[Bryan Parks]

I attended a sneak avoidance clinic today and it was a very positive experience. I wanted to take every precaution I could due to the high number of venomous snakes in my area.

After going through the training I know for at least the time being my pup will not go anywhere near a rattler, water moccasin or copperhead. I'd have to drag her by a rope on her belly to even get her within 30 feet of snake if she can smell or see it.

I have noticed zero adverse effects to her retrieving desire or overall attitude and demeanor.

The gentleman running the clinic was professional and precise with the methods.

The only question I still have is the long term effectiveness. Has anyone here gone through the training and then observed the avoidance months later?

If you live in Texas and are thinking about attending a snake breaking clinic I highly recommend http://www.snakebreaker.com.

Thanks

 

[Migillicutty]

Wayne does an excellent job. He recommends a refresher every year at least for the first few years and then you can do every other if when you go back it's difficult to get a good correction because the dog has retained the training.

 

[birddogn_tc]

I went to Wayne's clinic on Saturday. It was excellent. It was my dogs first experience to snakes. My dog was timid at the sight/smell of them anyway and certainly wants nothing to do with them now.

 

[Brad]

Just my expeirince, when I did it years ago one of mine did a back flip over my shoulder when steped on a stick. Past Monday had a snake on back porch and she was after it till I called her off. Think it was a texas black snake. Ive only done breaking once with Pat. The snakes we get alot just makes them exited. May

 

[johngoehl]

I see on the Snakebreaker website that they recommend getting a snake bite vaccination. Do you know if the rattlesnake vaccine is lifetime for the dog or does it need to be done yearly, etc.?

 

[Wayne Nutt]

Initially a two shot series, a few weeks apart. Then annually. But they are pretty cheap. About $30. Don't need to see a vet as technician can give. No appointment necessary at my vet.

 

[Bryan Parks]

Just my expeirince, when I did it years ago one of mine did a back flip over my shoulder when steped on a stick. Past Monday had a snake on back porch and she was after it till I called her off. Think it was a texas black snake. Ive only done breaking once with Pat. The snakes we get alot just makes them exited. May

They say it only works for the particular snake they are trained with and not all species.

We finished by placing a rattlesnake in an area that my pup had not been previously and she did not see the snake being placed there. I had her behind a barn and then we walked out toward the snake. We got about 50 feet or more down wind and she put on the brakes!!.

I hope it sticks with her.

 

[AAA Gundogs]

With young dogs, I like doing them at 6 months, at a year, and at 2 years. If it catch them slipping, I'll do them again.

I don't use the snake vaccine. It has limited scope in our area and, if it was a human vaccine, I don't think they'd even qualify as getting the desired immune response.

I haven't had a retriever bitten yet and, over 30 years, I'm averaging about 1 pointer every decade. Dry ground lion hounds is a different matter. It's more of a matter of when. On a chase, one hound will kick a snake up and a trailing dog will get bit. Water, rest, and antibiotics.