The Bitey End of the Dog From Training to Welfare: A Shift in Thinking with Kim Brophey
8 snips
Sep 22, 2025 In a captivating discussion, Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and dog behavior consultant, reveals how her LEGS model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) reframes dog behavior as reflections of unmet welfare needs rather than problems. She emphasizes the importance of behavioral diversity for canine welfare and explains how many dogs face environmental mismatches that stifle their natural behaviors. Kim also discusses the connection between canine and human well-being, advocating for societal shifts that enhance living conditions for both dogs and their owners.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Behavior Problems As Welfare Signals
- Many dog behavior problems are symptoms of unmet welfare needs rather than pure training failures.
- The LEGS model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) helps contextualize behavior within welfare science.
Five Domains Highlight Missing Natural Living
- The five domains model reframes welfare into biological, natural living, and mental state orientations.
- Pet dogs often have biological needs met but lack natural living affordances, harming their affective state.
Measure Welfare With Behavioral Diversity
- Measure welfare by observing behavioral diversity and evenness across species-typical suites (foraging, hazard avoidance, social, reproductive).
- Track a dog's diversity score before and after interventions to judge progress.
