During the warmer time of year, the risk of dogs roaming unsupervised increases significantly. Recent research indicates that approximately 60,000 pets, including dogs, are bitten by snakes in Australia alone, with fewer than a third surviving the encounter. The Snake Safe program was launched over 10 years ago by Sidney to help protect dogs from these dangerous situations.
The danger of snake bites is a serious concern for pet owners. In the event of a snake bite, quick veterinary care is essential, but it comes at a cost. On average, administering anti-venom and covering general veterinary expenses can range between $5,000 and $15,000. In addition to snake bites, some lizards have saliva that can cause septic infections, which, while less common, also pose life-threatening risks.
I was once told that training dogs to avoid rubber snakes or snake skins is an effective method for snake avoidance. Curious but skeptical, I decided to test this approach myself. From a theoretical standpoint, it seemed flawed right away—real snakes move, and they don’t smell like rubber or plastic.
To investigate, I trained a dog to avoid a rubber snake toy. When the dog was later introduced to a real snake, there was no change in its behavior. This makes sense when you consider how dogs perceive the world. Dogs primarily use their sense of smell to identify objects, even when they see something first. Upon encountering a rubber snake, a dog may see it, but it immediately relies on its nose to confirm what it is. A rubber snake smells nothing like a living snake.
As for snake skins, they’re equally ineffective. A snake skin is dead tissue, and anything dead smells drastically different from a living creature. Visually, a snake skin doesn’t resemble a snake either—it’s flat, lifeless, and only moves if blown by the wind. I tested both methods, and both proved completely flawed for teaching dogs to avoid real snakes.
The short answer is no. I had a local snake catcher bring over a Eastern Brown Snake and the reaction was exactly the same to a Brown snake as it was to a python. All snakes—venomous or not—smell the same, move the same, and strike the same. While there may be variations in size and color, dogs are excellent at generalizing. In my early training days, I used multiple snakes to teach avoidance, thinking variety was necessary. However, I quickly realized this was unnecessary. Dogs can generalize snake characteristics after minimal exposure, making the use of venomous snakes redundant and risky.
Effective snake avoidance training focuses on teaching dogs to recognize the core traits of snakes—their scent, movement, and behavior—using safe, controlled methods. This ensures dogs can steer clear of all snakes, regardless of species, without the need for dangerous or overly complex approaches.
The snake avoidance program ‘Snake Safe’ was developed in 2015, in collaboration with leading reptile experts and dog behaviour experts from Australia and the USA. The snake training teaches dogs to recognise and avoid both snakes and lizards, as they can generalise the presence of reptiles. This system provides an effective method for reducing the risks that come with increased snake activity during warmer months.
*Live non-venomous reptiles are used for training
Dog snake avoidance training sessions takes place in Stockton, Newcastle, and additional locations based on demand.
Participants complete two sessions, ideally spaced at least a week apart.
Sessions are conducted in small groups of 5 to 10 participants, with each session lasting approximately 1 hour.
Please provide a minimum of 24 hours notice to reschedule an appointment. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the lesson fee.
Since launching the Snake Safe program in 2015, we have experienced remarkable success and received countless positive testimonials from clients who have undergone the training. Many have shared stories of near encounters with reptiles, highlighting how their dogs alerted them to the presence of a snake or lizard and instinctively moved away to avoid danger.
I can personally attest to the effectiveness of this training. Last summer, my own dogs encountered a six-foot Brown snake in my yard. Their behaviour changed instantly on spotting the snake, prompting me to call them away. I safely housed my dogs and returned to the yard, only to find that the snake had disappeared.
Our program is not solely focused on protecting the lives of our beloved pets; it is also dedicated to preserving wildlife and promoting harmony between humans and animals in our shared environment. By fostering safer interactions, we can work toward living alongside each other peacefully.
Snake avoidance training offers numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners:
Our snake avoidance training program is designed to keep your dog safe from snake bites, which can be life-threatening. By enrolling your dog in our program, you can enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind, knowing that your dog is trained to avoid danger.
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