The L.E.G.S.® Approach: A Better Way to Understand Your Dog

houndsretreat25
Jul 21
2 min read

Updated: Jul 22

Have you ever wondered why your dog does the things they do — like barking at the postman or refusing to walk past that weird garden gnome? You’re not alone! Dogs are complex creatures, and there’s a reason behind every behaviour. That’s where L.E.G.S.® Family Dog Mediation comes in.

L.E.G.S. stands for:

L – Learning Dogs are learning all the time — from you, their environment, and even from other dogs. Every interaction, experience, and routine teaches them something. Good or bad, it all adds up and shapes how they behave day to day.

E – Environment Where your dog lives, plays, eats, and sleeps matters! The sights, sounds, routines, and even the people and animals around them all impact their behaviour.

G – Genetics What was your dog bred to do? Sighthounds chase, collies herd, terriers dig — it’s in their DNA! While genes don’t determine everything about your dog, they give a good indication of their natural instincts and tendencies. Genetics can also influence health, and some breeds may be more prone to pain or certain conditions that affect behaviour. Understanding this can help us support them better — especially if behaviour changes are linked to pain.

S – Self Just like us, every dog has a unique personality. Age, health, past experiences, and temperament all play a role in who they are and how they respond to the world.

So what does that mean for you?

Instead of thinking, "How do I fix this behaviour?" you can start asking, "Why is this happening?" That small shift in perspective can make a huge difference. It helps you understand your dog’s needs and build a better, more compassionate relationship with them.

At Hounds Retreat, we believe in working with dogs, not against them. That’s why we use the L.E.G.S.® approach in everything we do — from playtime and rest to enrichment.

Because when we see the full picture, we can help dogs truly thrive. 💛