As the weather begins to warm and more people walk their dogs through the desert, the amount of snake bites to dogs also rises.
"We do see snake bites on a fairly regular basis this time of year," said Claudia Wolff, a veterinary technician and dog obedience instructor.
Nancy Woodside and her husband have endured the panic of a pet being bitten not once óbut twice.
That's when they decided it was time to enroll the four dogs in rattlesnake avoidance training classes.
During these classes dogs are introduced to muzzled snakes and given negative reinforcement through a shock collar, said Wolff.
"It is a little harsh, but would you rather have your dog shocked a couple of times or dead from a snake bite?" Wolff questioned.
After only about 20 minutes of training, most dogs learn to stay away from the snakes. They learn to recognize the snake's look and smell.
Woodside's terrier recently had to put the training to the test when a snake showed up on the couple's back porch. Instead of going near it when it struck it jumped back quickly, Woodside said.
The course costs $70 per dog and is conducted by Patrick Callaghan who travels throughout Southern California holding these sessions.
"Anybody that lives out here with a dog should go through this training," said Woodside.
Interested? Rattlesnake avoidance training classes are being held locally.
The Mojave Green K-9 Club at Schmidt Park at George Air Force Base. Call 247-1176 to sign up and for more information.
May 17 and 18
Quails Unlimited at Kingston Elementary School located at 7473 Kingston Avenue in Hesperia. For more information call 956-8169.
Did you know?
Each year, over one million snake bites are reported for dogs and cats. Dogs are the most likely to fall victim to the deadly bites.
Should your pet be bitten by a snake, it is imperative you take your dog or cat to the vet.
There are many varieties of poisonous snakes, although the rattlesnake is the most common.
Tips to help protect your dog:
Always walk it on a leash
Keep your pet by your side
Do not let your dog explore brushy areas or holes in the ground
If you encounter a rattlesnake, keep your dog by your side and slowly move away from it.
Beatriz E. Valenzuela can be reached at 951-6276 or at email@example.com.