Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive Training

LIMA stands for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive, and is the primary methodology we use to guide our training decisions.

When forming a plan for which training techniques to use, we first select the least intrusive but may give us the desired training outcome. For example, when teaching a pup to "sit," we would start with positive reinforcement by luring the dog into a seated position with a treat rather than pushing its rump down.

If the dog stopped sitting when cued during the session, we would first evaluate whether there was a medical or physiological reason for this. We would then look at the environment to see whether anything influenced the dog's not to sit. This could be anything from unfamiliar flooring, such as gravel or wet grass, to something that makes the dog nervous, such as a delivery truck or ambulance siren in the distance. We would work to remove or reduce these factors whenever possible before continuing the sit training with positive reinforcement. If the pup were still distracted, very slowly and cautiously, we would progress to more intrusive techniques.

The American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior put out a statement that reads:

"AVSAB's position is that punishment (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals. AVSAB recommends that training should focus on reinforcing desired behaviors, removing the reinforcer for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions driving the undesirable behavior."

Several professional animal organizations have committed to LIMA and ask their members to do so too in their code of conducts. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT) all highlight LIMA as essential. Puppy Prep is proudly among these and strives to follow this methodology when working with your four legged family member!