Many people haven’t heard of this life-saving training, but it is a topic worth discussing as warm weather approaches and the critters emerge from their winter slumber. When John and I were in search and rescue, my German Shepherd, Cooper, had snake avoidance training. I definitely want Eli and Jake to have this training too. Look for the video at the end of the post.
Dogs do not naturally fear snakes as humans do and need to learn by association. Approximately 150,000 dogs are bitten each year by venomous snakes. The cost of veterinary care can be thousands of dollars, and it is estimated that only 5% of dogs recover. Training your dog to avoid snakes when encountering them could save you a lot of heartache and money.
Who should do snake avoidance training with their dog? Anyone whose dog goes outside attended or unattended. Dogs stick their noses in all kinds of places. How many times has yours peeked under a bush where you could not see? Maybe you have a yard with a fence where they run free? A snake can sneak in anywhere, even places where they previously have not been seen.
(Photo courtesy of Outside Bozeman)
Most training involves a dog handler, a trainer, an e-collar and long-line for the dog, and a few snakes staged in cages throughout a training area. Some facilities have an observation area for the dog owner, and others allow you to walk with the trainer.
At the trainer’s direction, the handler will perform a series of encounters with the snakes with your dog, ensuring that the dog smells and hears the snakes if rattlesnakes are involved. The trainer will offer “stims” or negative reinforcement at appropriate times, letting the dog know this smell/sound is unpleasant. The handler is instructed to “run away” from the snake, indicating to the dog that it should flee and not fight. After repeating this training sequence several times, the dog will naturally avoid the scent and sound. After your dog’s initial training, you should repeat it in six months, and then once a year is usually sufficient.
The following video shows the result of Eli and Jake’s training. We encountered rattle snakes after this training and both dogs gave the snake a wide berth. Eli also prevented me from going to an area where I later saw a rattle snake. The training WORKS and I have peace of mind knowing I have done all that I can to protect them.
DO NOT try to train your pup yourself. Snakes in the wild can be unpredictable and may result in injury to you and your fur baby. Additionally, timing in this type of training is crucial, so leave it to the professionals. Check with your local trainers and clubs for more information.
Where I took Eli and Jake:
Partner’s Dog Training in Cave Creek, AZ, and Scottsdale, AZ
Trainer: Christopher Oosthuisen
Handlers: Claudia with Eli and Sierra with Jake
Snakes: didn’t have names.
