Our dogs are loving members of our families. We make sure they are well fed, take care of them when they get sick, and show them lots of affection.
We also take them out to get fresh air and exercise, rarely thinking that they could someday encounter a life-threatening danger. One such danger is rattlesnakes, which are common in California, in both rural locales and more developed areas. As the weather becomes warmer, they will be coming out to get some sunshine and warm themselves up.
As every dog lover knows, canines explore the world through their noses. The smells they gather are like a daily newspaper telling them what is going on. Generally this is harmless, but sticking their noses into a pile of rocks, a woodpile, or a weed-filled area could bring them face-to-face with a hidden rattlesnake that is poised and ready to strike.
When dogs are exploring and come into a rattlesnake’s territory, they can be bitten. And the damage is not only costly – sometimes running into thousands of dollars as you fight to save your dog’s life – it can tragically take your cherished companion from you.
One way to protect your dog is through Rattlesnake Avoidance Training. This training was pioneered in California by the late Patrick Callaghan and many dogs’ lives have been saved by it. Rattlesnake Avoidance Training teaches your dog to avoid rattlesnakes through his senses of sight, scent, and sound. It is done in a controlled environment with the use of remote training collars that are specifically adjusted to the temperament of each dog. The live rattlesnakes used in the training are muzzled so that no harm comes to you, your dogs or the trainers.
In this one-on-one training, the dog is exposed to the rattlesnake’s three distinctive features:
- Scent. While we can’t detect their unique smell, rattlesnakes have a distinct scent that dogs can be taught to recognize and avoid.
- Sound. The warning rattle of a rattlesnake is like no other. Once you hear it, you will not forget the sound. Dogs can also be taught to recognize this sound.
- Sight. Coupled with the scent and sound of a rattlesnake, dogs can learn to alert their handler when they see a rattlesnake so both of you can get away from the danger.
This training shouldn’t be done by just anyone. Please make sure that the trainer you choose is experienced in the humane and appropriate handling of both rattlesnakes and dogs, for the safety of all concerned.
I hike with my two Malamutes and have put them both through this training. At first I was concerned about the remote collar that was used, as I had no experience with the equipment. After putting the collar on my arm and feeling what the dog would be feeling, my worries were calmed. It felt very much like the tingling you get when your arm falls asleep. It wasn’t extreme in the least and I felt comfortable in proceeding with the training.
My older boy, Wes, has gone through the training twice now. The first year, he was somewhat curious toward the rattlesnake but by the end of the session he didn’t want to go near it. He walked into the handler and moved him out of the path of the snake. The second year, he didn’t even have to approach the rattler. Once he smelled it, he was moving the handler away.
My younger girl, Hailey, went through it for the first time last year. She was extremely curious and determined to see what this new, noisy thing was. By the end of the training, however, she too wanted to get away from it. Unlike Wes, though, who moved into the handler to direct him away, Hailey high-tailed it in the other direction. I am curious to see how she will respond this year. It’s important for us humans to pay attention to our dogs’ reactions so that when hiking, we can read their cues and avoid danger on the trail.
I highly recommend that you take part in this valuable training that could save your dog’s life. The Northern California Alaskan Malamute Association is hosting Rattlesnake Avoidance Training with Natural Solutions (http://socalrattlesnakeavoidancetraining.com) on July 10-11 at the Dixon May Fairgrounds. The cost is $70 per dog and registration is required. For a registration form and more information, please go to www.ncama.org. All dogs are welcome!
Kim Savala owns and loves two Alaskan Malamutes. She shows them in AKC conformation and they are working on their backpacking titles through the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA). She is also a member of the Northern California AMA.
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