Finally, there are some real answers:
for trainers & behaviorists,
for veterinary & shelter pros,
for groomers & walkers & sitters & keepers.
FOR DOG PEOPLE, LIKE YOU.

You're a pro. You already know a bit about "how" to teach dogs & people. But sometimes you just can't shake the sense that you're missing some critical pieces of the puzzle— like "why" so many behaviors are happening in the first place.

We have been taught to view dog behavior all wrong – as something it is our job to change or “fix”. Most of us trainers, with our emphasis on “how” to change behavior, are not getting the depth of meaningful resolution for the dogs & families we serve that they so desperately need—because we never actually get to the source of the problems that those symptom behaviors are reflecting. 

You want to be the very best for dogs and people, & you know you need to find those missing keys to do it. Well, get ready to take your professional journey to the next level, because you finally found them. Fill in the gaps, connect the dots, & give yourself & the dog families you serve the comprehensive understandings & interventions that make the difference.

Student Reviews

5 star rating

Phenomenal!!!!

Mariana Jones

I was a little intimidated when I first started the course but Kim is SO well spoken, the content is fascinating and how Kim can put things in context or give examples makes the learning fun and relevant! I learned SO much and can't wait to integr...

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I was a little intimidated when I first started the course but Kim is SO well spoken, the content is fascinating and how Kim can put things in context or give examples makes the learning fun and relevant! I learned SO much and can't wait to integrate this into my work!!!

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5 star rating

A thought Provoking and Inspiring Course

Jon Davison

This is just what the dog industry needed - A REBOOT - Kim's style of delivery is so engaging and having worked with dogs for over 30 years - this course has validated a lot of what I was thinking but often felt unsure (maybe even afraid or scared...

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This is just what the dog industry needed - A REBOOT - Kim's style of delivery is so engaging and having worked with dogs for over 30 years - this course has validated a lot of what I was thinking but often felt unsure (maybe even afraid or scared to say out loud) to say anything - I feel really privileged to have taken this course and cannot wait to start implementing what I have learnt - My clients will get a massive benefit from this. Now I need to digest and then I'm going to do it all again :) ... A must take course !!

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5 star rating

A course for every professional’s resume , thank you!

sylvia koczerzuk

LEGS is exactly what the training industry needs. What was once taught 25 years ago had been lost and thank you Kim for bringing this great back to the training industry. A lot of helpful knowledge sharing the history of our dogs so that you ...

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LEGS is exactly what the training industry needs. What was once taught 25 years ago had been lost and thank you Kim for bringing this great back to the training industry. A lot of helpful knowledge sharing the history of our dogs so that you know who they are as we work with families..

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5 star rating

Loved it!

Harriet Alexander

I have done an awful lot of online learning over the past two years and often struggle to stay focused and interested. Not with this one! I devoured the course and have since been referring back to it to better cement my knowledge. Kim is a brilli...

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I have done an awful lot of online learning over the past two years and often struggle to stay focused and interested. Not with this one! I devoured the course and have since been referring back to it to better cement my knowledge. Kim is a brilliant educator - not only is the content refreshing and fascinating, she's also very funny, engaging and enviably articulate. I think the fact it was recorded live to an audience, as opposed to in front of a computer screen, also makes it far more dynamic to watch. Lots of laser beam insights and an exciting and important offering for the dog industry - can't recommend it enough.

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5 star rating

Absolutely love the direction!

Cynthia Wilmot

I am so glad to see the dog training community embrace a more fair and natural approach to teaching and communicating with the dogs in our lives. I love seeing us stop using things like commands and control and obedience. Dogs have enriched my lif...

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I am so glad to see the dog training community embrace a more fair and natural approach to teaching and communicating with the dogs in our lives. I love seeing us stop using things like commands and control and obedience. Dogs have enriched my life in so many ways and I can see just how much I learn from them if I only change my focus and allow myself to grow. Fantastic!

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5 star rating

A MIND BLOWING COURSE!!!

Anthony De Marinis

This course is truly what every trainer, regardless of training style, needs in their tool box. Kim thoroughly covers concepts that are not found in your typical dog training and behavior courses. She provides information specific to dog breeds, b...

