Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinics

Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinics

Protect your beloved canine companion with our specialized rattlesnake avoidance training clinics in San Diego and Orange County. This crucial training can save your dog’s life by teaching them to recognize and avoid dangerous rattlesnakes.

Start Your Reactive Training Journey
Rattlesnake used for avoidance training with a dog during Suzanne Parker’s snake safety clinic in San Diego

Our Humane and Effective Approach

Our clinics are conducted in a safe, humane, and controlled environment, prioritizing the safety of your dog and the rattlesnakes. We use humanely collected, muzzled rattlesnakes indigenous to your specific geographical area, ensuring your dog is exposed to the exact sights, sounds, and smells they might encounter in the wild.

Training Methodology

  • 🐾 Personalized Assessment

    Each dog is fitted with a stimulation collar, and their individual "working level" is carefully determined.

  • 🐾 Controlled Exposure

    Dogs are introduced to live, rattling snakes in a controlled setting.

  • 🐾 Aversive Conditioning

    We teach your dog to associate the presence of rattlesnakes with an unpleasant, yet harmless, experience, creating a strong deterrent.

  • 🐾 Owner Education

    You will learn to recognize your dog’s specific "ALERT" signs, empowering you to identify when your dog has detected a snake.

Expert Instructors

Our clinics are led by Rusty, an expert in snake handling and course design, and Suzanne Parker, who brings over years of professional experience in dog behavior and training. Their combined expertise ensures a highly effective and safe training experience.

Suzanne Parker professional dog trainer and rattlesnake avoidance instructor in San Diego
Rusty snake handling expert leading rattlesnake avoidance training clinics in Southern California
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Registration & What to Expect

Appointments are scheduled in short increments for efficient flow. You’ll receive full instructions, location details, and confirmation once registered. Your fee covers training, expert handling, location use, and agency permits.

  • Dog learning obedience commands during rattlesnake avoidance clinic booking process

    Booking

    Appointments are scheduled in short increments per dog for efficient training flow.

  • Dog arriving for rattlesnake avoidance training appointment in San Diego

    Arrival

    Please arrive minutes prior to your scheduled appointment for necessary paperwork and preparation.

  • An Australian Shepherd dog lying on a grassy field, panting with tongue out, in front of a blue fence.

    Confirmation

    You will receive an email confirmation upon successful registration.

  • Small dog with tan and white fur, standing on a table in a veterinary clinic, held by a person's hands.

    Clinic Fee

    An advanced payment is required to secure your spot. An invoice and the exact clinic address will be sent upon receipt of payment.

  • Yorkie practicing safety behaviors during Suzanne Parker’s rattlesnake avoidance clinic

    What Your Fee Covers

    Your fee includes comprehensive training, insurance, location use fees, Fish and Wildlife Agency fees, and the expert care and handling of the rattlesnakes.

  • Two happy dogs running on a wooden path surrounded by green plants, with a blurred outdoor background.

    Cancellation Policy

    Refunds (minus fees) available up to one week before. No refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.

Upcoming Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic Dates (as of December )

December 6

East San Diego: Saturday
7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

December 7

North County San Diego (Vista): Sunday
8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

December 20

Bonsall/Fallbrook: Saturday
7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

December 21

San Clemente: Sunday
7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Annual Training Recommendation

If your dog lives or hikes in high-risk areas, annual training is strongly recommended for safety and peace of mind.

Keep My Dog Safe