Rattlesnake Bites

Teach Avoidance without Electric Shock

Question:

I need information on humane rattlesnake “proofing” techniques for dogs. It seems to me that keeping your dog on leash would be a better solution, so I don’t need it for myself. In Santa Fe they are using shock collars, and I would like to suggest an alternative method for a person who is not comfortable with having his dog shocked. Personally, I am shocked that anyone is instructing dog owners in that method.

Dr. Nichol:

Shocked? I’m incredulous. I love my dog. No way would I subject him to painful electric current. The stress to the decoy snake matters too. Tossing a wild reptile on the ground to be menaced by an agitated dog, who’s been set up to fail, is inhumane on all fronts. Prevention is much better. I’ve treated plenty of snake bites involving severe tissue damage and worse. It is a serious problem.

Modern learning theory makes little use of aversives. To significantly diminish a dog’s interest in snakes she would need to be punished multiple times. She could learn to avoid snakes while at the same time losing trust in her person.

Rattlesnake bites are dangerous, although 25% of them are “dry strikes” meaning without venom. There is no first aid that’s worthwhile, other than getting the victim emergency medical care ASAP. Rattlesnake vaccine is available but may do nothing more than reduce the damage. Robust research on its effectiveness is lacking.

I advise teaching “Leave It”. But if you bark this command like a drill sergeant you’ll startle the living @!#& out of your dog. Instead, teach him to earn food by abandoning his focus on the coiled curiosity. Go to drjeffnichol.com and click FAQ for links to excellent videos on teaching this skill. You’ll always need to stay on snake watch.

So far my dog “Mick Jagger” has shown no interest in riling reptiles although the little rocker thinks he’s immortal. I’ve taught him to reliably “leave it” and to come when called. I watch him like a protective parent when we’re in the backcountry.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.