Frequently Asked Questions

L.I.M.A. methodology follows the Humane Hierarchy, by Dr. Susan Friedman. This framework categorizes training methods from least intrusive to most intrusive. It encourages trainers to first consider health and environmental factors that might be contributing to behavior before trying more invasive techniques. The steps of the humane hierarchy include:

        Assessing health and wellness

        Modifying the environment to prevent unwanted behaviors

        Applying positive reinforcement strategies

        Using differential reinforcement to promote alternative behaviors

        Considering negative punishment or reinforcement only when absolutely necessary

        As a final resort, applying positive punishment

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is a dog trained to do work or perform tasks to aid with their handler’s disability. Service dogs must be under control of their handler, potty trained, and task trained to accompany their handler in the public.

A service dog works for one person, their handler, to perform work or tasks to mitigate their handler’s disability. Due to this, service dogs are granted public access rights to accompany their handler anywhere the general public is allowed. Emotional support animals main purpose is to provide comfort for their handler, which does not require any specialized training. Emotional support animals do not have public access rights, however they are permitted in certain non-pet friendly housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Therapy dogs are specifically trained to aid and provide support to a variety of people and undergo an certification process. They do not have public access rights, although they will occasionally be welcomed into places such as hospitals or schools to provide therapy to the residents.

While dog training is an ongoing process, working with a trainer to better your skills with your dog will be dependent on the behaviors you want your dog to learn. During your intake session, Joy will be able to better give you a timeline to expect for training after meeting your dog!

Virtual lessons are conducted via Zoom. During the intake lesson, we will assess your goals and assign homework based on those goals and where your dog is at currently. In between lessons, we ask that you record and submit videos for Joy to assess. Joy will provide feedback during these lessons based on the videos submitted and the additional information you provide, as well as assign new homework for the following lesson.

Training can start at any time! For all dogs, we do require all vaccinations to be complete before working together, so for puppies that age typically falls around 4 months.