious, reactive, or struggling with behavior issues?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Brophey, Applied Ethologist, Dog Behavior Expert and creator of the groundbreaking LEGS Framework and Family Dog Mediation Center, to explore the root causes behind dog behavior challenges — including anxiety and reactivity.

When we step back and look at dogs through a wider, more compassionate lens, it becomes painfully clear how often our modern expectations clash with who our dogs actually are and what they truly need to thrive.

Through Kim’s LEGS framework – Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self – we unpack how each element affects a dog’s behavior and how pet parents can begin making small but meaningful changes that honor who their dog truly is. I’ll even share what this has looked like in my own life with my own dogs.

Whether you’re a pet parent, rescuer, shelter volunteer or trainer, this conversation may change the way you see dogs – and remind you just how much power we have to improve their lives by understanding who they are.

Kim & I discuss:

  • Growing up as a “nature nerd” in the city;

  • Her education and career journey;

  • Why she didn’t want to be a dog trainer;

  • Where have we gone wrong with dogs?

  • Dogs as a captive species;

  • Our expectations for dogs;

  • How she created the LEGS framework;

  • Explaining each element of LEGS - Learning Environment Genetics Self;

  • Is it the Environment piece that we’re getting wrong?;

  • How Kim’s work has impacted me as a pet parent;

  • Our responsibility to meet our dogs’ needs; and

  • The Family Dog Mediator program and upcoming Total Welfare app

Where to Find & Learn from Kim:

Other Links Discussed:

Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet?

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Let’s Connect: