2024 Rattlesnake, Porcupine and Skunk Avoidance Training for Dogs Workshop

Each individual training session is directed towards having your dog(s) avoid "all" snakes, porcupines or skunks.

Operant conditioning. You may want to Goggle/Siri or Alexa it to get a great deal of additional information on the reputable behavioral science. Also "your positive reinforcement" of your dog's avoidance towards a snake, porcupine or skunk" is instrumental in the training.

Your role is "significant." Dogs are able to pick up our fears too, so we have you also show, during each individual training, your own avoidance behavior towards the snakes, porcupines or skunks.

We use the lowest setting possible that shows the dog acknowledges the stimulation. It's similar to your getting a static electricity shock going across your carpet.

Generally, most dogs maintain the avoidance behavior long-term. However, many dog owners may want the peace of mind and 'may consider' a refresher after 5 years which is what we recommend. Some dogs may require a Refresher at a shorter interval.

We use "live" very wild gopher snakes (that are non-venomous) which look and behave like rattlesnakes. We capture the snakes only a few weeks prior to the workshops to maintain their rattler like behaviors (i.e., coiling, striking, hissing and shaking their tails).

We have used taxidermy mounts (with fresh scent) for the past 5 years which "have been very effective." We started out with live porkies, but they have a mite that is extremely detrimental to dog's noses and the quills are a problem. Pet skunk owners don't want dogs going at their pets.

Within 2 weeks you will receive by email a digital copy of the "2024 Dog Owner's Reference Guide Manual: Post Avoidance Training" for each training session(s) (rattlesnake, porcupine or skunk) your dog has gone through. Theses Manuals cover all the information you were provided at the Workshop.

The key is to understand rattlesnake ecology so that you're knowledgeable when rattlesnakes are most active. The information is included at the Workshop and in your digital 2024 Dog Owner's Reference Guide Manual that will be emailed to you after the Workshop.

The training is "NOT" foolproof; there are situations that just being in nature that happen. However, the avoidance training and "your knowledge" about the ecology of rattlesnakes, porcupines and skunks reduces significantly the risk of an event occurring.

Our experience shows that most dogs take less than 30 minutes to acquire the live snake avoidance behavior. However, some dogs pick up the avoidance behavior very quickly and many take less time; or a few dogs may require more time.