NILIF stands for: Nothing In Life Is Free. It's a training program where the dog earns what he wants from you. EX: the dog wants his food. He has to sit, or lie down for it first. He wants to go out, so he sits politley while you put his leash on. The dog also earns your affection, by doing a trick, such as High Five. Basically, you ignore the dog, while it's around you, rather than paying it constant attention; that way, he can earn your attention.
Mine actually like it. I believe Doberluv stated that it's used for dogs with dominance problems. But, it works for us, so we go with it (Beethoven's a little beastie anyway, so he needs to be reminded that I am the leader).