What does resilience really mean for dogs living in modern environments? This course explores resilience as the ability to respond effectively to environmental change while also resisting the negative effects of stress. Using L.E.G.S., the presentation looks at the factors that influence a dog’s ability to cope, recover, and adapt over time. Participants will examine […]
How do we support World Dogs when human expectations are built around a very different idea of “pet dog”? This course explores the gap between what many owners expect from dogs and what World Dogs may actually be designed to do in modern American homes. Using the L.E.G.S. framework, this presentation helps professionals work with […]
Are dogs more like clocks, or more like clouds? This course uses the work of Dr. Robert Sapolsky to explore complex systems, reductionism, chaos theory, and what all of that has to do with dog behavior. Brian Flemming helps participants step away from overly simple cause-and-effect thinking and toward a more realistic understanding of dogs […]
What if the Humane Hierarchy is not the end of the welfare conversation, but one important stop along the way? This course revisits Susan Friedman’s Humane Hierarchy through the broader lens of L.E.G.S. and Total Welfare. Kelsey Weber affirms the value of the hierarchy as an ethical guide while also inviting professionals to slow down, […]
What does L.E.G.S. look like in a shelter or rescue environment? This course explores how the L.E.G.S. framework can transform the way organizations understand, support, and advocate for the dogs in their care. Angie shares the story of helping develop the DRIVE program and the process of changing the behavior program at Asheville Humane Society […]
What can highly sensitive dogs teach us about expectations, perception, and welfare? This course explores the lived experience of dogs who process the world with heightened sensitivity, and how easily they can be misunderstood when measured against cultural ideas of the “perfect” dog. Bridget Sullivan draws from personal experience and the L.E.G.S. framework to help […]
What if “doing less” is sometimes one of the most important welfare interventions we can offer? This course explores Kim Brophey’s Off Duty Protocol and how professionals can thoughtfully introduce it to clients. Anthony DeMarinis walks participants through the purpose of the protocol, who it may support, and why intentional downtime can be essential for […]
How do we support the humans when the dog behavior case is only part of the picture? This course explores the often messy, vulnerable, and deeply meaningful work of coaching clients through difficult behavior cases. Viviane Arzoumanian uses the L.E.G.S. framework to show how professionals can gather better information, build authentic relationships, and help clients […]
How do we use L.E.G.S. to slow down, gather better information, and see behavior cases more clearly? This course walks participants through two case studies using the L.E.G.S. framework as a practical guide for consultation work. Rather than jumping straight to techniques or training plans, Sonia Fathering demonstrates how to organize information in a way […]
How do we make sense of conflict between dogs who live in the same home? By stepping back from the incident itself and looking at the whole L.E.G.S. picture. In this course, Tiffany Baker breaks down intra-housemate dog aggression in a clear, digestible way, helping professionals sort through the many variables that can contribute to […]