Hundreds of dogs are bitten each year by rattlesnakes in the Tucson area!

We offer rattlesnake-avoidance training on your property, our property or on your favorite walk. 

Your dog will learn to avoid the sight, scent and sound of rattlesnakes.

Call today to set up an appointment!

(520)-440-5040

Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Protocol 

At no point during the training does the dog touch the snake, or vice versa. The training is done with the dog on a leash. The dog stays at least 3 feet away from snake, unless otherwise instructed. The snake is out, on the ground and controlled by myself. The dog’s owner handles the leash during training, unless they’d like me to take the leash. An electronic collar is used for training, but I start each dog off at a very low setting, and slowly increase the level until the dog responds. I start by having the dog sniff a rattlesnake skin. No shock is given during this time. I then have the dog approach the rattling rattlesnake. I start shocking while the dog is looking at the snake. I increase the level until the dog responds. I then move the snake to another area and have the dog approach the snake again. I repeat this process until the dog is actively avoiding the snake. At this point I switch to a snake without a rattle and continue the training. I continue the process until the dog is avoiding the sight, sound and smell of rattlesnakes.

Toad Avoidance Training Protocol

A Colorado River Toad is used for training. Toxin glands have not been removed. At no point during training does dog touch snakes or toad. For the toad avoidance, I let the dog see the toad hopping, and then use the electronic collar when the dog is looking at the toad. I continue the process and increase the level of the collar until the dog is actively avoiding the toad.