Podcast episode 1: Why Everything You Know About Dog Training Might Be Wrong: Dr. Eduardo Fernandez

Uncovering the biggest lie in dog training with Dr. Eduardo Fernandez 🤯 Our friend Eddie is a distinguished researcher and educator in animal behavior and welfare. So, obviously we invited him for this in-depth conversation where we examine the evolution of ethical dog training practices by comparing the traditional LIMA framework with his innovative LIFE model.

Thank you BARK! for sponsoring the Dog Training Revolution! Get a FREE BOX when you sign up! BarkBox: https://barkbox.com/dogtraining & Super Chewer: https://superchewer.com/dogtraining

🚨 Learn more about the current crisis in the dog training industry:    • My Thoughts on the Dog Training CRISIS  

🐧 FOLLOW EDDIE: Facebook -   / ejfernandez  
YouTube -    / eduardojfernandez  
Twitter -   / dreddiefern  
Instagram -   / dreddiefern  

⚠️ Read the LIFE paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...

LIMA stands for "Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive". We'll break down what LIMA really is, its origins, and why it has been a cornerstone of force-free training. We'll also discuss its limitations, including why it was created and the original intentions behind it, and particularly its allowance for aversive techniques under certain conditions.

Dr. Fernandez has introduced the LIFE (Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective) model, a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes animal welfare by focusing on increasing meaningful choices and addressing behaviors by understanding their function, instead of just suppressing them. LIFE challenges the norms of dog training by moving away from outdated methods and focusing on what truly benefits the dog’s - and the handler's - well-being.

We discuss the ethical implications of using aversive tools like shock collars, the problematic nature of negative reinforcement, and why it’s crucial to shift towards reward-based methods. Dr. Fernandez shares his candid thoughts on why certain training methods should be left behind and how LIFE offers a more humane and effective alternative.

You'll learn how the principles of LIFE can actually be applied in various training scenarios, from working with your own dog at home to managing behaviors in zoo animals like polar bears — without the use of fear or pain.

This episode is essential for anyone interested in dog training, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a dedicated new dog guardian. If you’re curious about the future of ethical training practices and want to learn how to improve your approach, this conversation will provide you with the insights you need. By the end of this video you WILL have a dramatically more profound understanding of how - and why - dog training really works!

MORE REFERENCES:

Zazie Todd's awesome links compilation: https://www.companionanimalpsychology...

OHanley 2021 - "Risk factors for aggression in adult cats that were fostered through a shelter program as kittens" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...

AVSAB Glossary of Terms: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/...

AVSAB Humane Dog Training Position Statement (including references!): https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/...

CHAPTERS
0:00 intro
0:18 special links
2:07 What is a welfare scientist?
3:46 defining AVERSIVE
5:42 What is LIMA
6:14 How did we get here?
12:23 Why didn't everything change?
15:40 defining PUNISHMENT
16:22 The ABC's of dog training
17:18 THE QUADRANTS
19:26 What's wrong with NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT
21:38 Examples of conditioned aversives
24:00 Our actions haven't caught up to the science
30:57 We do need more research but here's what we know right now
36:38 What is a PREFERENCE ASSESSMENT?
38:18 How to do your own preference assessment at home!
44:57 some of the ways reward based training breaks down - and why!
50:29 Why CHOICE matters
52:05 Why dog trainers use LIMA
53:17 LIMA is only a dog trainer thing...?
56:02 Lindsey used LIMA to advocate for aversives
57:03 Why do we still see the use of aversive methods?
58:05 Alternatives to LIMA (LIFE)
1:02:45 Eddie's 3 Big Criticisms of LIMA
1:05:16 How to reduce/eliminate a behavior without punishment
1:08:00 WTF?
1:09:30 What does it mean to be functionally effective?
1:21:09 When you HAVE TO use aversive methods