Summer is here and that means snakes are close behind. This is the season when rattlesnakes crash pool parties and backyard barbecues. It's also the time when many family dogs become the unfortunate victims of snake bites. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the state's current drought means that more rattlers will find their way into urban areas proving for a very active snake season.
"I'd say that most dog owners don't really think about snake bites until they see a rattlesnake for themselves, in parks, or their own backyards, and then realize their dogs can be at risk," says John Potash co-founder and co-owner of Get Rattled. He adds, "Get Rattled is a unique training clinic designed specifically to teach dogs on rattlesnake avoidance. We have been teaching this clinic for 14 years and have successfully trained over 5,000 dogs."
Potash is licensed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and has 24 years of experience working with venomous snakes and wildlife in areas of animal control, wildlife rescue, and public education. He works with skilled dog trainer Willie J. Stevens Jr. who has over 20 years of experience training and judging pointing dogs.
Rattlesnake Avoidance Training is a crucial tool for dog owners. Potash says, "Prevention is your number one line of defense in protecting your dogs from venomous snakes. When dogs and their owners go hiking or to the park dogs go off leash, and this training teaches them to be fearful of the rattlesnake. It also protects the people as well, as the dog becomes an alert system. This training has proven to be an effective tool in teaching rattlesnake avoidance to all dogs from Great Danes to Chihuahuas."
Because rattlesnakes can regulate the amount of venom they inject into another animal the health risks to dogs from a bite can vary greatly depending on the amount of venom injected, the species and size of rattlesnake, and the size of the dog and where it was bitten. Dogs can also be bitten when owners are not around so Potash suggest that people know some general signs of a bite along with health risks: "Dogs are usually bitten on their limbs, neck, head or face so look for severe swelling in those areas. After some time, the venom may produce nausea, vomiting and the dog can seem lethargic and will begin to act as if something is bothering them. If you see a snake bite happen or notice these symptoms, keep your dog calm and take your dog to a vet right away. It's always better to be safe than sorry."
Pet owners from Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Winnemucca, Fallon, Susanville and surrounding communities are highly encouraged to take part in these important Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Clinics; there will be one in Winnemucca Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. Sessions last between 20 to 30 minutes. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations. The clinic does require the use of a remote training collar that will be customized to each dog. This clinic will provide local dog owners extra assurance and peace of mind this summer that their dogs will avoid dangerous rattlesnake encounters, protecting their health, and their families from suffering the pain and medical costs of a rattlesnake bite.
For more information, please contact Get Rattled at (775) 234-8844 or GetRattledNV@gmail.com.[[In-content Ad]]
