Dog Rattlesnake Avoidance Training

04/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1437216298441529&id=100064595175725&post_id=100064595175725_1437216298441529&mibextid=Nif5oz

The recent report from Northern California is a heavyhearted reminder of the importance of snake safety. We are saddened to share news of the passing of an individual in Redwood Valley following a snakebite encounter—marking the third tragic fatality in California this year.

While fatal snakebites are statistically rare, unseasonably warm weather has led to a significant increase in snake activity across the state. As these vital members of our ecosystem emerge earlier than usual, the risk of accidental encounters increases for hikers, bikers, and homeowners alike.

At Save The Snakes, our mission is to foster respect and understanding to prevent such tragedies. We urge everyone to remain vigilant: stay on marked paths, wear protective footwear if in tall grass, and always give snakes the space they need. Coexistence is possible through education and awareness.

Our thoughts are with the families affected by these recent losses. Please take a moment to review our safety and coexistence resources:

➡️ www.savethesnakes.org/coexist

04/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1437216298441529&id=100064595175725&post_id=100064595175725_1437216298441529&mibextid=Nif5oz

04/10/2026

WOW! ...SO cool!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1418202517017478&id=100064832282767&mibextid=Nif5oz 🌟💫🎉👏😊

03/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100064419860889/posts/1377511714406144/?mibextid=Nif5oz

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssssssss!

It’s Rattlesnake Season! 🐍

And they’re out early this year. Many types of snakes are active, but it’s the rattlesnake—the venomous one—you want to be especially aware of.

First… don’t freak out! The more you know, the more confidently (and safely) you can enjoy the trails.

How to Tell the Difference: Gopher Snake vs. Rattlesnake (See comparison photo)

• Tail:
Rattlesnakes have a distinctive rattle at the end of their tail. Gopher snakes do not.
• Head Shape:
Rattlesnakes have a broad, triangular head with a wider jaw.
Gopher snakes have a narrower, more streamlined head—almost bullet-shaped.
• Body:
Rattlesnakes tend to be thicker and heavier-bodied. Gopher snakes are usually longer and more slender.

Trail Awareness Tips

• If possible, stay centered on the trail
• Give any snake plenty of space—most bites happen when people get too close.

🐾 Pet Message for Hikers
• In many areas of the Santa Monica Mountains where dogs are allowed, they are required to be on a leash—and this is especially important during rattlesnake season.
• Dogs are naturally curious and love to sniff everything. Unfortunately, the most common place for a dog to be bitten is the face/muzzle.
• Keeping your dog leashed helps protect them from a dangerous (and potentially life-threatening) encounter.

• REMEMBER - Rattlesnakes play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and are part of the incredible biodiversity of our trails. Respect them, give them space, and we can all safely coexist.

Happy Hiking! 🌿🥾

03/30/2026

If your dog gets bit (or another medical issue), this is a great way to pack them out

https://www.facebook.com/100061258164248/posts/1453751466676778/?mibextid=Nif5oz

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03/24/2026

https://www.snakebitefoundation.org/blog/the-truth-about-commercial-snakebite-kits-including-the-venom-extractor?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQvlaFjbGNrBC-Uf2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHst6AGxsRQfYhy2DeZxzfpFiZto9a2f0AZUPnQ6q5q4sSGzFTn0g9IkuRyOZ_aem_Zjbz7cuJ5MC8eg7YgWopWQ

As snakebite experts, we are frequently asked about first aid for snakebite patients. One of the most common questions is “Do venom extractors and other commercial snakebite kits actually help?” The short answer is no. In fact, most of the advice about snakebite first aid that has circulated ove...

02/25/2026

🐶🐾🚫🐍

RATTLESNAKES DON’T WANT TO BE YOUR DOG’S BEST FRIEND!
Be proactive... protect your dogs BEFORE they encounter a rattlesnake!

Rattlesnake Season can be any season here in the mild climate we enjoy in So. & Central Ca. So next week, when it’s sunny again they will be out looking for a meal!

Sign up NOW for public training events starting March 7th. Training dates fill fast!
To learn more or register online visit www.SnakeSafeDog.com
*PRIVATE TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE AT YOUR HOME OR RANCH

*Please feel free to SHARE on social media such as Instagram, Facebook or copy/paste for Nextdoor, Ring, etc.

Thanks everyone! We hope to see you and your pups soon!
🐶

02/25/2026

🐶🐾🚫🐍
RATTLESNAKES DON’T WANT TO BE YOUR DOG’S BEST FRIEND! 😉
Rattlesnake Season can be any season here in the mild climate we enjoy in So. & Central Ca. So next week, when it’s sunny again they will be out looking for a meal!

Be proactive... protect your dogs BEFORE they encounter a rattlesnake!

Sign up NOW for public training events starting March 7th. Training dates fill fast!
To learn more or register online visit www.SnakeSafeDog.com
*PRIVATE TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE AT YOUR HOME OR RANCH

*Please feel free to SHARE on social media such as Instagram, Facebook or copy/paste for Nextdoor, Ring, etc.

Thanks everyone! We hope to see you and your pups soon!
🐶

09/14/2025

THIS is why we give your dog 7 different opportunities to memorize the scent on our rattlesnake avoidance training course!

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1600755714576694&id=100039268431966&post_id=100039268431966_1600755714576694&mibextid=CDWPTG

The power of a dog’s nose is incredible 👃🐶...Did you know?

👉 A dog’s nose pad produces an oily fluid that helps scent molecules stick, making it easier to pick up and process smells.

👉 When sniffing, air travels through two different pathways: 88% goes to respiratory and 12% goes to olfactory.

👉 Dogs have a 3D sense of smell, allowing them to map out their surroundings and track movements in ways that humans can’t. This includes not just where something is or has been, but also how recently it was.

👉 They can sniff with one nostril at a time, helping them figure out the direction of a scent.

👉 Dogs can inhale through one part of the nose and exhale through another so they don’t disturb the scent they’re analysing.

👉 Their noses have a built-in temperature control system, warming or cooling the air so smells are processed at the perfect temperature for accuracy.

With this super tool at their disposal, there's no wonder that smell is their primary sense and that they are so amazing out on the trails! 🤩

Hit us with some more cool facts about the dogs nose in the comments 👇

08/29/2025

For reference:

https://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/snakespics.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcAMeuYBjbGNrAx64uWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEelR5ZPpRRDaMIF9BI6qa-ZxzsaFWWEvYih3n1pjraj6-PeCFrRthEokXlOJM_aem_SDMac9KKgHxhmeWpWKqyhg

california, snakes, photos, pictures