Skip to content

What are the FDM Licensure Divisions?

Behavior
Breeding
Handling
Training
Working
Support Pros
Veterinary
Sheltering
Service & Library
FDM Licensure Divisions & Respective Requirements:

BEHAVIOR - LFDM - 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:
1- 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.
2- 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.
3- $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)

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 – 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)

VETERINARY - LFDM-V - L.E.G.S. in Veterinary Medicine - Requirements:

Credentials – DVM, VMD, DAVCB, RVT, LVT, CVT, or similar.
Experience – have at least two years of practical experience working with dogs in a veterinary medicine environment/capacity.
Dues – $25/month ($10/month as additional Licensed Division)

BREEDING - LFDM-B - L.E.G.S. in Breeding - Requirements:

Credentials – none required
Experience – Has been or are active in dog breeding, genetics, education for breeders, etc
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)

SHELTERING - LFDM-S - L.E.G.S. in Shelter & Rescue - Requirements:

Credentials – none required, but CSB-D, CSBS, or similar is fabulous
Experience – 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)

HANDLING - LFDM-H - L.E.G.S. in Handling - 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 grooming or low stress handling /cooperative care capacity.
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)

SUPPORT PROS - LFDM-SP - L.E.G.S. in Support Professions - Requirements:

Credentials – none required.
Experience – 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)

SERVICE & LIBRARY - LFDM-S & L - L.E.G.S. Service Work & Library of Resources - Requirements:

Credentials – none required.
Experience – Applicants should have experience with (and examples of) their work to contribute to the Services & Library Division in design skills, copy editing, video production, project management, social media marketing, social media content development, materials development, event planning, administration, public speaking, human resources, fund-raising, etc.
There are no financial dues for this division, as services are provided to the community in a meaningful capacity. Library Licensure constitutes primary or “first” division dues ($25/month) & as such any other secondary or third divisions will be $10/month. *Note – failure to participate / contribute to projects annually may result in revocation of licensure/full charges for subsequent division.