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rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-species?
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by dukiebluedoc on May 6, 2011
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I am currently a desert dweller (foothills north of Phoenix AZ) and am going to have my newly adopted dog rattlesnake aversion trained locally, since multiple rattlesnake species abound in all parts of Arizona.
I will also be travelling with my dog to the SouthEast (the Carolinas) where we will encounter other pit vipers specifically copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorous).
I would like to know if the shock aversion therapy using several species of Arizona rattlesnakes will also make my dog unwilling to go near the non-Crotalus pit vipers found in the US South. The aversion is both sight based and scent based and my dog is very much a scent dominant dog.
The essence of my question is do all pit vipers smell alike or will I need to have her retrained in Carolina?
Thanks for any input--the snake aversion trainer here has no experience with Agkistrodon spp
Caroline
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RE: rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-speci
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by AquaHerp on May 6, 2011
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Not all snakes smell alike. However, your dog should pick up an adversion to snakes in general.
DH
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RE: rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-speci
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by theemojohnm on May 6, 2011
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Caroline, please fill in your profile.
Although there are differences between the general scents of Agkistrodon species and Crotalus species, the aversion training should be effective with both genera, especially if it is also partially sight-based.
Also, even though there are scent differences, I would think that your dog should be able to distinguish almost any species of snake, venomous or not. Snakes, in general, don’t smell much like any other animal. And, the Crotalus and Agkistrodon are fairly closely related. - Both pit-vipers, of the family Crotalinae.
I agree with Doug; your dog should recognize the scents and sight of snakes, in general. I see no reason why she should need to be retrained.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola
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RE: rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-speci
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by dukiebluedoc on May 8, 2011
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John, thanks for detailed and very useful reply!
I have updated my profile.
Caroline
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RE: rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-speci
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by FSB on May 9, 2011
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Caroline, I think you are taking a very wise and thoughtful course towards protecting your dog in this manner, and also applaud your desire to protect even venomous herps on your property. I would add that when I was helping out in my brother's vet clinic in southern VA, we saw a rather significant number of Agkistrodon c. mokasen and Crotalus horridus bites in dogs, most often to the nose or snout (predictably enough). None of the cases were fatal and the dogs typically recovered fully after only a few days and treatment with antibiotics.
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RE: rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-speci
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by theemojohnm on May 10, 2011
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I often tell people that dogs seem to respond better to crotalid venom than humans, with less severe local and systemic damage. Certainly seems to be the case. I can't recall any of the crote bites in dogs that I have ever seen, being too severe.
Of course, it's best if the dog can be taught to avoid the snakes in the first place. Could potentially save than animals life, and at the very least, spare the dog some MAJOR discomfort. I agree that you are doing a great thing in getting your dog aversion trained. I really wish the practice was more wide-spread. With canines being as curious as they are, in areas where snakes are prevalent, I think it's a great thing, and in many areas, almost necessary.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola
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RE: rattlesnake aversion therapy effective x-speci
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by dukiebluedoc on May 10, 2011
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I was moved to schedule the aversion therapy by several factors.
I have encountered many live rattlesnakes on my property (in my garage and in my fenced back yard), on foot and on horseback in several areas of Arizona so it is very likely my newly acquired dog will do so also.
She is a scent hound,fond of burying her snout in interesting smells, hence my concern re the non-rattling pit vipers in the SouthEastern US where we will visit often.
And finally, having my dog trained to react to and flee from pit vipers will make my walks and hikes safer. I am not afraid of venomous snakes but I respect them, and have no desire for any member of my hiking party to get bitten.
Will post any appropriate followup after my dog has the training on May 18.
Caroline
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