Snake Avoidance Clinic

Snake Proof Your Dog

April 3, 2011

Snake Avoidance Training

Bark!Here benefit for BIGdogs on a LOOSEleash

(DATES AND ENROLLMENT @ the bottom of the page)

Give your dog the best chance to enjoy wooded areas while supporting BIGdogs on a LOOSEleash Rescue. Click on our non-profit tab above for more rescue info. Be wild and weird – VOLUNTEER for dogs in need. (now back to snake proof info)

Warmer weather and sunshine usually draw people to spend more time outside. It means snakes are out, too. Texas is home to over 105 different species and subspecies of snakes. Only 15 of those are potentially dangerous to humans.

Learn to recognize the snake species that are likely to be in the area. Please do not kill a snake – even a venomous one. Snakes serve a valuable function in the environment. The majority of bites result from people taking unnecessary or foolish risks with venomous snakes. Understanding what snakes look for in suitable habitat can help you know when to be wary. Understanding their behavior will help you know what to do if you encounter one.

Keep the lawn around your home trimmed low since snakes like tall grassy areas.
Remove any brush, wood, rock or debris piles from around the residence. They make great hiding places for snakes and their prey – rodents.
Always wear shoes while outside and never put your hands where you cannot see them.
Be careful when stepping over fallen logs and rock outcroppings.
Take care along creek banks and underbrush.

Snakes do not prey on humans and they will not chase you. In fact, they usually retreat or escape if given the opportunity. The danger comes when they are either surprised or cornered. Do not play around with a dead snake, which they have been known to bite and envenomate. Get a good field guide and keep it handy, especially in the field.

Wildlife specialists and animal control officers annually report poisonous snakes in wooded areas, such as lake areas, parks and wooded backyards.

Warm times of spring and fall are common times to see snakes in the woods and near water, according to Natural Resources Director Ben Kirkland.

“Most people and dogs, don’t even know a snake is anywhere around unless you unfortunately step on it and that’s definitely a concern because they have tremendously good camouflage,” Kirkland said.

The brightly colored Texas coral snake is the state’s only member of the Elapidae family, which includes the cobras of Asia and Africa. The Copperhead snake is venomous. It lives right here in Texas and hides easily underneath leaves. Kirkland says most snake bites occur when people surprise them or amatures trying to remove or kill a snake. When walking in the woods, walk aware and prepared, AND when you are able to just leave them alone. Call an expert, if needed.

“The biggest question is how can I keep snakes out of my yard,” Kirkland said. “Think in terms of why the snake may be there to begin with. They’re looking for food and cover.”

In other words don’t let brush or debris build up in your yard.

Some common venomous snakes in our area are cottonmouth, rattlesnakes, and coral snakes. Kirkland advices people who are bitten by a venomous snake should go to the doctor right away. Don’t try to treat it yourself.

“Keep the bite below the heart so it can slow the venom from spreading and just get to the hospital as quickly as possible,” Kirkland added.

Kirkland reminds people snakes can be out in the daytime especially during the Spring and Fall. In the summer it gets so hot that many times they turn nocturnal.

Kirkland says more than 95 percent of snakes in Texas are not venomous. Even though rattlesnakes, copperheads, and coral snakes are prevalent in our area, he says to just be mindful and watch your step when you are outside.

WHO NEEDS TO SNAKE PROOF THEIR DOG

Anyone that enjoys the outdoors with his or her dog is encouraged to register your dog to be snake proofed at the Snake Avoidance Clinic. Pre-registration is appreciated and reduces your wait time. Walk-ups are welcomed; you will be on a first come first available time slot sign-up list.

WHAT

A proven method of snake proof for dogs and puppies. Your dog will be trained to recognize snakes by sight, sound or smell and warn you that a snake is present. Your dog avoids the snake and keeps you both safe.

WHEN

April 3, 2011

WHERE

Dallas White Rock Lake area

Flag Pole Hill in the circle by the flags

8100 Doran Circle (North Buckner Boulevard)
Dallas, TX 75238

WHY

Train your dog in a controlled situation to avoid snakes. Rattlesnakes are indigenous to Texas. This simulation allows your dog to see, smell and hear a rattlesnake’s presence nearby and be trained to avoid any contact. This is a much better approach than to have your dog bit by a poisonous snake and to hope your dog lives to remember the lesson: “Stay Away!”

HOW

Professional dog handler Luther Young will place a large rattlesnake (mouth securely closed) in the grass. Your dog will be fitted with an e-collar and you will be instructed to lead your dog past the snake on a long line. Some dogs may use a direct approach, while others may circumspect. As soon as the dog shows any interest, each dog will quickly understand the danger a snake pose.

With perfect timing, Mr. Young will safely simulate the “strike of the snake”. The dog will then gladly give the snake a wide berth the next encounter.

Snake Avoidance Clinic Info

Date	April 3, 2011
Time	Time Slots begins at 9am
Location	White Rock Lake Dallas 8100 Doran Circle Dallas, TX 75238
Cost	$40 per dog	REGISTER
Returnee's Annual "Reminder" Cost	$20 per dog	REGISTER