Let’s Talk About The Facts Regarding Snake Avoidance Training

As spring arrives and temperatures rise, snake activity increases, bringing potential risks for our dogs. Many pet carers may consider snake avoidance training, especially if they live in a snake prone area. This training often involves the use of electronic shock collars. The aim is to prevent dogs from apporaching snakes. However, we strongly advise against this method. Here’s why…

The Risks of Electronic Shock Collars

Electronic shock collars, often used in traditional snake avoidance training, are designed to deliver an aversive stimulus when the dog encounters a snake. Those offering this service claim this creates an association between snakes and discomfort, leading to avoidance. However, research suggests that the use of electronic shock collars can have severe negative effects on dogs' well-being and there is lack of scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness and safety.

1. Increased Anxiety and Aggression

   Studies have shown that the use of electronic shock collars can increase anxiety and aggression in dogs. Dogs subjected to these collars may develop a heightened fear response, not just to snakes but to various stimuli, leading to generalised anxiety and aggression.

2. Unreliable Behavioural Responses

   When faced with a fearful or painful stimulus, dogs may exhibit one of three responses: fight, flight, or freeze. The effectiveness of shock-based training relies on the assumption that the dog will always choose flight (avoidance) when encountering a snake. However, there’s no guarantee this will be the case. In some instances, dogs may freeze or even attack the snake, putting them in greater danger.

3. Lack of Qualified Trainers

   Many providers of traditional snake avoidance training charge significant fees, yet they often lack formal qualifications in animal training and behaviour.

4. No Proven Effectiveness

   Importantly, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of aversive snake avoidance training in actually saving dogs' lives. The risks associated with this type of training often outweigh the unproven benefits.
   

A Better Alternative: Un-Chase Programs

At Perfect Paws Behaviour Solutions, we advocate for more humane and effective training options. One such option is the Un-Chase program, designed to teach dogs to avoid snakes without the use of aversive methods. This program focuses on positive reinforcement and emergency recall training, helping dogs to make safer choices when they encounter a snake. These programs also provide benefits in other areas of training, e.g general responsiveness and improved recall in other settings.

Final Thoughts

While no training method can guarantee complete safety from snakes, it’s essential to be vigilant and careful in snake prone areas with using long leads, keeping your dog away from swamps, grasslands and dense forests and supervising your dog as much as possible in higher risk areas. Maintaining a tidy garden can also help reduce the liklihood of a snakes hanging around on your property. Additionally, by choosing humane training methods, you can reduce the risks while maintaining your dog’s well-being.

For more information on the fallout behaviours associated with electronic shock collar use in dogs, check out these additional resources:

The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review Australian Veterinary Association statement on use of behaviour modifying collars in dogs

Let’s keep our furry friends safe and happy this spring! 🌸🐾 Thanks for reading! Georgia Director - Perfect Paws Behaviour Solutions #snakeavoidancetraining #snakeavoidance