Ep. 53 L.E.G.S and Total Welfare Model for Shelter and Rescue with Dr Kim Brophey
About this episode
Tom discusses the L.E.G.S. model and Total Welfare Model for shelter and rescue with Dr. Kim Brophey, focusing on humane approaches to dog behavior and welfare.
In this episode, Tom is joined by Dr. Kim Brophey , applied ethologist, author, and founder of Family Dog Mediation®, for an in-depth conversation on the L.E.G.S.® model , Family Dog Mediation , and the Total Welfare Model . Together, they explore how moving beyond one-size-fits-all training and behaviour labels can transform outcomes for dogs and the people who care for them. Dr. Brophey breaks down the L.E.G.S. framework, Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self , and explains how understanding the whole dog allows shelter and rescue professionals to make better assessments, reduce mislabelling, and support safer, more successful placements. The discussion highlights how Family Dog Mediation shifts the focus from “fixing” dogs to mediating between dogs, humans, and their environments. The episode also dives into the Total Welfare Model , emphasizing ethical, practical decision-making that balances individual dog welfare, public safety, and organizational capacity. Packed with real-world insight, this conversation offers shelter and rescue teams a more humane, sustainable approach to behaviour, advocacy, and long-term success. About Dr. Kim Brophey Kim Brophey, owner of The Dog…
People in this episode
Host: Tom
Guest: Dr. Kim Brophey
Topics covered
- L.E.G.S. model
- Total Welfare Model
- dog behavior
- shelter and rescue
- Family Dog Mediation
- ethical decision-making
Keywords
- L.E.G.S. framework
- dog training
- behavior assessment
- shelter placements
- public safety
- dog welfare
- applied ethology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Family Dog Mediation, The Dog Door Behavior Center, The International Society for Applied Ethology, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
More episodes of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
- Ep. 60 Considering a Good Death: A Hospice Approach for Animals," with Helen St. Pierre
- Ep. 59 Reactivity Training in the Shelter: What We've Learnt with Jess wheatcraft
- Ep. 58 Quality of Life for Dogs, Staff and Adopters with Kelly Bollen
- Ep. 57. Intergrating behaviour into shelter operations with Dr. Meghan Herron
- Ep. 56 Muzzle and Misunderstood- Improving the Perception of Muzzle Dogs in Shelter and Rescue.
- Ep. 55 Medical and behaviour, can we separate them? With Dr. Èlise Christensen
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Simplifying Shelter Behaviour podcast page.