Rattlesnake Aversion Training

[Diane Margetts]

Wrangler went to rattlesnake avoidance class today! He did great. He was definitely traumatized but he bounced back after every ‘test’! The process is first the handler shows him a smaller snake and if he goes near it – and the idea is to get him to go near it - he gets zapped with the shock collar. Next he is tested with a skin shed to condition him to fear the smell. After that, there’s a recording of the snakes rattle to condition him to fear the sound. Lastly, he goes by a big rattlesnake as a final test. After the skin portion, Wrangler was so traumatized he sat in the handler’s lap and didn’t want to give it up! 

Although I hate to do things like this, I’m really glad I did it. I think there’s a good chance that a rattlesnake may have attempted his curiosity, but not now! It was very educational for him and now I’ll feel much better about him being out and about. 

[DonMarie and Picco]

We went through the training last year and need to do a refresher next class that comes up. I think it's a great thing to do. I also get Picco the vaccination every spring as an extra precaution. Luckily haven't had an encounter with nasty rattlers on our hikes!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

You will be glad you did this.  My last three dogs have had snake aversion training and it does last!  You may need to do it again in 1 to 2 years.