Rattlesnake School Update

[Diane Margetts]

Dakota went to Rattlesnake Aversion Training on Sunday. I did a lot of researching up front, so I pretty much knew what to expect. The general process is to work with live, muzzled snakes and gentle electronic shock collars. And so the training began. (I did a video of the class and the photos are screen shots from the video.)

Several years ago, we had a baby rattlesnake in our driveway. Dakota saw it and, in probably a much too excited state, I told him to get back and “leave it!” He doesn’t forget. The first training experience is with a baby rattler. Since this snake is “less intimidating” the intent is to make the dog curious enough to go up and sniff it, then ZAP! The timing is critical because the shock is intended to make the dog think the snake bit and not the human. Dakota didn’t even want to acknowledge that the baby snake was there. He looked here, there and everywhere except at the snake. The trained threw pebbles at the snake, moved it around with his foot, etc. finally, they had to replace the baby snake with a slightly larger snake. Then, when Dakota did pay a bit of attention, the trainer ZAPPED! But, no reaction from Dakota at all. I guess the trainer tried to create several “learning” opportunities but Dakota still didn’t acknowledge the stimulation.

I did like the trainer quite a bit; he really seems to handle dogs very well and he is very compassionate to the situation. He finally came over to us and told us how sorry he was to do it but Dakota needed to use the high stimulation collar. I felt as bad for the trained as I did for Dakota.

The stronger collar made Dakota YIPE! We hated that but it’s for the greater good. The next step was the snake skin shed for “smell”. Again, Dakota didn’t have any interest in it but the trainer made sure that he associated the smell with a ZAP . . .

For the “sound” training, they position a couple of snakes that really like to rattle, behind some rocks. Did I ever confess that Dakota is just a bit of a whimp? He is. He doesn’t like new noises and will jump at any unexpected loud sound. Needless to say, he excelled at the rattle recognition portion . . .

Now that sight, smell and sound were complete, it was time for the final test. Large, live, muzzled snake in the middle of the training area. The trainer and Dakota were about 15 feet away from the snake and we were about 15 feet on the opposite side of the snake. The test is to have us call Dakota and see if he chooses a safety route around the snake or if he comes right through it. Pictures are worth a thousand words—this is what Dakota thinks of Rattlesnakes . . .

The trained wrapped up y telling us that Dakota did great. He observed that Dakota is a Mama and Daddy boy and was uncomfortable being away from us—true; we knew he would be. He said every dog has their own way of communicating concern. Dakota hesitates and bobs his head and we should never force him to come to us or anything like that if he is doing the head bobbing . . .

Dakota finished his day with hugs, treats, swimming and ball chasing! Just the way he loves it . . .

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Good Boy Dakota.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Whew, was able to scroll right down here to the comments section without having to look at any snakes. Good boy, Dakota! I'm with you, we don't want nothin' to do with any stinkin' rattlesnakes!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for this fascinating description. Congratulations to all of you... Dakota especially. big hugs!

[Christine & Camus]

I met someone that put their dog through this training and thought it was a very good idea.  They hike every summer so their dog was at risk for, among other things, snake bites.  Your photos with captions are a great teaching tool! Thanks and Good Job Dakota!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good Boy Dakota. Poor Dakota. Poor snakes. We'll pass.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That's so interesting and very important in your neck of the woods. It's great that Dakota did so well, another thing to worry less about.  Luckily St Patrick got rid of the snakes from Ireland many many years ago around 420 AD!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

One of the many reasons I would very much like to visit Ireland!

[Charlotte and Bo]

Now there is a job I do not want. Snake muzzler!!!

[Sabine]

Lol. Me neither

[Adina P]

PHEW!  Glad it went well.  I'm pretty scared of snakes in the wild.  I am not afraid of people handling snakes they OWN.  But happening upon one in nature.....oooh weeeeeee!  NOT interested!  We were in Alberta this past weekend and adjacent to my inlaws farm is a canola field.  Natalie was interested in getting close, but me, not knowing the indigenous species of the area told her to be careful in case there are snakes.  Bad idea to plant seeds of fear in a toddler, but it worked and made me feel safe. You just never know what might be crawling in a field of tall brush/plants/weeds, etc.  Later Clark assured me that there aren't dangerous snakes there, but I never got a chance to take photos of the kids in the canola fields.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I had to go check it out Adina. There is a prairie rattlesnake in Alberta. So your advice was not off base I think.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I'm glad to hear it all went well.  I am curious though...the head bobbing.  When Dakota is doing that does it mean something is wrong?  You said you were told not to call him when he does it.  So what are you supposed to do?  Go toward him and find out if there is a snake in the way or what?  I think I am missing something.