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This course is truly what every trainer, regardless of training style, needs in their tool box. Kim thoroughly covers concepts that are not found in your typical dog training and behavior courses. She provides information specific to dog breeds, breaks down behavior and learning and provides simple concepts, ideas and solutions to addressing client concerns. Kim’s L.E.G.S. Model truly breaks down our dogs both as whole and individually. I cannot wait for what other mind blowing information, courses and programs she has in store!!!

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5 star rating

Informative and thought-provoking

Christina Hargrove

This is an educational and thought-provoking course. I came in with a strong preference for behaviorism, and I had to consciously set aside some discomfort I felt in talking about genetics and behavior. I could feel myself squirm, but I made mysel...

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This is an educational and thought-provoking course. I came in with a strong preference for behaviorism, and I had to consciously set aside some discomfort I felt in talking about genetics and behavior. I could feel myself squirm, but I made myself keep an open mind. I'm glad I did, because the information about the effects of genetics on behavior is incredibly valuable to understanding why some behavior change is harder than others, what will really make our dogs happy, and how to create a life that suits our pet dogs. Kim's approach also provides a way to communicate to our clients how to raise their dogs that I think will feel more natural to them, by integrating "training" into their daily lives right from the start. I'm looking forward to thinking and talking about these ideas a lot more.

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5 star rating

Inspiring and life changing

Ann-marie Troy

I absolutely loved this course!! I laughed a lot and shed a few tears. My passion in life is rescue and senior dogs. I never liked training but prefer to focus on building bonds and relationships. This course made me feel part of something very sp...

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I absolutely loved this course!! I laughed a lot and shed a few tears. My passion in life is rescue and senior dogs. I never liked training but prefer to focus on building bonds and relationships. This course made me feel part of something very special and that it is ok to stay true to myself and my beliefs regarding my relationship with my dogs, my friends. I feel very proud and honoured to be part of the family dog mediation family. Thank you so much Kim for inspiring.

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5 star rating

Unlike your normal dog course

Ali Stickler

This was an inspiring, brain thinking out of the normal dog course that will help dogs I see in the future. If you are interested in helping people understand how they can live in harmony with their companions I truly recommend it.

This was an inspiring, brain thinking out of the normal dog course that will help dogs I see in the future. If you are interested in helping people understand how they can live in harmony with their companions I truly recommend it.

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5 star rating

A New Hope for Dog Training

brian fleming

This course brilliantly takes aim at the status quo of dog training, knocking down the traditional "treat the symptom" approach to dog behavior. With a focus on the "why" rather than the "how" we can glean a new perspective on what is motivating o...

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This course brilliantly takes aim at the status quo of dog training, knocking down the traditional "treat the symptom" approach to dog behavior. With a focus on the "why" rather than the "how" we can glean a new perspective on what is motivating our canine friends to behave the way we do, and how to help them fit into our modern lifestyles. This course will help you think outside the two dimensional Skinner box and teach you how to see the four dimensional world of dog behavior - their Learning, their Environment, their Genetics, and their Self.

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5 star rating

KW Happy Dogs

Kirsten Wojcik

Amazing! So much insightful and thought provoking information. I am inspired!

Amazing! So much insightful and thought provoking information. I am inspired!

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Energize & Level Up Your Dog PRO Career

  • Unlock the Why

    You know. Many dogs are in real trouble these days. Like any other animal on earth, dogs struggle & suffer when the “key” of who they naturally are doesn’t fit the “lock” of their world. Most dogs are living a “pet” life, but weren’t designed for that habitat. Knowing why will energize your work.

  • Upgrade Your Understanding

    There’s a growing collection of leading professionals who have recognized the problem & are actively working to reconcile the gaps between science & practice in our field. The only question for each of us to answer is whether or not we’re going to keep up as professionals, & push ourselves to grow with the science we now have. Get your mind blown & CEUs (CCPDT, IAABC, RACE)

  • This is the Beginning

    This course is just the beginning of a journey for you as you join a new community to dog pros who are finally moving away from the polarized debates about HOW to best train dogs in order to have a far more consequential dialogue. This course is the organic body of the future of our industry. And we need you.

What you will learn inside

this one of a kind course

  • Fill in the gaps and connect the dots, giving you the missing links and puzzle pieces in your education so far with information and insights you can't find in any other course in the world.

