With Critters They Contend
- Rattlesnakes -
The icons of the American west are the animals that live as our neighbors. Think about it. The mere mention of “out west” and howling coyotes, cattle moaning – “while the deer and the antelope play” - all comes to mind. Most of these critters prefer to stay clear of people but having a dog along seems to up the ire a notch or two, in some. And then, there’s rattlesnakes.
Rattlers always seem to be minding their own business – right? I mean, whether it’s on a rock (or road) trying to warm up or hiding in the scrub taking a nap, when you come across one, it is generally relaxing. That is, until your bird dog zips past and jolts them out of their mid-day siesta. Generally, by the time I finally realize that I’m standing next to it, the snake is already buzzing mad!
Early dove and upland game seasons are when (gun) dogs often meet rattlesnakes.
If you’re new to snake country, be on the lookout near rocky terrain or collections of ground dwelling rodents such as prairie dog towns; target-rich environments teaming with prey. If you’re considering an early-season dove or prairie grouse safari but aren’t sure about snakes, don’t lose heart. I’ve come across countless numbers of rattlesnakes over the years and have never had a dog bit. (Knock on Wood!) Allow me to share some of the techniques I have been using so that dogs and snakes can part “amiably”.
Dogs almost always linger with anything new and most often that’s how they get snagged by rattlers. When I began hunting with upland pointing dogs, I had already seen enough snakes to know that I didn’t want my dogs to even be curious. New scent, sound, or critter; dog’s seem to feel that they all must be investigated.
It all began one summer’s day, a young man and an equally young setter training in a small pasture. The dog ran past something briefly noticed, slammed to a halt, and returned for a sniff. It was then that I spied the large bull snake coiled and cranky. Light bulb!
In a preemptive effort, I snared the snake behind its head and threatened old Ted within a life’s breath using the snake. I have been bitten by a few non-poisonous snakes and the finger can start to throb with a mild infection later on. That’s why, to play it safe, I always grab them from behind the head like you would any of the more potent varieties.
Bull snakes are not poisonous but, in an effort to mimic a rattlesnake, they will huff and puff, wriggle the end of their tail, and BITE! Ted got his snoot clamped onto and never came close to another snake as long as he lived! That has been my “stand-by” technique ever since.
This setter demonstrates the reaction we are looking for toward a large garter snake - avoidance!
With e-collars you might not need the snake to be aggressive, so any snake might do the job. Because, again, I believe that most snake bites occur due to the dog’s curiosity, it is my intent to eliminate the curiosity for anything of snake design; any critter that crawls or coils is to be avoided. To be safe, I reapply the technique whenever the opportunity presents itself.
I have attended rattlesnake training seminars that use live rattlers. Their contention is that dogs should use all their senses during the process - I agree! Dogs will hopefully avoid the sound, sight, and smell of a rattler. The trainers insist that the smell is unique; I’ll have to take their word on that. However, I am convinced that the scent has some (reptilian) similarity. The sound, of course, cannot be produced using non-rattlers but the use of snake rattles on a vibrating apparatus was used during the session.
Young dog struck at by muzzled rattlesnake and stimulated by brief shock.
Dogs are very capable learners and can grasp concepts. I mean, I have never seen a dog that learned not to chase whitetail deer take-off after the first mule deer they came across. Another example, remember the dog that received the bull snake treatment? Ol’ Teddy routinely avoided all snakes from then on; rattle and garter snakes, included.
Of course, dog’s can be struck by snakes prior to detection; nothing can completely prevent it. If you’re going to be hunting in regions known to have rattlesnakes there is another popular precaution available - vaccination.
Keep in mind, even when used, the vaccine only reduces the venom’s effectiveness and, based on several conditions, the dog will likely exhibit reactions to a bite anyway. The species and size of the rattlesnake, the number of bites and location, the size and relative health of the dog; all combine to make the seriousness of the dog’s reaction to the bite relatively unpredictable. So, the vaccines are not a cure-all and, if bitten, the dog is still in an emergency situation.
A dog accidently interrupted this rattler’s sage siesta.
Like all forms of training, the effectiveness is very dog-dependent. As I mentioned, my dogs have had a few run-in’s with rattlers and I have not had a dog bitten; perhaps I’ve been lucky - I’ll take that! It seems, however, that the curiosity has been satisfied and the dog’s want for a closer look at snakes is quelled.
Prevention is the best policy but keeping a hunting dog controlled on a leash is not practical. Therefore, the goal is for the dog to have as many negative experiences with snakes as is reasonably possible. By your choosing the circumstances surrounding snake interaction, an emergency can, often, be avoided.
(NOTE: Although perhaps a bit confused, all snakes are released with no harm done.)
Up Next: With Critters They Contend - Coyotes, et al.
With Critters They Contend - Porcupines: Previous
