So... what does LIMA actually mean?

You are likely aware that there are many types of dog trainers with all different sorts of philosophies. I believe the best term for my philosophy with dog training is LIMA, which stands for Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive.

This means that when I train dogs, I am always looking to give the dog as much autonomy as possible (least invasive) while also using as little fear, intimidation, and coercion as possible (Minimally Aversive).

Practically, that means that I:

• Always start a training program by addressing as many of the dog's base needs as possible. This includes giving the dog as many opportunities to just "be a dog" as possible. This is why all programs begin with the enrichment plan as a dog that has their base needs addressed will be much more receptive

• Make training as much like play as possible - not only is it proven to be more effective, but it's also just more fun!

• Ensure the dog, human, and the general public are safe

• Create strong and clear communication between human and dog. This looks like:

  • Teaching humans dog body language

  • Teaching dogs how to ask for things from humans

  • Creating and maintaining consistent and clear boundaries

• Teach appropriate alternative behaviors when decreasing an unwanted behavior

  • I do not want to simply suppress "bad behavior". Instead, I teach the dog what they can do to meet the same needs they were attempting to fill with that behavior.

  • Basically, I don't just say "don't do that!". Instead I say "hey, not that. Do this instead."

• Asking for consent from the dog when possible

  • This can be a formally trained "opt in" behavior, or interpreting the dog's body language

  • When direct consent isn't possible, making the experience as minimally aversive as possible

• Set the dog up for success as much as possible. This means:

  • Teaching the behavior I want the dog to do in easy circumstances before asking for the behavior in harder scenarios

  • Break new behaviors down into steps that the dog can learn quickly, and then gradually increase the difficulty

  • If a dog does fail or make a mistake, I do not punish them. Instead, I just don't give them their reward and on the next rep, I adjust the environment or the behavior so the dog can succeed and then gradually increase the difficulty to continue making progress