  • Level up your professional career and relationships with dogs, as you join the cutting edge of the dog behavior industry.

  • Give you a community of leading dog professionals who are committed to respectful and creative dialogue in order to solve practical problems, where egos are checked at the door.

  • Give you the science to substantiate the observations and experiences you are having in your life and work with dogs in the modern age.

  • Provide you with a professional designation that you can be proud to hold as a Family Dog Mediator.

  • Relieve you from the burnout and pressure you have been feeling in your work.

Kim Brophey CDBC, CPDT-KA

Applied Ethologist and Owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center in downtown Asheville, NC.

Kim Brophey has garnered international attention in the industry for bringing applied ethology to the table, & wants you to pull up a seat & discover what you’ve been missing. Welcome to the new course in the pet dog industry. Welcome to a whole new world for dog pros. This course has the L.E.G.S. ® to get you there. Let’s evolve together.
Kim Brophey with dogs

Recorded on Location

in front of a live audience at Wolf Park

We were able to film this incredible live course experience so that you ALL can join us back where it all started, with the first 50 people to ever take this course. We hope to share that magical atmosphere with you inside this version on video.
It is exciting that the atmosphere of that moment in our industry is one that we will all be able to share together as students.
Seminar Group from Wolf Park

The ONE comprehensive course available to teach you WHY a dog's behavior is actually happening

Content Available September 30th 2021

Curriculum Highlights

Welcome to the Course

Course Introduction and Section 1: Dogs, People, Pros.

  • The Field of Dog Training and Behavior
  • Asking the Wrong Questions


Part One - L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology - Begins with Section 2: LIFE

  • Ethology - Life. Nature. Evolution.
  • Applied Ethology
  • Where OUR World Collides With Theirs
  • Phenotype and L.E.G.S.®
  • Integrating the Sciences


Section 3: Some Ethology 101

  • Ethology - Terms and Concepts


Section 4: Some Evolution 101

  • The Cornerstones of Evolution
  • Tinbergen’s 4 questions
  • “Levels of Analysis”
  • Coppinger’s Three Categories of Behavior


Section 5: Some Evolution 101

  • The Problems We Create: Interference in Genetics and Environment


Section 6: Welfare

  • What Is Welfare?
  • The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
  • Captivity and Compromise


Section 7: "Behavior Problems" as Symptoms

  • Behavior Is Naturally Adaptive and Functional in Life
  • Maladaptive Behavior
  • Symptom of Problems and Inadequate Welfare
  • Need For New Solutions
  • Applied Ethology and Family Dog Mediation


Introduction to Part Two - Family Dog Mediation

Section 8: SELF

The Big 6 Internal Conditions of the Dog & Effects on Behavior

  • Individual Personality/Psyche
  • Age/Ontongeny
  • Sex/Hormones
  • Nutrition/Condition
  • Disability/Physical Injury
  • Health/Physiology


Section 9: GENETICS

  • The Social Animal & Behavior
  • Wolf to Dog- Evolution’s Selections
  • The Ten Genetic Working Groups
  • History and Selections
  • Predatory Selections
  • Specific Learning and Environmental Needs


Section 10: ENVIRONMENT 

  • The Literal Environment
  • The Social Environment


Section 11: LEARNING 

  • Socialization
  • Relationship
  • The Power of Patterns
  • Communication
  • Social learning
  • Carrot vs Stick vs Premack
  • The Relationship Between Operant and Classical Conditioning
  • Methodology and Management
  • Punishment Problems
  • Changing Course- Neuroplasticity
  • Behavior and Stimulus Chains
  • Frontal Lobe Obstacles and Opportunities
  • Common Behavior Problems and Fast Practical Solutions


Section 12:  L.E.G.S. in Motion

Section 13: Kim's top dog hacks (practical solutions and interventions using applied ethology)

View our full curriculum PDF here

Kim Brophey has been seen on...

BPR News Logo
National Geographic
TED logo
The Washington Post
Psychology Today
Dog Centered Care
The Bitey End of the Dog
Pooch Parenting Podcast
The Functional Dog Collaborative

Become a Certified Family Dog Mediator

Get started now with our convenient

Frequently Asked Questions

Kim has thought of everything for you

  • Will there be a final exam/testing to complete the course?

