Wildlife Professionals and Dog Trainers Collaborate to Train Pups on Snake Bite Prevention

SAN FRANCISCO - May 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Summer is almost 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 California Poison Control System, the state’s current warmer-than-average weather means that this summer will be a very active rattler 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 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 dog parks to go off leash, this training teaches them to be fearful of the rattlesnake. It protects 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 suggests 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 them to a vet right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

Bay Area pet owners are highly encouraged to take part in this important Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Clinic. Get Rattled is hosting training sessions in Fairfield, Danville, Knights Landing, and Manteca in June; and in the San Jose area and Sonoma County in August. Trainings are provided by either appointment or walk-in between 8:00am to 5:00pm with sessions lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. Costs for the training are $75.00 per dog and proceeds will benefit local host organizations. The clinic does require the use of a remote training collar that will be customized to fit 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, including the exact date and locations of the training sessions, please contact Get Rattled at 775-234-8844 or GetRattledNV@gmail.com