Since I live in Canada, I never have to think about the possibility of my dogs interacting with poisonous snakes. The only dangerous snake that lives in Ontario is the Massasauga Rattlesnake, and it’s territory is so limited that the chance of meeting one in the wild is slim to none.
So when Terrierman wrote this post today, it gave me a little food for thought. He linked to an article about how San Diego dog trainers that teach rattlesnake aversion classes with real snakes and e-collars for the dogs are being forced to go “underground” due to new city by-laws regarding snakes.
While some people swear that their dogs lives were saved by the training, there are others that claim shock collars teach a dog nothing, are painful and the best way to not get bitten is to avoid places snakes frequent.
I am of the opinion that using an e-collar to teach rattlesnake avoidance to a dog is quite effective. Think of the thousands of hunting dogs trampling though the bush every day that come home at night BECAUSE of that training. If you live in “snake country” and have dogs, I don’t think that simply trying to avoid snakes is going to keep a dog safe. Dogs frequently go out of sight on walks and snakes tend to show up in the darndest of places when you’re not expecting them.
So, if you lived in an area that had a lot of poisonous snakes, would you go to a dog trainer that used an e-collar to teach snake avoidance? I would certainly be first in line. I think that the discomfort of an e-collar for an hour or two is far better than this happening to my dogs.
I’ve given this topic a lot of thought since reading a post about this training last year. Since there are no poisonous snakes in Nova Scotia it’s luckily soomething I don’t have to worry about but I definitely understand the emergency-level importance for those who do live in rattlesnake territory.
I hate shock collars. I’ve used one in the past on a dog and it’s something for which I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself. But beyond the emotional, I just don’t think they are the best way to train a dog. However, they are usually the fastest way to get what you want – if you know what you are doing and use them properly.
When it comes to rattlesnakes, I understand the need for quick, immediate results. I would much rather someone take a class held by an experienced instructor who uses a tool I strongly oppose, than let their dog get bitten by a snake. While I do believe there is probably a better way to teach this without resorting to the use of a shock collar, I understand that this way is probably very slow and time may not be something a lot of people have to spare. So I get it. I don’t like it but I get it.
Kristine recently posted..Stream of Consciousness: Cat Edition
I’m not a fan of using shock collars BUT if a professional dog trainer offers a service that will probably save my dog from serious trauma or death, I’m going to use it. Dexter is Mr. Curious and he’d be the first to get bit.
I think, given those circumstances, the shock collar training sounds sensible and the lesser of 2 evils. When you’re trying to save lives, it’s no time to pussyfoot around.
Sleep well and sweet dreams Karen
x
Georgia Little Pea recently posted..Full and difficult disclosure.
Given all the nasty critters that live in AU, snake avoidance training is probably a very common service offered by dog trainers.
I wrote a post on this last year about a veterinarian clinic in snake country offering courses using shock collars. I got some heated and rather nasty comments. My favorite was that if her dog found a snake “she would run joyfully to me to get a treat” I, however, am pretty sure with an owner like this, the dog would be dead.
Jan recently posted..Pooh the seeing eye Poodle saves her owner’s life
Why does that not surprise me? Hmmmm, let me choose. Shock collar training with a professional or a dead dog. SO HARD to decide!
I live in rattlesnake country and hell yes I would use aversion training if Frankie needed it (the rare times that he’s off leash, he never pokes his nose into anything; that’s just who he is). I know a LOT of dogs that have gotten bit. The only problem is, the training doesn’t always work for a variety of reasons, including the ignorance of baby rattlers. But it’s a helluva lot better than nothing. The good news: Antivenin vaccines are being developed here. Again, I’d give that to Frankie in a minute if he needed it.
Edie recently posted..Underdog to Wonderdog: Frankie!
Given the fact the Frankie is so small, training avoidance would be the best option for him. One bite for him would be very, very dangerous.
I did not know that there are antivenin vaccines. I’ll have to do a little reading.