    There are quizzes at the end of each section. The certificate level is for the accomplishment of completing the course, and then there’s a second level of licensure to demonstrate competency, which you will learn more about in the course.

  • How long will I have access to the course materials?

    You have lifetime access to the course.

  • Is it self paced or do I need to available at certain times?

    The course is entirely self paced for your convenience. Move through the content as you like, at your own speed.

  • In what format is the course content delivered?

    The course consists of the videos recorded when Kim orginally presented it live at Wolf Park, and so is far more dynamic and interesting to view for the size course that it is given that there was a live audience. There is a color downloadable/printable course book that coincides with the course content as you progress as well. In addition, there are numerous downloadable bonus materials for students within the course components: articles, posters and client handouts, logos for advertising your new certification, information about licensing, and other practical resources for you to use in implementation of the material in your work

  • Is there any recommended reading or viewing to compliment the course?

    Books:
    Meet Your Dog – Kim Brophey;
    Biophilia – Edward O. Wilson;
    Animals Make Us Human – Temple Grandin;
    Your Inner Fish – Neil Shubin;
    Dogs – A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution – Raymond Coppinger,
    Videos:
    What Darwin Never Knew – PBS;
    Planet Earth Series – Discovery Channel,
    Life Series – Discovery Channel;
    Motor Patterns and Their Influence on Breed Specific Behavior Problems – Ken McCort

  • Who is this course designed for? Do you have to be a professional trainer to take this course?

    This course was designed for dog behavior pros who want to fill in the gaps in their education as trainers and take their career to the next level, by providing the missing pieces of the puzzle in their knowledge so far. BUT it is appropriate for other dog pros who are in the position of working with behavior such as shelter and rescue staff, veterinary professionals, daycare and kennel staff, dog walkers and sitters, and even aspiring trainers and seriously passionate students of their own dog's behavior. For anyone who really wants to understand the whole picture of what is actually happening for dogs behaviorally in the 21st century, this course is a critical and unique element of their education.

  • Is there any ongoing support from the instructor, a way to ask questions and talk about the content with other students?

    Yes! We have a dedicated Facebook Group for students of the course: LEGS Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Course

  • Will I be certified as a Family Dog Mediator after taking this course?

    YES! You will receive a certificated of completion and will be able to use the designation FDM after your name

  • What have students of the course felt about the value of the information so far?

    100% of the students who have reviewed this course said that it was valuable, that they learned a lot, and that they enjoyed it!

Applied Ethologist

Kim Brophey

Kim’s 20-year commitment to Family Dog Mediation® has been recognized both nationally and locally, awarded the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Outstanding Trainer of the Year in 2009 and the Best Dog Trainer of WNC six years in a row. She has lectured and taught courses at colleges, universities, and conferences on canine behavior, ethology, and welfare. Kim is a member of the International Society for Applied Ethology and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and is a past board member of the International Association and Animal Behavior Consultants and the Asheville Humane Society. 

Kim’s trademarked Dog L.E.G.S.® model is a groundbreaking new system for dog lovers to truly understand their dogs’ behavior- distilling multiple scientific disciplines and established principles into a simple and accessible framework for pet dogs and their people like never before. Kim is launching a coordinated grassroots movement to facilitate a paradigm shift and market disruption in the pet industry through: her book MEET YOUR DOG- The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior, TEDx talk – The Problem with Treating a Dog Like a Pet, Canine Genetic Heritage Testing Software –The Dog Key®, National Dog L.E.G.S.® Association for pet industry businesses and organizations, L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course, BEYOND THE OPERANT (BTO) Collaborative and establishment of Asheville as the official Dog City, USA®. She has become a powerful leading voice in the dog behavior and training industry internationally, with students all over the world. Kim’s vision is to facilitate a critical paradigm shift in our relationships with dogs- building bridges and inspiring others with comprehensive, practical science to redefine how we perceive, talk about, and treat our canine companions as a society.

What people are saying

about our Seminar Version of this Course

“Both my business partner and I have been telling everyone that this was the best seminar we have ever attended.”

Course Student

“ I was blown away by the awesomeness of this seminar.”

Course Student

“Kim was a fantastic presenter!”

Course Student

Join us in the L.E.G.S.® evolution that is changing the entire conversation in the dog behavior industry

Get started immediately!

