Cynopraxic & LIMA Dog Training
LIMA and Cynopraxic Dog Training is the heart of what we do.
What Is LIMA and Cynopraxic Training?
LIMA stands for “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive,” embodying a philosophy where trainers or behavior consultants prioritize the use of the gentlest, least aversive methods among a range of humane and effective strategies. This approach ensures the highest likelihood of success in achieving training or behavior change goals. Adhering to LIMA principles necessitates adequate education and proficiency to consistently apply minimally intrusive and aversive procedures. LIMA strongly discourages the use of punishment as a primary intervention, advocating instead for environmental adjustments and positive behavior modification techniques like differential reinforcement, desensitization, and counter-conditioning.
Steven R Lindsay’s definition of LIMA (from volume 3)
Cynopraxic Training Philosophy
Correction procedures should not be used lightly or haphazardly. The rule of thumb is to select the least aversive and intrusive procedure that is reasonably expected to succeed. According to the least intrusive and minimally aversive (LIMA) model, aversive are ranked in terms of their relative severity and intrusiveness, requiring that the trainer apply a less aversive technique before advancing to a more aversive one (see Compliance in Volume 2, Chapter 2). Adhering to this model and selection process ensures that the least necessary and sufficient aversive procedure is used to produce the intended behavioral objective. In addition to minimizing the potential for producing pain and discomfort, correction procedures should be governed by the principle of minimal intrusiveness.
Training procedures should intrude minimally on the human-dog bond and avoid adversely affecting the dog’s quality of life. Overly constrictive restraint and confinement techniques should be avoided in favor of techniques that most rapidly and humanely achieve training objectives without causing undue distress or discomfort to the dog. (Lindsay)
Steven R Lindsay considers himself a Cynopraxing trainer and describes it as
“Cynopraxic training proceeds on the assumption that dogs and people possess a shared capacity to establish relations based on a fair exchange. Such training promotes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes conducive to social competence, cooperation, and play. Cynopraxic training objectives are governed by two essential social and life experience criteria: (1) enhance the human-dog relationship and (2) improve the dog’s quality of life.”
Competence-Based Approach
LIMA requires trainers and consultants to elevate the use of positive reinforcement while minimizing or eliminating the use of punishment in their interactions with both animal and human clients. To uphold best practices, consultants must continually enhance their knowledge of animal behavior through ongoing education and hands-on experience. A trainer must refrain from advising on issues beyond their recognized competencies and experience levels.
From Steven Lindsay Volume 2
What does Lindsay have to say about punisment
In addition to avoiding recommendations that may potentially harm the relationship between family and dog, training recommendations should not present risks of injury to the owner or dog. Although well-timed corrections can be highly effective and expedient, recommendations involving the hitting and hanging of aggressive dogs (Koehler, 1962; Hart and Hart, 1985a) should be avoided. Not only are such methods of questionable efficacy, they may actually significantly worsen the situation if improperly performed and, perhaps, cause the owner to be bitten or cause physical injuries to the …] By focusing on tools, it takes away the focus from violent and dangerous techniques that do not require the use of a tool.
Steven R. Lindsay, a respected scholar in canine behavior and the author of the comprehensive “Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training” (3 volumes), offers a nuanced and cautiously supportive view of electronic collars (e-collars), particularly in Volume 3: Procedures and Protocols.
Lindsay’s Position on E-Collars:
Conditional Support
Lindsay does not categorically oppose e-collars. Instead, he argues that when used judiciously, humanely, and competently, e-collars can be an effective tool, especially in behavior modification for severe problems (e.g., chasing, aggression, livestock harassment).
Behavioral Science Backing
Lindsay emphasizes the principles of operant conditioning, noting that:
Aversive stimuli, like mild electric stimulation, can suppress unwanted behaviors effectively.
However, this must be done in a way that avoids creating fear, pain, or confusion.
Warnings and Caveats
Warnings and CaveatsInappropriate use—such as applying high-level shocks, poor timing, or inconsistent signals—can lead to fear, stress, or aggression.
He strongly warns against use by inexperienced handlers, emphasizing that improper use can cause lasting behavioral damage.
Integration with Positive Methods
Lindsay promotes balanced training, integrating both reward-based methods and aversive controls when necessary. He sees e-collars as one tool among many, not a default or standalone solution.
A Quote (Paraphrased Summary):
“Properly used, remote electronic training collars may be among the most humane, precise, and effective tools available for the resolution of difficult behavior problems… but improper use can do serious harm.”
LIMA is not about completely positive reinforcement, positive punishment is part of LIMA when done correctly and fairly.
