Teaching Dogs To Avoid Rattlesnakes

CHICO, Calif. - April 7, 2016 - PRLog -- As springtime blossoms, encounters with rattlesnakes become inevitable. Rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas; they can be found near urban areas, on the trails, in our parks, and on golf courses. Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and will usually retreat when given the room to do so. However, they will strike when feeling threatened or deliberately provoked. All too often, dogs will find a rattlesnake's movements and noises fascinating which can lead to bites.

"We've treated snakebites on as many as seven different dogs in one day and the outcomes are not always positive. Preventing dog/rattlesnake interaction is the best medicine." - Dr. Erin Portillo, Medical Director, VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center

To help dog owners protect their dogs, VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center will host a Rattlesnake Aversion Training session. This specialized training teaches dogs to stay away from the curious (and dangerous) sounds and smells of rattlesnakes. This is a multi-step process that has been proven to be successful with any breed of dog. The goal is for the dog to be able to recognize the potential threat of a rattlesnake with all three senses: hearing, scent, and visual confirmation.

"I took my Lab to rattlesnake avoidance class after he was bit by a rattlesnake. I came across numerous rattlesnakes on my property. The class works! My Lab completely avoids rattlesnakes." - Joe

It is recommended that dogs six months and older attend this training three years in a row to ensure that the dog has learned to steer clear of rattlesnakes. The training will be held from 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 24th. The registration fee for the training is $80.00 per dog. Valley Oak will also be offering rattlesnake vaccines at a discount from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM that day. Space is limited and, so far, this is the only rattlesnake aversion training to be offered in northern California this year. To reserve a spot, please call (530) 342-7387.