Keeping Your Dog Safe from Snakes
Why Avoidance Training Isn't the Answer
We know that the number one priority for pet families is making sure the fur-kids stay safe. Summer weather, holidays and visits to more snake-prone areas mean that many of us need to think about the risks to our pets, with many well-meaning pet lovers asking for our recommendations on snake avoidance training. But what if we told you that these training methods might actually do more harm than good?
The Problem with Avoidance Training
Most snake avoidance training relies on electric shock collars - a method that sounds simple, and therefore appealling, but can be surprisingly harmful. Here's why: The shock needs to be strong enough to create a memorable deterrent, which means potentially causing serious physical and emotional damage to your beloved pet.
Imagine your dog experiencing a painful shock and trying to understand why. Instead of learning to avoid snakes, they might:
- Become terrified of going outside
- Develop anxiety about their environment
- Lose trust in you as their protector
What Really Happens During Shock Collar Training ?
When dogs are shocked near a snake-like object, they don't necessarily learn "snake bad." Instead, they might learn "outside is scary" or "my owner causes me pain." This can lead to lasting behavioral issues like increased anxiety, suppressed stress signals, and even aggression.
The RSPCA is unequivocal in their position that “electric shock collars on dogs are no longer acceptable” due to the animal welfare issues they create.
A Better Way: Positive Safety Strategies
So what can you do to keep your dog safe from snake encounters? We've got some positive alternatives that will protect your pet without causing trauma:
1. Avoid Encounters IN THE FIRSTPLACE
- Keep your dog on a leash in snake-prone areas.
- Stick to clear, maintained trails.
- Avoid long grass and rocky areas during peak snake seasons.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If you're in a high-risk area, consider:
- Keeping your dog indoors during times when snakes are most active (which is typically early morning and late evening in Victoria).
- Creating a secure, enclosed outdoor space.
- Using a well-designed pen or crate for controlled outdoor time.
3. Mental Stimulation is Key
Containment doesn't have to mean boredom! Keep your dog engaged with:
- Scent work games
- Puzzle feeders
- Interactive toys
- Frozen treats are a great diversion in warm weather
- Short training sessions
Professional Alternatives
There are professional courses that teach snake avoidance using fear-free, positive methods. These focus on teaching your dog calm, confident responses rather than fear-based reactions.
Talk to our friendly team if you require a reliable recommendation for a positive and rewards-based trainer to help you.
The Bottom Line
Your dog's safety is about more than just building a negative association toward snakes. It's about maintaining their confidence, trust, and joy in exploring the world with you. Traditional shock collar training risks destroying that delicate bond.
By choosing compassionate, positive strategies, you can keep your dog safe while preserving their spirit of adventure and trust in you.
**Remember:** Always consult with your veterinarian or an Evervet-endorsed dog trainer for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation and local environment.