Snake avoidance workshops will be conducted in the South West this month to help residents prepare and train their dogs for interactions
“Owners are usually shocked,” said Animal Ark’s David Manning.
“As our snake avoidance training begins, 99 per cent of dogs go straight up to the first snake (non venomous) it comes across.
“Imagine if that was a dugite or tiger snake rather than our friendly python.
“It makes you realize just how vulnerable dogs are to snakes – their curiosity can literally kill them.”
Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes are welcomed to the program, where the animals are introduced to a non venomous snake for aversion therapy.
“Big or small, young and old we meet them all. From the tiny Chihuahua to massive Mastiffs as well as young puppies of 4 months and up, and much older dogs,” said Mr Manning.
“We don’t lure them to a snake or put a treat near by – we let the dog do what it wants to do – and take it from there with our snake aversion therapy.
“What is most interesting for us to observe as trainers and ultimately most important for the dog is its drive level.
“Some dogs just must find, chase, hassle, catch or kill. Others are just curious and curiosity can kill if your pet is over keen on checking out a snake.
“So we concentrate on our naturalistic method allowing any given dog the opportunity to approach a snake early on if it wants to.
“We then try over a couple of walks, to correct this dangerous and unwanted behaviour. That in a nutshell is snake avoidance.”
The organisation has been conducting snake aversion therapy around Australia for over four years, using therapy methods employed by trainers around the world.
Veterinarian Monique Halliday said the training had been an important learning curve for her kelpie, Bindi.
"Probably three weeks after the training we had an actual encounter out on the farm with a live snake,” Ms Halliday said.
“Normally she would go straight for the snake, but she saw it and she stopped and she took a really wide berth, maybe 15 or 20 metres around and away from it, and just sat and watched it until it departed.
“It was worth every cent.”
Animal Ark will conduct two training sessions in Margaret River on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19.
For more information visit www.snakeavoidance.com.au, call on 08 9243 3044 or email snakeavoidance@animalark.com.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
