Rattlesnake Avoidance Training in Bakersfield, CA
Two sessions that teach your dog to recognize a rattlesnake and get away from it, for dogs that hike, hunt or just have a big back yard.
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A trained avoidance response is cheaper than an emergency vet visit
Rattlesnakes are a fact of life around Bakersfield, in the foothills, on the canal banks and out in open ground. Snake avoidance training conditions your dog to identify a rattlesnake by sight, sound and scent, and to move away from it instead of investigating. The program is two sessions: an initial conditioning session and a follow-up proofing session, plus e-collar education so you understand the timing. It sits alongside our obedience programs rather than replacing them. Prices are on the plans and pricing page.
What snake avoidance training covers
Snake awareness
Conditioning your dog to recognize a rattlesnake by sight, sound and scent.
An avoidance response
Moving away from the snake instead of walking up to it, which is the behavior that saves dogs.
A proofing session
A follow-up session so the response holds up rather than fading after the first day.
Owner e-collar education
E-collar handling, communication, and correct correction and reward timing, taught to you.
Optional annual refresher
A 15 to 20 minute refresher before hiking or snake season, available for $75.
Snake avoidance programs and pricing
Both programs are the same two sessions. The difference is the e-collar: the Foundations program assumes you already own a Mini Educator, and the package includes one with fitting and setup. Payment plans are available, so call us today to talk through options.
Snake Avoidance Foundations Program
Conditioning session plus a follow-up proofing session. Requires you already own a Mini Educator e-collar.
Snake Avoidance Foundations + Mini Educator
The same two sessions with the Mini Educator e-collar, fitting and owner education included.
See how our dogs work off leash
Diesel, a French bulldog, working off leash. Snake avoidance builds on the same e-collar communication. More training videos on YouTube →
What Bakersfield dog owners say
“The cost of Rattlesnake avoidance training with OffLeash K-9 Training is a small price to pay for the safety of our best friends.”
“Training that works! Behavior based training that helps you and your dog understand each other as far as what you expect of them in different situations.”
“Jesse was great, he gave us a one on one consultation and training tips. I would definitely recommend OFFLEASH K9 Training.”
Snake avoidance questions
What does snake avoidance training actually teach?
Your dog learns to identify a rattlesnake by sight, sound and scent, and to move away from it. The Foundations program is an initial conditioning session followed by a proofing session, and includes owner e-collar education.
Do I need an e-collar for this?
Yes. Your dog needs a Mini Educator e-collar, either the ET-300, the ET-1200 or the Micro Educator. If you do not already own one, the package version includes the collar plus fitting and setup.
How long does the training last?
An annual refresher is recommended before snake season or a hiking trip. It is a 15 to 20 minute session and costs $75. Booking it in spring, before you start getting out on the trails, is the sensible timing.
Does my dog need obedience training first?
Not as a prerequisite, but the two work well together. Dogs already used to the e-collar from our obedience programs tend to pick up snake avoidance quickly, and a reliable recall matters when your dog is out ahead of you on a trail.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans are available. Call us today to learn more about payment options.
Snake avoidance across our service area
Get your dog ready for snake season
Book a free phone consultation and we will get your dog scheduled for a conditioning session.