Rattlesnakes are everywhere in Southern California and in many places across the southwest. Mostly snakes are timid little creatures who try very hard to stay out of the way of big, scary mammals.
But to a dog a snake is a source of great curiosity.
Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Southern California had nearly 30 rattlesnake bitten dogs in the past year. So they are offering rattlesnake avoidance classes.
Richard Andrews teaches the course. He puts a shock collar on the dogs and lets them find snakes hidden in the brush. Quickly they learn to associate the smell and sound of a snake with the brief pain of a shock.
The whole class usually takes less than an hour and the dog has a new survival skill for life. Dog memory comes into play.
Out in the wild the dog’s reaction can also alert humans and children to the presence of a snake. Story and video
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Wish they had something like that around here! I dread the day when Masha finds a copperhead.
Posted by: BunGirl | October 20, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Nope that is absolutely not okay rattlesnake aversion can be taught in a positive way. Traditionally trained rattlesnake aversion training is one of the most appalling things I've ever seen in my life. I'm literally sickened by the thought of it. Anyone who would do that to their companion is a worthless human being.
Posted by: Suzy | October 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM
I'm curious, Suzy. How would you go about teaching snake aversion using only positive reinforcement?
This should also be an effective way to teach young puppies who live in an area where snakes might be in their own yards.
Posted by: Jan | October 20, 2011 at 12:03 PM
I don't live in an area with rattlesnakes, the only dangers in our forests are in the form of giant raccoons. This is something for which I am very grateful.
That being said, I still think there is a better way to teach this without using a shock collar. It's probably harder and takes more time but ultimately would be better for all involved. I understand the need for something that works quickly, but I am really squeamish about using such tools. There must be a better way.
A quick google search came up with this suggestion: http://www.ehow.com/way_5164403_rattle-snake-training-dogs.html It does take more work but I think the results would be much the same. Perhaps even better as you are teaching your dog valuable skills that could be applied in many situations.
Posted by: Kristine | October 20, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Actually it works on the same concept as the aversion training. You teach a behavior that is incompatible with getting bit at the scent or sound of a snake. In aversion training it is running away in absolute terror. In positive training it could joyfully running back to Mom to get a treat.
Posted by: Suzy | October 20, 2011 at 01:29 PM
The problem I see with the "Leave it" command for snakes is that the human must see the snake at the same time as the dog which means the dog must always be on a leash. This is obviously the best way to protect a dog from snake bites but a lot of ranch dogs, herding dogs, and hunting dogs might not be happy always on a leash.
Posted by: Jan | October 20, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Great idea!!! GREAT!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | October 20, 2011 at 02:44 PM
I can imagine my hunting dogs sniffing out a rattler and then joyfully running back to daddy for a treat. Geez.
Posted by: Jerry | October 20, 2011 at 02:51 PM
They use this method for virtually every hunting dog that lives in this area. I have yet to hear that it does NOT work and I've also yet to hear of anyone coming up with a method that is as reliable. Should be an interesting comment session on this one, thanks Jan for starting conversation. Now could I go and watch my puppy trained this way, I just don't know.....I would definitely struggle with it BUT if he were hunting regularily for upland birds especially - yup I'd probably do it.
Posted by: Sherry in MT | October 20, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Interesting. I think that this is a very reasonable approach
Posted by: Jen | October 20, 2011 at 08:24 PM
If I'm living in a place where it comes down to a choice between a shock collar and saving my dog's life, I'm going to save my dog's life.
Posted by: cube | October 21, 2011 at 12:09 PM
wonder if that would work with me and chocolate?
Posted by: jackie | October 21, 2011 at 06:05 PM
There are some things that clicker training just can't do and rattle snake avoidance is one of them.
Posted by: Karen Friesecke | October 21, 2011 at 09:04 PM