Last weekend, my adorable canine companions, Olivia, Lincoln & Jaxson, underwent essential snake training. Since we moved to Georgia last month, we’ve encountered two snakes in our vicinity, which has prompted me to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. As a responsible pet owner, it became evident that teaching them to be scared of snakes was a crucial aspect of their training. While it may seem counterintuitive to intentionally create fear in our furry friends, this practice is essential for their safety in areas where snakes may pose a threat.
1. Avoidance and Safety:
Teaching dogs to be scared of snakes instills in them a sense of avoidance. In areas where venomous snakes are prevalent, such as some regions in North America, Australia, and Africa, this avoidance behavior can be a lifesaver. By recognizing the scent, sight, or sound of a snake, a trained dog will be more likely to steer clear of the potential threat rather than investigate or provoke it. In turn, this reduces the risk of a dangerous encounter and potential snakebite.
2. Emergency Recall:
Training your dog to be scared of snakes can also reinforce their emergency recall response. Recall training is vital for any dog, but when faced with an immediate threat, it becomes even more crucial. By associating the scent or sight of a snake with a command to return to their owner, the dog’s fear can trigger a quick and safe response, preventing further exposure to the danger.
3. Snake Aversion Training:
Snake aversion training, also known as snake avoidance training, is a controlled and humane method to instill fear of snakes in dogs. This specialized training involves using snakes to create a negative association with the scent, sight, and sound of snakes. The dog is exposed to the snake under controlled conditions, and if it shows interest or approaches the snake, it receives a gentle correction. This process helps create a lasting impression and reinforces the dog’s natural instinct to avoid snakes.
I was amazed at how quickly Olivia, Lincoln & Jaxson picked up on the negative association with snakes. It was evident that their instincts were aligning with the training, and their caution around the snake was noticeable. This newly acquired fear of snakes will serve as a protective measure for them whenever they encounter a snake in the future.
Conclusion:
Teaching our dogs to be scared of snakes may seem like an unusual approach to training, but it can be a life-saving decision, especially in regions where venomous snakes pose a real threat. By tapping into their natural instincts, promoting avoidance behavior, and strengthening emergency recall responses, we can better protect our beloved canine companions from potential snake encounters.
As we venture into the great outdoors, whether for walks, hikes, or even in our backyard, I feel more confident knowing that Olivia, Lincoln & Jaxson are now better prepared to handle any potential snake encounters.
As a pet owner, my primary responsibility is the well-being and safety of my furry friends, and snake training has proven to be an essential step in achieving this. While I hope they will never have to face a venomous snake, I know that I have done my best to equip them with the tools to keep themselves safe. The peace of mind it brings is invaluable, and I’m grateful for the professional trainers who have helped us achieve this milestone in their training journey.