Positive Reinforcement and Learner Understanding
Central to LIMA is the consistent application of positive reinforcement as the primary method for teaching, training, and behavior modification. This approach is associated with lower incidences of aggression, attention-seeking behaviors, avoidance, and fear in learners. Crucially, the effectiveness of any stimulus—be it handling, food, tools, or environment—is determined solely by its impact on the learner’s behavior, not by the trainer’s biases or intentions.
This is why we have a foundation of training we build on and even at the highest levels of training we are still using Praise, Play, Pet, and other rewards to encourage behaviors. This never goes away.
Systematic Problem-Solving and Ethical Strategies
Trainers must adopt a systematic approach to ensure the success of the dog, defining specific target behaviors, their purposes, and the consequences that sustain them. Ethical decision-making involves an understanding of how each intervention affects the learner, emphasizing sensitivity to their experience throughout the process.
This is all part of our triangle, starting with ethics at the bottom and building upwards, and ending with perspective, how the dog views what we are asking of them. At no point in training should your dog be stressed, they should be having fun and enjoying the training. This applies to the owner and trainer as-well.
Preventing Abuse
LIMA aims to prevent the potential harms of inappropriate and inhumane punishment, as well as overly restrictive management strategies. These adverse effects can include heightened aggression, increased anxiety, physical harm, and the development of new undesirable behaviors.
Some trainers are “purely positive” trainers, they will withhold food from a dog for an excessive amount of time, so they are so hungry any natural drive to do anything else is suppressed to the point the dog is overwhelmed with the need to feed. This is not LIMA that is abuse.
Choice and Control
Guided by LIMA, trainers are obliged to afford dogs—as much control and choice as possible. This approach respects each individual’s unique characteristics, preferences, abilities, and needs. This is all part of the training process so dogs will work for treats, and others will work for play or a toy. Knowing the dog and understanding its drives (ethology) makes training easier and faster.
Focus on Desired Behaviors
Purely positive dog trainers twist LIMA to advocate for reinforcing desired behaviors by consistently posing the question: “What do you want the animal to do?” It rejects the use of aversive methods and tools such as electronic or prong collars in favor of positive reinforcement strategies proven effective in achieving behavior change. Here we again see where LIMA was twisted to fit someone’s personal beliefs and not staying with the facts of what LIMA is and what Steven Lindsay had to say.
From Steven Lindsay Volume 3
Steven Lindsay laid out in his writings. Here is what he said:
Aversive procedures should only be used to achieve cynopraxic objectives not otherwise attainable by nonaversive means alone. Further, all training procedures that produce discomfort, startle (sounds, verbal interrupters, etc..), or loss (negative punishment, including isolation and cold-shouldering)) should be applied in adherence to the LIMA principle and the dead- dog rule (see Hydran-Protean Side Effects, the Dead-dog Rule, and the LIMA Principle in Chapter 10).
This is where most organizations emphasize the definition of LIMA as mainly based off of the first sentence in that paragraph
Humane Hierarchy
The Humane Hierarchy serves as a guide for decision-making in training and behavior modification, emphasizing the importance of addressing health, nutritional, and physical factors before considering more intrusive methods. This hierarchy promotes a thoughtful and individualized approach to behavior change, ensuring the well-being and ethical treatment of all animals.
By adhering to LIMA principles, trainers uphold the highest standards of humane and effective practices in animal behavior training. Again we have are triangle to guide us and ensuring the health of a dog before training is always taken into consideration.
Abusive training techniques
Did you know that there are trainers, and training organizations that hang dogs to the point of passing out to get them to comply? In sport work they teach a dog let go by “helicoptering” the dog. This is a technique where the dog is swung over the handler’s shoulder and slammed on the ground. This is also used in police K9s. These abusive techniques are used because of a lack of knowledge of dog behavior, learning, and leadership.
Why do I bring this up? You must understand this industry is not regulated. Anyone can “train” your beloved pet in any way they deem. A lot of bad things happen behind closed doors when no one is watching (Do a YouTube search and see hidden video of trainer abuse). At Species K9 abuse, mistreatment or any malice towards a dog is not tolerated by staff or owners. We as humans have an ethical obligation to take care of animals especially dogs. We domesticated them approximately 15,000 years ago. When we did this, we made an unspoken promise to every dog that we will take care of them. Dogs are one of the few animals that will look to a human for help.
At Species k9, we pride ourselves on offering Cynopraxic & LIMA Dog Training, fostering a compassionate approach to enhance the bond between you and your canine companion. Our specialized methods prioritize the least intrusive and minimally aversive techniques, ensuring a positive and ethical training experience. Choose Species K9 in Central Texas for a tailored approach that prioritizes your dog’s well-being. Now servicing San Antonio, Texas