Uncovering the root causes of dog behavior is all about seeing the whole picture, not just the result of a dog’s actions, but the story behind them. That’s why I turn to the L.E.G.S.® Family Dog Mediation model for every behavior and training case, whether I’m working with a Border Collie puppy or consulting with owners on adult dog issues. L.E.G.S.® stands for Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self, and it guides us away from judgment and toward real understanding, which is the foundation of change.

Learning: Your Dog’s Ongoing Story

Every dog’s learning history is unique. Early experiences, reinforcements, and even a single scary event can shape habits for life. For example, many of the Border Collies I work with have learned patterns of behavior from both structured training and daily family life, so identifying which responses are learned versus instinctual is crucial for making lasting changes.

Environment: Context Is Everything

No two homes are alike, and the chaos or calm of a dog’s surroundings has a powerful effect. Environmental stressors, from too many visitors to a lack of outlets for energy, often explain why a dog’s behavior shifts suddenly or seems inconsistent. If the environment isn’t right, even the most well-trained Border Collie will struggle to thrive.

Genetics: The Power of Heritage

A Border Collie’s drive to herd or problem-solve isn’t just a quirk: it’s a genetic legacy patterned by years of foundational breeding. The L.E.G.S.® model asks us to respect that heritage and manage breed-specific instincts, rather than fight them or ignore them. Even dogs from the same litter can express genetic traits in wildly different ways, so taking this into account is part of seeing the dog as an individual.

Self: Honoring Each Dog’s Uniqueness

From health to personality, “Self” reminds us that every dog is more than just a sum of its parts. Is your dog anxious due to pain or are they simply introverted? Has age changed energy levels or behavior patterns? Is that new puppy getting on your older “only dog’s” one last nerve? The “Self” component avoids cookie-cutter solutions and anchors our approach in empathy and understanding the “whole” dog.

Why L.E.G.S.®, and Why Now?

When owners see their dogs through the lens of L.E.G.S.®, we create solutions based on understanding, not just obedience. Behavioral issues become opportunities to communicate better, and every intervention is tailored to the individual dog. For Border Collies and all breeds, this is the most humane, and, in my experience, effective, way to build lasting relationships. If we pay attention to the “old ways” herders work with their Border Collies, it becomes obvious this is the approach they use naturally that produces successful results.

If you’d like to dig deeper into what makes your Border Collie tick, or if you feel stuck despite trying different methods of training, consider a L.E.G.S.® centered consultation, it just might change your perspective and your relationship with your dog for the better!

Look at Kim Brophey’s page about “The Dog’s Truth” and take her FREE short class to introduce you to L.E.G.S.® and give you some information that helps you understand YOUR dog. There is a video and a short course that are currently FREE.

 DOG TRANIERS AND BEHAVIOR SPECIALISTS: There is, as of this writing, a COUPON for 40% off the L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation PRO Course. I highly recommend this course to add tools to your toolkit as a Trainer or Behavior Specialist. It is a “game changer” for you, your clients and for your practice!