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.
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
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🐾 Personalized Assessment
Each dog is fitted with a stimulation collar, and their individual "working level" is carefully determined.
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🐾 Controlled Exposure
Dogs are introduced to live, rattling snakes in a controlled setting.
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🐾 Aversive Conditioning
We teach your dog to associate the presence of rattlesnakes with an unpleasant, yet harmless, experience, creating a strong deterrent.
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🐾 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.
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.
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Booking
Appointments are scheduled in short increments per dog for efficient training flow.
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Arrival
Please arrive minutes prior to your scheduled appointment for necessary paperwork and preparation.
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Confirmation
You will receive an email confirmation upon successful registration.
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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.
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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.
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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.
