IAABC Statement on LIMA
What Is LIMA?
"LIMA” is an acronym for the phrase "least intrusive, minimally
aversive.” LIMA describes a trainer or behavior consultant who
uses the least intrusive, minimally aversive strategy out of a
set of humane and effective tactics likely to succeed in achieving a
training or behavior change objective. LIMA adherence also requires
consultants to be adequately educated and skilled in order to ensure
that the least intrusive and aversive procedure is used.1
LIMA does not justify the use of punishment in lieu of other effective
interventions and strategies. In the vast majority of cases, desired
behavior change can be affected by focusing on the animal's environment,
physical well-being, and operant and classical interventions such as
differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior, desensitization,
and counter-conditioning.
LIMA Is Competence-Based
LIMA requires trainers/consultants to work to increase the use of positive reinforcement and eliminate the use of punishment when working with animal and human
clients. In order to ensure best practices, consultants should pursue and maintain competence in animal behavior consulting and training through continuing
education, and hands-on experience. Trainers/consultants should not advise on problems outside the recognized boundaries of their competencies and experience.2
Positive Reinforcement and Understanding the Learner
Positive reinforcement should be the first line of teaching, training, and behavior change program considered, and should be applied consistently. Positive reinforcement is
associated with the lowest incidence of aggression, attention seeking, avoidance, and fear in learners.3
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants supports a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to behavior modification and training.
Only the learner determines what may be reinforcing. It is crucial that the trainer/consultant understands and has the ability to appropriately apply this principle. This fact may mean that the trainer/consultant assesses any handling, petting, food, tool, and environment each time the learner experiences them. Personal bias must not determine the learner’s experience. The measure of each stimulus is whether the learner’s target behavior is strengthening or weakening, not the trainer/consultant’s intent or preference.
Systematic Problem Solving and Strategies
The trainer/consultant is responsible for ensuring learner success through a consistent, systematic approach that identifies a specific target behavior, the purpose of that behavior, and the consequences that maintain the behavior.
A variety of learning and behavior change strategies may come into play during a case. Ethical use of this variety always depends on the trainer/consultant’s ability to adequately problem solve and to understand the impact of each action on the learner, as well as sensitivity toward the learner’s experience.
Preventing Abuse
We seek to prevent the abuses and potential repercussions of inappropriate, poorly applied, and inhumane uses of punishment and of overly-restrictive
management and confinement strategies. The potential effects of punishment can include aggression or counter-aggression; suppressed behavior
(preventing the trainer/consultant from adequately reading the animal); increased anxiety and fear; physical harm; a negative association with the owner or
handler; increased unwanted behavior; and, new, unwanted behaviors.4
Choice and Control for the Learner
LIMA guidelines require that trainer/consultants always offer the learner as much control and choice as possible. Trainer/consultants must treat each
individual of any species with respect and awareness of the learner’s individual nature, preferences, abilities, and needs.5
What Do You Want the Animal to do?
We focus on reinforcing desired behaviors, and always ask the question, "What do you want the animal to do?” Relying on punishment in training does not answer this
question, and therefore offers no acceptable behavior for the animal to learn to replace the unwanted behavior. These LIMA guidelines do not justify the use of aversive methods and tools including, but
not limited to, the use of electronic, choke or prong collars in lieu of other effective positive reinforcement interventions and strategies.6
When making training and behavior modification decisions, trainers/consultants should understand and follow the Hierarchy of Behavior Change – Procedures for Humane and Effective Practices.
For these reasons, we, strongly support the humane and thoughtful application of LIMA protocols, and we applaud those individuals and organizations working with animals and humans within LIMA guidelines.