LEAST INHIBITIVE, FUNCTIONALLY EFFECTIVE (LIFE)

LEAST INHIBITIVE, FUNCTIONALLY EFFECTIVE (LIFE)

In the last couple of decades, the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) model of animal training has been used to describe reward-based animal training methods. However, a number of problems were built into the creation of LIMA and continue to exist today, including (a) a lack of clarity in its terminology, (b) ambiguity in desired training approaches, and (c) a history of aversive training methods justification.

Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE), developed by Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, is an alternative approach to ethical animal training methods that specifies (1) increasing choices by inhibiting less, (2) the importance of function, and (3) defining success as more than simply being effective. 

Click on the graphic above for more information about the LIFE model.

The HIERARCHY OF DOG NEEDS

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The Hierarchy of Dog Needs

The Hierarchy of Dog Needs (HDN) is a modern, unique and groundbreaking model of wellness and thriving that illustrates standards of care and best force-free practices. It is an adaptation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of (human) Needs™ adapted to meet dogs’ needs. 

Dog needs are listed hierarchically for ease in visualization and understanding. We first meet our dogs’ biological needs, emotional needs and social needs. However, the levels are fluid, not static, and should be thought of as not having linear boundaries, but more like waves with undercurrents and cross-currents between the levels. Once these foundational needs are met, the hierarchy describes the methods that force-free trainers use to modify behavior: management, antecedent modification, positive and differential reinforcement, counter-conditioning and desensitization, the Premack Principle, and social learning. The exclusively force-free behavior modification best practices and methods, embedded with an ethical code, may be safely and effectively used in any order or combination.

Click on the graphic above for more information about the Hierarchy of Dog Needs.