How to Train Your Dog to Avoid Rattlesnakes with Revel Vet
Rattlesnake aversion training can be a lifesaver for your furry family members. Whether you’re new to Arizona or you’ve lived in the area for a lifetime, avoidance training could reduce the risk of a fatal snake bite.
The Danger of Rattlesnakes in Arizona
If you’re local to Queen Creek, Arizona, or even anywhere else in this state, you’ve probably had some snake scares. Arizona hosts a handful of venomous snakes that are incredibly dangerous to our pups. They could be hiding in the shrubs in the backyard or behind a rock at the park.
The fact is that you never know where they could be hiding. Rattlesnakes aren’t out hunting for us and our dogs, but if either of us step into their territory, they’re going to react accordingly. Even one attack could be fatal. This is where rattlesnake aversion training comes in. A short period of training could save your dog’s life.
What is Rattlesnake Aversion Training?
Although trainers may vary in how they teach rattlesnake aversion training to dogs, those found to be successful incorporate sight, sound, and smell.
Introducing the Rattlesnake to Your Dog
Initially, trainers use elements that tap into your dog’s senses of sight and smell to set a baseline for rattlesnake aversion training. This might include placing a shed skin where your dog can find it or exposing them to a muzzled juvenile rattlesnake for safety.
Without training, dogs are naturally curious and may approach a snake or its shed skin. The training then transitions to focus on hearing, specifically the unique warning sound made by rattlesnakes. To maximize concentration on auditory cues, visual and olfactory stimuli are minimized, teaching dogs to recognize and avoid the sound of a rattlesnake.
Benefits of Rattlesnake Aversion Training
Rattlesnake aversion training offers significant benefits for dog owners, particularly those who live in areas where encounters with rattlesnakes are a possibility. By teaching dogs to recognize and avoid rattlesnakes, this specialized training can:
- Prevent snake bites: Teaches dogs to recognize and avoid rattlesnakes using sight, sound, and scent, reducing bite risk.
- Saves pain and money: Saves pets from pain and owners from expensive vet visits.
- Safety outdoors: Enhances safety during outdoor activities and peace of mind, especially when hiking and camping.
Where To Find Rattlesnake Aversion Training Near Queen Creek, AZ
Rattlesnake Ready in Cave Creek, AZ
Rattlesnake Ready, in Cave Creek, AZ, is Arizona’s #1 trainer for rattlesnake aversion training. They have an enclosed area that mimics areas where rattlesnakes can be found.
Animal Actors of Arizona
Animal Actors in Cave Creek, AZ, and offers both indoor and outdoor training. This organization offers other types of training as well, including K-9 Good Citizen, therapy dog, serving dog, and obedience training.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rattlesnake Training for Dogs
What’s the Difference Between Training at a Neutral Location Versus Home?
Training at a neutral location offers a controlled environment where the trainer can effectively mimic scenarios your dog may encounter. They often have realistic environments involving props or caged/muzzled live snakes which provide more beneficial training sessions.
How Long Do Most Dogs Take to Learn to Avoid Rattlesnakes?
Some dogs may learn to avoid rattlesnakes in just one session, while others might need several sessions to understand the danger they pose. Even if your dog initially makes the connection that rattlesnakes are dangerous, we strongly advise scheduling at least one follow-up session and then a refresher every one to two years.
Do Dogs That Have Been Bit Before Still Need Training?
Even if your dog has previously been bitten, they might not remember any warning signs associated with the bite. Often, the pain from a rattlesnake bite is delayed, making it difficult for dogs to immediately connect the bite with the pain they feel later. Without this connection, dogs may not recognize rattlesnakes as a threat.
Keep Revel Vet’s Number Handy
If you live in an area where there’s a risk of rattlesnake bites, like Queen Creek, it’s crucial to have your vet’s contact information on hand for emergencies. Make sure to record Revel Vet’s contact details and store them in a place that’s easily accessible, whether you’re at home or on the go.
For further reading, we recommend:
272 cases of rattlesnake envenomation in dogs
Close Encounters of the Slithering Kind – Snake Bite on Dogs | Morris Animal Foundation
