Join a Movement Built on Collaboration, Not Competition
The L.E.G.S. initiative was built to unite professionals who are ready to raise the bar for dogs and the families who love them. Since launching in 2021, thousands of students across 25+ countries have joined a growing global community grounded in collaboration, science, and shared purpose.
This isn’t an industry “egosystem.” It’s a professional ecosystem – where reciprocity matters, contributions are valued, and when one of us grows, we all rise.
Benefits of Licensure
Professional Recognition
- Use the exclusive LFDM designation + Licensed Badge
- Public listing in the international LFDM Directory (photo + bio)
- Priority consideration to present at L.E.G.S. in Motion
- Opportunities to represent FDM at industry events
Increased Revenue Opportunities
- 20% affiliate commission (vs standard 10%) on all eligible material in the Education Center
- Eligible to submit courses that will be hosted in the FDM Education Center and share 50% of all profits
- Monthly promotional post access inside the L.E.G.S. Facebook Community
Exclusive Community Access
- Monthly Licensed Member Meetings with Kim Brophey
- Division “Think Tank” virtual meetings
- Case discussion, collaboration, and strategy sessions
- Access to the LFDM Library which houses editable resources for you to share with your clients or community that are branded with your company logo
Professional Support
- Access to FDM Library Team services (editing, design, etc.)
General Qualifications
To apply for LFDM Licensure, you must:
- Have completed the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course
- Have seen Kim Brophey’s The “Good Life” of a “Good Dog” – A Total Welfare Model for the Future of the Pet Dog Industry Talk. (This is included in the 2.0 version of the main L.E.G.S. course)
- Have been practicing as an FDM for at least 6 months after completing the course
- Demonstrate the ability to clearly articulate the L.E.G.S. Model, speak about Behavioral Diversity and how they apply to cases that are relevant to the division you are applying for
- Be engaged in the community either in the Facebook group, by joining the Bi-Weekly Q&A sessions, by joining the quarterly Deeper Dive Talks, or by collaborating with other FDMs or LFDMs in the community (active participation is strongly encouraged)
Review & Interview Process
- Applications are reviewed after each window closes
- Qualified applicants are invited to interview with the appropriate Division Head(s)
Interviews are completed by:
- March 31 (Winter applicants)
- August 31 (Summer applicants)
Applications are reviewed twice per year: January 1 – January 31 & June 1 – June 30
Division Qualifications
FDM Licensure Divisions
Licensure isn’t one-size-fits-all
FDM Divisions allow you to deepen your expertise within your specific field while staying connected to the larger L.E.G.S. professional ecosystem. Each division reflects the unique ways L.E.G.S. shows up across the canine world while maintaining the shared foundation of Total Welfare that unites us all. Learn about each division and specific qualifications below:
Division Guidelines
- First-time applicants may apply to one division only
- Current Licensed LFDMs may apply to add divisions during open windows
- Each division has specific qualification requirements (see Division Qualifications)
Behavior
LFDM-B – L.E.G.S. Behavior Consulting and Case Work
Requirements:
Credentials – have a current national / international certification in dog behavior consulting/case work
(CDBC, CBCC, CAAB, ACAAB, DACVB, CAB, CCAB, or similar designation).
Experience – have at least 3 years of practical experience in dog behavior consulting/case work with families.
Observation & Casework:
- After initial interview with division head, applicant will observe an established LFDM for at least 3 behavior consultations (recorded) and be able to discuss effectively using the L.E.G.S. model during the interviews.
- Have reviewed at least 3 of the current applicant’s behavior cases with an established LFDM (in person or remote) and be able to discuss effectively using L.E.G.S. model during the interviews.
- $100/hr. compensation to be paid directly to LFDM provider for interviews. Expect a minimum of 3 hours with an LFDM interviewer in the Behavior Division to determine competency in order to complete licensing process.
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)
Handling & Care
LFDM-H – L.E.G.S. in Handling & Care
Requirements:
Credentials – None required, but ideally: Low Stress Handling®, Fear Free, Cooperative Care,
Grooming (ideally Fear Free), Physical Therapy, or similar coursework or designation
Experience – have at least two years of practical experience working with dogs in a Low
Stress Handling®/Cooperative Care capacity, whether in grooming, training, veterinary work, rescue work, etc. The focus is on how to look at Total Welfare™ from a handling perspective.
Demonstration videos required for licensing – three separate short sample videos of low stress/ cooperative/ consent-based care to be submitted and approved by division head.
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)
Training
LFDM-T – L.E.G.S. Basic Pet Dog Life Skills Training
Requirements:
Credentials – have a current national / international certification in basic dog training (CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, IAABC- ADT, KPA-CDT, VSA-CDT, CTC, or similar).
Experience – Must have at least 2 years of practical experience in dog life skills training for family dogs.
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)
Working
LFDM-W – L.E.G.S. in Work, Sports, Military/Police, Service/Therapy
Requirements:
Credentials – none required
Experience – At least 2 years of experience working with dogs in at least two different functional applications (Hunting, Agility, Nosework, Search and Rescue, Tracking, Herding, Treibball, Lure Coursing, Man Trailing, Livestock Protection, Barn Hunt/Ratting, Rally, Freestyle, IPO, Schutzhund, Dock-diving, Flyball, Drafting, Sled-Dog Racing, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, etc.)
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)
Support Pros
LFDM-SP – L.E.G.S. in Support Professions
Requirements:
Credentials – none required.
Experience – Must have at least 2 years of practical experience working with dogs and families in support professions capacity such as daycares/playgroups, dog walking, pet sitting, enrichment, Freework, kenneling, hiking, etc.
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)
Sheltering
LFDM-S – L.E.G.S. in Shelter & Rescue
Requirements:
Credentials – None required, but CSB-D, CSBS, or similar is preferred
Experience – Must have at least 3 years of practical experience working with dogs and families in sheltering/rescue/adoption counseling
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)