The Key to Choosing and Understanding Your Dog: The L.E.G.S.® Model

When selecting a dog or addressing specific behaviors with your current canine companion, it’s essential to consider the whole animal. Understanding your dog from multiple perspectives can prevent potential issues and help you find simple solutions to problems. This blog will explore the L.E.G.S.® model, which stands for Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self, providing a comprehensive framework to understand and address your dog’s behavior.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach

Falling in love with a dog without considering compatibility can lead to frustration. For instance, asking a guard dog to be friendly with strangers or expecting a high-energy breed to be calm can result in unmet expectations. Conversely, simple adjustments in daily routines or responses can resolve what seem like insurmountable problems. Recognizing that you and your dog are different types of animals is crucial for a harmonious relationship.

Introducing the L.E.G.S.® Model

The L.E.G.S.® model, created in 2009, organizes insights from various scientific disciplines into an understandable framework for dog owners. It considers Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self as the fundamental elements affecting a dog’s behavior.

Learning

Learning encompasses your dog’s experiences and education. Dogs constantly learn from their environment, including your habits, reactions, and routines. For example, if you give your dog a treat to quiet him when he barks at the TV, he learns to bark whenever you pick up the remote to get a treat. Understanding what your dog learns from daily interactions helps in shaping desirable behaviors.

Environment

The environment plays a significant role in shaping behavior. Just as a hamster wouldn’t thrive in a fish tank, certain dog breeds have specific environmental needs. A Border Collie, bred for herding and working in fields, may struggle in a small apartment. Ensuring your dog’s habitat aligns with its natural inclinations is essential for its well-being.

Genetics

Genetics provide the blueprint for your dog’s physical and behavioral traits. Each breed has been selectively bred for specific behaviors, which influence their actions. For example, a terrier’s instinct to chase and kill small animals is hardwired. Understanding your dog’s genetic background can help set realistic expectations for its behavior.

Self

Self refers to the individual characteristics of your dog, including age, health, sex, and personality. These factors influence behavior in subtle ways. For instance, a dog in pain may become defensive, while a well-nourished dog may exhibit more positive behaviors. Regular veterinary care is crucial to identify and address these internal factors.

Adam, a college student, adopted Donut, a Plott Hound, without understanding her needs. He soon discovered that his small apartment and busy schedule were not suitable for her. Donut’s behavior, such as incessant barking and escaping, reflected her genetic predisposition and environmental stress. Had Adam known about the L.E.G.S.® model, he might have chosen a more compatible dog or adjusted his lifestyle to meet Donut’s needs.

Conclusion

Using the L.E.G.S.® model to understand your dog’s behavior can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious relationship. By considering Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self, you can address behavioral issues effectively and ensure your dog’s needs are met.

References

• American Pet Products Association. (2022). Pet Ownership Statistics. Retrieved from APPA
• Johnson, L., & Matthews, K. (2020). The Impact of Understanding Dog Behavior on Owner Satisfaction. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 17(1), 34-45.
• Pet Behavior and Training Institute. (2023). Effective Strategies for Managing Canine Behavioral Issues. Retrieved from PBTI