Snake Avoidance Clinic
Snake Avoidance Course 2013
The CGDA Snake Avoidance Course for 2013 was a resounding sucess. The Course was held at Valhalla, a sportsman’s club located one mile south of Bennett, Colorado. We educated in excess of 200 dogs of many breeds the dangers of snake encounters.
If you are interested in this program for your dog next year send an e-mail to Fred Prior
fredprior50@gmail.com to that effect and you will be kept up to date for next years event.
We will train a limited number of dogs at the International Sportsman's Exposition in January. This training is for dogs that have not been through a Snake Avoidance Course before. If
you are interested c
ontact Fred Prior
fredprior50@gmail.com
This can save your dog’s life!!!
Anyone that enjoys the outdoors with his or her dog is invited to participate in the Snake Avoidance Clinic. At this clinic your dog will receive training with a proven method of snake proofing. Your dog will be trained to recognize snakes as a danger to themselves and possibly you. They will learn to fear and avoid by Sight, Sound and Smell dangerous snakes.
All Breeds are welcome
For more information’ contact Fred Prior.
Fred Prior
303-450-2547
fredprior50@gmail.com
More Snake Course Information
EZ Snake Registration form
Snake Avoidance Clinic
You may be wondering what exactly a Snake Avoidance Clinic is and what is going to happen to my dog. Professional dog and snake handler Julian Weslow from Trinity, Texas, who has ’desnaked’ over 5000 dogs In the past 15 years, will conduct the clinic, sponsored by the Colorado Gun Dog Association.
We use live Diamondback Rattlesnakes and rattlers have the capabilities of replacing extracted fangs very quickly. Julian uses a clipping method to keep the old fang partially in place and the snake releases his venom in the process. There is still a possibility that a dog could get pricked where that portion of the fang is and draw blood. The possibility of venom releasing from that portion of the fang is very low. Julian has had hundreds of dogs struck during the ’desnaking ’ process and never reported accidental venom extraction. Julian knows that dog owners are concerned should their dog be struck and this is to advise you of that possibility.
The clinic uses electronic stimulating dog collars for the negative response in teaching the dog that their discomfort comes from the snake. The electronic collar has been proven as a very safe method of training.
There will be two rattlesnakes on the course. The first snake has its rattles taped to simulate a dormant Snake or a Cottonmouth. Rattlesnakes do not necessarily rattle before they strike. The dog is brought in the vicinity of the snake using long check cords. The best response is to get the dog to use its natural senses to SMELL THE SNAKE & SEE THE SNAKE! When the handler of the collar sees that this has occurred stimulation will be given from the e-collar. Some dogs will need to see it again, but most will learn quickly and any curiosity will result as a negative experience.
The second snake is a rattlesnake with the rattles buzzing. The plan is to have the dog use it’s natural senses and HEAR THE SNAKE, SEE THE SNAKE & SMELL THE SNAKE. If the dog responds by leaving the vicinity, no stimulation will be given, but if the dog is still curious he will receive more stimulation to imprint that snake encounters as really bad experiences and to be avoided.
Next is the loyalty check is to have the owner call the dog to him while the rattlesnake is between the dog and the owner. A wide berth around the snake is the final test that the dog knows WHERE THE SNAKE IS…. WHAT THE SNAKE SOUND LIKE…& WHAT THE SNAKE SMELLS LIKE.
Dogs are curious animals and do not have any natural fear of snakes. They may even be attracted to them for some reason. Our course introduces dogs to snakes as a negative experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
Your application and payment are your reservation. We will start training those preregistered at 7:30 am. You may come either day. Walk-Ins are welcome but be prepared to wait until preregistered dogs are trained.
Is there room for my dog?
There is plenty of room for your dogs. We guided over 100 dogs through the course in a day last year and still had time for more. If you arrive by 1:00 pm we will train until all dogs are done, it is too dark or we just can't go on. This year you have the choice of two days. Just come on the day most convenient to you, Saturday June 8th or Sunday June 9th 2013.
Does my dog need to take this course again?
A second treatment is good for a refresher course and allows you to judge whether your dog has learned from the first time or may need more. Dogs are like people in this respect, you never know.
Is my puppy old enough for this course?
This treatment is not effective for puppies younger than 6 months old.
Do I need to be a member of CGDA to put my dog through this course?
No, membership is not required, this is a program for all dog breeds especially those who live and play in snake country. If you do have a pointing dog you may be interested in our club and it's benefits, please inquire at the check in desk.
Does my dog need to take this course again?
A second treatment is good for a refresher course and allows you to judge whether your dog has learned from the first time or may need more. Dogs are like people in this respect, you never know. We recommend this course once a year.
Can I pay with my credit card?
Sorry we are a small club and are not set up to accept credit cards.
