What if many dog behavior problems aren't actually problems at all, but symptoms of unmet welfare needs? In this thought-provoking conversation with applied ethologist Kim Brophey, we explore how the LEGS model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) has evolved to reshape our understanding of canine behavior and welfare in modern environments.

Kim explains why behavioral diversity serves as both a critical welfare need and a powerful measurement tool. When dogs can express a wide range of natural behaviors, from foraging and exploration to appropriate hazard management...with agency and autonomy, they thrive. Yet in today's captive environments, many dogs lack these opportunities, leading to what we label as "problem behaviors."

The discussion takes us deep into the five domains model of animal welfare and how it applies to our companion dogs. While we've generally excelled at meeting biological needs like nutrition and health, we've significantly neglected the fourth domain of behavioral interactions and the natural living needs that are fundamental to a dog's wellbeing. This creates a mismatch between a dog's genetic design and the environment they actually live in.

Family Dog Mediation:

https://familydogmediation.com/

The Aggression in Dogs Master Course and Expert Webinar Bundle Offer!

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Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:
AggressiveDog.com

Learn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:
The Aggression in Dogs Conference

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In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Maggie O'Brian, one of North Carolina's few board-certified veterinary behaviorists, we have an enlightening discussion about the clinical side of animal behavior.

Dr. O'Brian takes us through the reality of treating complex behavior cases, where the line between medical and behavioral issues often blurs. She shares surprising insights about pain as an underlying factor in aggression, including the eye-opening statistic that 25% of dogs under four already have arthritis, and how addressing physical discomfort can sometimes completely transform a dog's behavior. One memorable case involved a Golden Retriever whose severe resource guarding disappeared entirely after pain treatment, leading the owners to exclaim, "We didn't know she had a personality!"

Whether you're a pet professional or simply trying to understand your own dog's puzzling behavior, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of medicine, behavior, and the powerful human-animal bond. Check out Dr. O'Brian's practice at Southeast Animal Behavior and Training, or explore their virtual options for nationwide consultation.

https://www.southeastanimalbehavior.vet/meet-the-team

The Aggression in Dogs Master Course and Expert Webinar Bundle Offer!

Only 50 bundles will be available. Offer expires October 31st, 2025!

https://aggressivedog.thinkific.com/bundles/the-aggression-in-dogs-master-course-and-expert-webinar-bundle-2025

Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:
AggressiveDog.com

Learn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:
The Aggression in Dogs Conference

Subscribe to the bonus episodes available here:
The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus Episodes

Check out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:
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Ever wondered why some dogs transform from perfect companions at home to reactive dynamos the moment a leash gets clipped on? Jessica Wheatcraft returns to discuss the complex world of leash reactivity with clarity and compassion that both dog guardians and professionals will appreciate.

This conversation goes beyond simplistic solutions by exploring the subtle body language cues that signal stress long before barking begins. Jessica expertly differentiates leash reactivity from aggression, explaining how a dog's motivation on leash often stems from frustration rather than intimidation. "The dog's behavior on a leash can be very different than their behavior off of a leash to the same exact stimulus," she notes, highlighting how context dramatically changes a dog's responses.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical framework Jessica provides for understanding thresholds. Rather than viewing them as single breaking points, she describes thresholds as doorways or transitions where behavior changes in observable ways. Learn to recognize when your dog crosses these thresholds through subtle signs like increased respiration, closed mouth, facial tension, or raised tail carriage. This awareness allows handlers to intervene effectively before reactions escalate!

About Jessica:

https://www.jessicawheatcraft.com/about/

The Aggression in Dogs Master Course and Expert Webinar Bundle Offer!

Only 50 bundles will be available. Offer expires October 31st, 2025!

https://aggressivedog.thinkific.com/bundles/the-aggression-in-dogs-master-course-and-expert-webinar-bundle-2025

Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:
AggressiveDog.com

Learn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:
The Aggression in Dogs Conference

Subscribe to the bonus episodes available here:
The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus Episodes

Check out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:
Webinars, courses, and more!