Humane Dog Training

 Humane Dog Training Techniques at Doodle Prep School

While dog training is a very responsible thing to do as a pet parent, choosing the wrong technique could be the worst decision you’ve ever made. At Doodle Prep School, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and happiness of every Goldendoodle, Schnoodle, and Twoodle under our care. As part of our commitment to humane and effective training methods, we strictly adhere to the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. This ensures that our training practices are both kind and effective, promoting positive behavior without causing harm or distress to our beloved puppies.

What is LIMA?

LIMA stands for “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.” This approach involves using the least intrusive and minimally aversive strategies to achieve behavior change objectives. It prioritizes humane methods that focus on the animal’s environment, physical well-being, and positive reinforcement techniques. Our trainers at Doodle Prep School trained in LIMA principles, ensuring that your puppy receives the best care and training possible.

The Importance of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of our training philosophy. It involves rewarding desired behaviors, making them more likely to occur in the future. This method is associated with the lowest incidence of aggression, anxiety, and fear in learners. By focusing on what we want the animal to do, rather than punishing unwanted behaviors, we create a positive and supportive learning environment for our puppies.

Systematic Problem Solving

Our trainers follow a consistent, systematic approach to identify target behaviors, understand their purposes, and apply appropriate interventions. This includes:

1. Health and Physical Factors: Ensuring any medical or nutritional issues are addressed.
2. Environmental Adjustments: Modifying the puppy’s environment to reduce problem behaviors.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging desirable behaviors through rewards.
4. Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing alternative behaviors to replace unwanted ones.

Preventing Abuse and Ensuring Humane Treatment

We firmly oppose the use of aversive methods such as shock collars, choke chains, or any form of punishment that can harm the puppy physically or psychologically. These methods are not only inhumane but also counterproductive, leading to increased anxiety, fear, and aggression. Our goal is to ensure that every training session is a positive experience for our puppies.

Why LIMA Matters for Doodle Breeds

Goldendoodles, Schnoodles, and Twoodles are particularly sensitive breeds that do not respond well to harsh or intrusive training methods. Using aversive techniques can break their spirit and cause long-term harm. By adhering to LIMA guidelines, we protect the emotional and physical well-being of our puppies, ensuring they grow into happy, well-behaved dogs.

A Warning to Our Clients

We strongly advise against using any aversive training techniques on your puppies. If any of our clients choose to use these harmful methods and their dogs develop issues such as fear, timidity, or aggression, they will be responsible for the mental consequences to the dogs. Many people train their dogs with abusive techniques and then return them when the dogs become frightened, timid, and fearful. This is unacceptable, and we urge you to always choose humane training methods.

Conclusion

At Doodle Prep School, we are committed to providing the best possible training for your puppies, ensuring they grow into well-adjusted, happy, and obedient dogs. By following the LIMA principles, we guarantee a humane, effective, and positive training experience for every puppy. Together, we can raise happy, healthy dogs that bring joy and love into our lives.

Thank you for trusting us with your beloved puppies. Let’s continue to work together to ensure their well-being and happiness.

We hope this post helps our clients understand and appreciate the compassionate training methods we use at Doodle Prep School. Your puppy’s well-being is our top priority, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible care and training.

Warm regards,

Sherri Smeraglia