Understanding Dog Behaviour: The Four L.E.G.S. Every Dog Stands On

Every so often, I catch myself reflecting on my own behaviour — wondering why I reacted the way I did, or where a particular emotion or response came from. When I pause to unpack it, I can usually trace it back to something real: a feeling, a need, a bit of history.

It’s the same for our dogs.

In my work as a behaviour consultant, I often hear people say things like, “It came out of nowhere,” or “There were no warnings,” or “They do it for no reason.”
But behaviour never happens for no reason — not ours, and not theirs.

Sometimes we just haven’t yet looked closely enough to see what’s driving it.

When we start to reflect — to ask why a dog did what they did, what emotion or function might have been behind it — we begin to understand behaviour in a more meaningful way. That understanding is the foundation of effective training and, more importantly, a calmer, kinder relationship. Without it, anything we try to do might miss the mark or even make things harder.

This is where the L.E.G.S. framework, created by Kim Brophey, becomes such a valuable lens.

The Four L.E.G.S. of Behaviour

Before I encountered Kim’s work, I was already exploring the same ideas in my own framework — genetics, learning, and environment. But when I studied under Kim and had the chance to speak with her in depth, her model brought a level of clarity that pulled everything together. It gave structure and language to what I’d intuitively known for years.

The L.E.G.S. model helps us understand behaviour by looking at four key influences: Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self.

Learning

Dogs are always learning — not just in training sessions, but in every moment of daily life.

They learn from us, from their surroundings, from outcomes and experiences. If pulling gets them somewhere faster, they’ll pull. If calm behaviour earns attention, they’ll do that again.

When we become aware of what our dogs are learning — intentionally or not — we gain the power to guide them instead of reacting to them.

Environment

Our dogs live in a world designed for humans, not dogs.

In a busy place like Sydney, life can be overstimulating: the sounds, the movement, the constant energy. Many dogs struggle to process all that input, and it can easily push them into states of stress or reactivity.

A supportive environment — quiet walks, predictable routines, safe rest spaces — makes it easier for dogs to stay calm and regulated. Sometimes changing the environment does more good than any amount of obedience training ever could.

Genetics

Every dog carries a set of instincts and drives that reflect where they came from.

A herding dog may circle and stare, a Beagle may track scents for hours, and a Terrier may dig to their heart’s content. These aren’t “bad habits” — they’re expressions of who the dog is.

Trying to suppress them usually leads to frustration. Supporting them through healthy outlets leads to balance. Understanding genetics isn’t about excusing behaviour; it’s about knowing what’s realistic and kind.

Self

This is the piece that’s often missed — the dog’s inner world.

“Self” refers to the physical and emotional state of the individual dog: their health, hormones, pain levels, energy, age, and emotional wellbeing. A dog who’s sore, overtired, or anxious will behave differently from one who’s rested and pain-free.

When we take care of the dog’s body and emotions, behaviour tends to fall into place. It’s not about control — it’s about compassion.

Bringing It All Together

The L.E.G.S. framework helps us see the whole picture. When one leg is weak — when learning has gone astray, the environment is overwhelming, genetics are ignored, or the dog’s self isn’t being cared for — behaviour begins to wobble.

But when all four are supported, balance returns.

It’s a reminder that behaviour always makes sense — we just have to know how to listen. And when we do, our dogs no longer feel like puzzles to solve, but individuals to understand.

👉 If you’d like help exploring what’s behind your dog’s behaviour, I offer various services including 1:1 training, classes and workshops that look at the full picture — the learning, environment, genetics, and self that make your dog who they are — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Book in a free discovery call to start making positive changes in you and your dogs life