Snake avoidance training
Has anyone had their corgi trained to avoid snakes? I live in Tucson, AZ near a river wash and though I haven't seen any snakes in the last year, I thought maybe it was a good idea. I don't know of anyone who has done it and i'm wondering if the classes are worth it.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kari & Quin on
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I am thinking about it also!
We live in the desert on 4 acres so rattlers up next to my house will happen. but I talked to my vet/cousin and he said that it won't do to much good until they are closer to 1yr old. I have her on a leash all the time any way because of coyotes.
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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on
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We had Sidney take the training 2 years ago, and we'll be having refresher training this summer. We have lots of rattlers here in San Diego, though we have only encountered one so far.
It is definitely worth it! The first time they took Sidney to approach a snake, he walked right up to it with no fear. Had this been a wild rattler he would have been bitten for sure! I will warn you, it is a tough thing to do. The trainer we used uses shock aversion therapy. The dog wears a collar that gives them a mild shock. It's enough to get the point across, and the dogs do yelp. It's like taking your kids in for immunizations; you know it'll hurt and your child will cry, but it's for their own good. It made me cry to see Sidney get shocked, but he definitely learned that rattlers are a BAD thing. They train them to recognize the sight, scent and sound of a rattler.
A good trainer should have a "cool down" area where the folks will calm and soothe your dog after the training.
Ugh, I just realized we won't be having refresher courses yet. The handler passed away last year. Here is the link to his website that has good guidelines for deciding if the trainer is well qualified:
http://www.patrickcallaghan.com/schedule.htm
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Ann, if our obedience school finds another rattlesnake avoidance instructor that they recommend, I'll post it here and let you know.
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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I would do it in a heartbeat if the risk was higher. I think it's a very good thing to have if you're in a big snake area. I actually asked my vet about snake training and he said he's never had a snake bite come into his practice (and he's not young). And I asked a guy I work with who breeds and hunts beagles, and ditto on the no snake bites. Which surprised me, as we do have snakes.
So you might want to ask around at the vet and stuff and see if the risk is high in the areas you frequent.
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Arizona is a high snake area, my neighbors dog was bitten, luckily he was fine. Some times the snake knows it is a large animal and won't waste it's venom. But one of my good friends dog was bitten and died even though she rushed it to the vet immediately. My brother was also bitten and luckily with no venom. So if your dog is trained it will know that the snake is there and it may save you or your kids lives.
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Permalink Reply by Kitty Kirwin on
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Hello! I live in the Tucson area as well. I saw a story on how to train you dog to stay away from snakes on KOLD13 a few weeks back you may try their web site. I can not remember the name of the group who teaches this in town. You may also want to call the Country Extension as well for information. Have lived in the SW for many many years neither of my corgis saw or went near snakes. An ounce of prevention though! Good Luck!
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