Snakes and Dogs – Training Your Dog to Avoid Snakes

Spring sunlight beckons adventure. Now the dog walk takes us along gravel roads, stone piles are climbed over, meadows are strolled through, and nothing beats the coolness by a lake. Our agenda unfortunately mirrors that of the viper. It’s simply something to accept, we live side by side at this time of year. A collision can be life-threatening. Good knowledge, quick veterinary care, preventative measures, and training can reduce the risks.

How to keep your yard snake-free

Each year from spring to late autumn, thousands of dogs get bitten by vipers. If you have a yard, keep it free of food scraps, bird seeds, and other waste that can attract mice, which in turn lure in snakes. Keep the lawn well-trimmed and remove stone piles that attract snakes to settle in. Place a couple of sturdy snake repellents in the ground (they emit vibrations periodically, which keeps snakes away).

Walking when the snakes are resting

Try walking in the woods or fields late in the evening or early in the morning. When it's cool outside, snakes seek shelter in their dens, and you're clear. Midday, when the sun is shining comfortably, snakes like to sunbathe or slither around.

Vibrations keep snakes away

Stamp hard on the ground when you walk. Snakes can't hear but feel vibrations in the ground and tend to avoid them. Keep your dog on a leash and skip the long leash during peak viper season. Let your eyes scan the gravel path as you walk and avoid distractions until autumn.

Dogs' reactions to snakes and praise

If a snake and a dog meet, the latter usually reacts in one of two ways. Dog A becomes cautious, avoids, backs off, or walks around the snake. As a dog owner, you can take the opportunity to praise the desirable survival instinct. Don’t use a cheerful and chirpy voice. If a snake is associated with joy and play, the risk is that the dog will seek out snakes. Therefore, gossip training or counter-conditioning with lively play or super tasty treats is out.

How your behavior affects your dog's reaction

Instead, use dogs' tendency to mimic us and read our reactions when assessing everyday situations. Subtly move away from the snake, praise quietly, and show that you choose to flee. This will increase the chances that your dog will continue to take caution around snakes.

Training for curious dogs

Dog B, on the other hand, is drawn to the snake. Curiosity and the desire to investigate are triggered by the reptile’s hissing and slithering. These dogs require structured training. The training is divided into 3 lures the dog should handle:

1. The sight of a snake
2. The sound
3. The smells

Modern snake training without aversive methods

In Australia, dogs are trained in "snake avoidance." It was previously thought that electric collars and aversive methods were necessary, but this had the opposite effect, with dogs wanting to bite the snakes in retaliation. Today, fair methods are advocated!

Teach your dog to pay attention to "beware"

But first, train the command "watch out." Associate the term with dangers that the dog instinctively avoids. Imagine you’re walking on a dock and the dog is near the edge or a cat is hissing nearby—say "watch out" when the dog realizes the danger and steps back. Use everyday situations that mildly concern the dog to link the right feeling to "watch out."

Test the command in a neutral situation. If your dog reacts with caution, you're in the clear. Only then can it be used in snake training.

How to teach your dog to back up

Now practice "step back." Walk or back up towards the dog. When the paws step backward, say "step back" and reward in the direction of retreat. Create training opportunities, perhaps preparing a paper plate with citrus scent/vinegar (which dogs dislike) and walk towards the smell. When the dog sniffs towards the source, say "step back" and reward when it steps backward.

Now use "step back" with real dangers, such as electric wires around a horse pen, glass shards on the street, or dog poop in a ditch. "Step back" now has a meaning and can be used in snake training.

Realistic training with snake experiences

1. Training with plastic worms: visual impressions

Place a plastic snake on the gravel path without the dog seeing it. Then approach the first lure. When the dog notices the snake, combine "watch out" and "step back." If Fido responds correctly, reward calmly and generously. Set the snake in motion; a fishing line and a friend usually work wonders.

Start training from a distance from the slithering snake, as success early on will allow you to advance to faster and jerky movements. Mechanical rattlesnakes in realistic colors are available for lifelike training. Harness and leash are essential, so the dog can be restrained (without jerking) if the motivation to explore overwhelms it. Prevent exploration completely neutrally without prohibition or diversion.

2. Use audio impressions for snake training

Place a portable speaker in a field. YouTube snake hissing and voilà, the second lure is on the agenda. Sway gently towards the sound source with the dog on a leash and harness, and practice as described above.

3. Exercise with snake scent: olfactory impressions

Drill "watch out" and "step back" with snake scent placed out. Tropical zoos, wildlife parks, and agricultural schools housing the species are often willing to share. Rub a cotton pad on the snake and place it in a plastic bag to bring out and place by the roadside as the third lure. Note! Use hand sanitizer when handling materials that have been in contact with snakes, as there’s a risk of salmonella.

Dog B may need to practice impulse control beyond snake training. Hold the dog while tossing a toy. When the dog is calm and not pulling forward, let it chase after a completely different toy thrown away from the first one. The latter is important, so don’t let giving in to temptation become part of the reward. Imagine if it had been a viper!

Now install the viper safety measures for your dog. But don’t see it as a guarantee. Enjoy the summer, the forest walks, and cooling lakes while keeping an eye on your dog and surroundings. If you spot a reptile, take the opportunity to practice. Put the right feeling into your actions—people who are afraid of snakes often have dog A.

Recognize the symptoms of viper bites

The dog may seem unaffected after the bite. It may take up to 2 hours before the general condition is affected. The effect of the bite depends on the dog’s size, how much venom was injected, and the snake's venom status. If you suspect a viper bite, always go to the vet! Do not wait for symptoms, as prompt care is necessary.

• Mild, moderate, or severe swelling around the bite
• Tired, lethargic
• Showing pain, anxiety
• Unsteady, wobbly
• Panting, labored breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhea may occur in more severe cases
• Anaphylactic shock

If Your Dog Has Been Bitten:

• Stay calm, it’s important for your dog to stay calm
• The dog should remain as still as possible, as activity spreads the venom faster
• Carry the dog or ask someone who can carry to meet you. Preferably don’t let the dog walk. This is especially important if it was a paw bite, as every step contributes to the spread of venom
• Get to the vet quickly! Call ahead and notify them of your arrival

Important to consider during post-processing

• Rest and stillness for at least 14 days
• A follow-up visit should include a blood test to check liver/kidney values

Important things to avoid when bitten by an adder

• Do not cool the bite
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom
• Do not apply pressure to the bite
• Do not administer cortisone without consulting a vet
• Do not give pain relief without consulting a vet
• Never give pain killers for a viper bite before consulting a vet

Risks and complications of viper bites

• Damage to lymphatic and blood vessels
• Anemia
• Irregular heartbeat
• Edema
• Liver impact
• Kidney damage
• 4% mortality rate

Most dogs recover without lasting effects after a viper bite. For more information, read First Aid for Dogs: What every dog owner needs to know.

Written by: Caroline Alupo

Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.

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