I get this question a lot. As a trainer, part of my selling point is that I use force free, LIMA compliant techniques. After all, I am CGC, IAADP, IABC, and nearly CCPTD-KA certified. But what on earth does all that alphabet soup mean? Today, we're going to cover what LIMA actually means.
LIMA refers to the term "least invasive, minimally aversive." In practice, it means that I do not use any techniques that would cause a dog undue stress. There are other phrases associated with LIMA. For example, the humane hierarchy of behavior modification. (I know, I know, more alphabet soup). But don't worry about the words: look at this nice graphic!
Say you bring a dog to me that gets over-excited at other dogs. They're barking and lunging, and it's as embarrassing for you as it is frustrating- in all too common issue!
I would practice a LIMA approach by traversing this ladder.
I would start by taking a thorough history of the dog- was this behavior change recent? What changed in his environment? Is he simply maturing? I might also recommend a check up with your vet to confirm there is no medical cause.
Assuming that checks out, we move to step 2: antecedent arrangement. That's a fancy way of saying "don't let the dog get into a bad situation". For a dog reactive dog, maybe we limit his exposure to other dogs while going through training so he doesn't get the change to react. This might look like walking at night or other off-peak hours and avoiding dog parks.
Step 3 is where actual behavior modification occurs. During the positive reinforcement step, I reward for behaviors that can be rewarded for. This might be rewarding for him looking at dogs versus reacting- if we catch him while being good, he won't have the thought to do bad. We would also reinforce any engagement he offers us while out on walks.
Step 4, differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, is an extension of step 3, but focuses on rewarding for behaviors that are incompatible with the problem behavior. In this example, we might teach a "leave it" cue. A strong "leave it" can be life saving, but if trained improperly, can increase frustration and then stress in the dog. As a result, it is higher up in the hierarchy.
Step 5 focuses on the nuisance behavior going away. Extinction simply refers to the behavior ceasing to exist. Negative reinforcement and negative punishment are alternative means of having that occur. These methods can cause more frustration in dogs, however, and don't tell the dog what to do. They don't set the dog up for success, and can cause frustration, which is why they are even further up the ladder.
In our example, if the reactivity was excitement based, and the dog was not fearful, we could do a very sharp 180 degree turn as a consequence for him reacting to another dog. However, if we let this happen, we would have already failed the dog: by letting him come over threshold enough to have a reaction, and by not giving him an alternative behavior that he can "win" with.
Step 6, positive punishment, is the very last step in the humane hierarchy. Positive punishment refers to the addition (hence the positive) of a stimulus (think a correction with an e-collar or prong, or rolled up newspaper) to decrease the likelihood (hence the punishment) of a behavior occurring.
LIMA compliant trainers are encouraged to do everything in their power to avoid getting to steps 5 and 6. This is why LIMA techniques are considered competency based. They are only as effective as the trainer using them. For example, with my specialty being reactivity, I wouldn't take a severe separation anxiety case without consideration first.
This is also why I warn my clients that if I cannot take the case, I will refer them to someone who will. Consulting on cases, or in some cases, referring out, is the safest option for everyone involved. It ensures the owners that they are getting the expertise they need, and it keeps trainers from giving unsound advice that they could be held liable for! It also protects the dog. No dog should be trained improperly because the trainer could not admit that they didn't have the expertise.
If you'd like more information on LIMA practices, check out this link, straight from the CPTD's website: https://www.ccpdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/LIMA-Policy-2019.pdf
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