More Student Reviews

Dog Pros Can't Stop Raving About the Course!

5 star rating

Excellent Course

Pat Sampsel

Since hearing Kim Brophey present more than a year ago and having read her book I have wanted to learn more. I had more questions about what I was doing and what I could be doing. This course helped reinforce my feelings that working with dogs a...

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Since hearing Kim Brophey present more than a year ago and having read her book I have wanted to learn more. I had more questions about what I was doing and what I could be doing. This course helped reinforce my feelings that working with dogs and their families should not be just about getting perfect obedience. It should be about learning a little more about the other being, creating a comfortable and not confining coexistence. This course is well presented and flows beautifully. I will say that the pricing of this course was deeply discounted after the initial group of us purchased it and the course itself was offered without a fee for other another seminar purchased around the same time frame. So if funds are tight, as they are for most in the training world, keep your eyes open for deep discount sales.

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5 star rating

Be part of the paradigm shift!

Monique Williams

As you are consulting with a client, have you ever thought to yourself, "This dog is all wrong for this house" or "the dog doesn't have behavior problems--he's just being a dog?" If so, this certificate course is exactly what your are looking for...

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As you are consulting with a client, have you ever thought to yourself, "This dog is all wrong for this house" or "the dog doesn't have behavior problems--he's just being a dog?" If so, this certificate course is exactly what your are looking for! This course is about finally putting it all together--learning, environment, genetics, and self as you're working with your clients. This isn't a how to--it's not about how you train. It's about how you adjust client expectations to meet the needs of the dog in front of them, which is a win for both the dogs and the clients.

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5 star rating

Love this course!

Wendy Taylor

Kim Brophey's course is such a refreshing addition to the knowledge base pertaining to why dogs behave the way they do and how to help them successfully navigate the very confusing and stressful world we put them in. Thank you, Kim, for sharing yo...

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Kim Brophey's course is such a refreshing addition to the knowledge base pertaining to why dogs behave the way they do and how to help them successfully navigate the very confusing and stressful world we put them in. Thank you, Kim, for sharing your knowledge, and for allowing us to join you in your efforts to evolve the dog training industry so that more dogs can be helped to live better and happier lives with their humans!

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5 star rating

L.E.G.S. Helps us to Understand Rather than Control

Lara Gardner

What an amazing and fascinating journey this has been. I haven't felt so energized and interested by new information in a long time. I couldn't get enough! So much of what is shared in this class is what has felt intuitively right to me for a long...

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What an amazing and fascinating journey this has been. I haven't felt so energized and interested by new information in a long time. I couldn't get enough! So much of what is shared in this class is what has felt intuitively right to me for a long time. Let's make this information the norm for those working with dogs (and other animals as well). Using L.E.G.S. will help humans to overcome human supremacy and find kinship with these creatures who share the planet with us by helping us to truly understand rather than control animals. I can't thank Kim Brophey​ enough for putting this together and making it available. It's quite an achievement. Thank you. My dogs thank you. My clients' dogs thank you. (:

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5 star rating

Enjoyed this course immensely!

shelly korobanik

The content of the course was fabulous and having this additional knowledge can do nothing but make us better at helping dogs and their families in today's modern world. Thanks Kim!

The content of the course was fabulous and having this additional knowledge can do nothing but make us better at helping dogs and their families in today's modern world. Thanks Kim!

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5 star rating

Indeed a GAME (& Life) CHANGER!!!

Vivi Myslik Jorgensen

The value of this course cannot be summed up in words!!! If you haven't taken it yet, do NOT hesitate - this course literally WILL change YOU as a professional, as a human being walking this planet on YOUR L.E.G.S. and interacting with dogs and th...

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The value of this course cannot be summed up in words!!! If you haven't taken it yet, do NOT hesitate - this course literally WILL change YOU as a professional, as a human being walking this planet on YOUR L.E.G.S. and interacting with dogs and their 4 L.E.G.S. - and the impact its teachings will have for clients & their dogs is no doubt A HUGE DEAL.....indeed a GAME CHANGER!! Thank you, Kim, for bringing all this to us!!!

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5 star rating

Absolutely brilliant!

Stephanie Morrow

This is just what the dog training industry needs! Thanks so much, Kim!

This is just what the dog training industry needs! Thanks so much, Kim!

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