The only thing worse on a hunt than a snake-bit dog would be a face full of #6 shot. This morning Tex attended a “snake avoidance” event. We hope to hunt in Arizona soon and that state is chock full of Rattlesnakes. This training may save Tex’s life someday. 
This is a Bullsnake. Looks like a Rattlesnake, acts like a Rattlesnake, smells like a Rattlesnake but his bite is harmless. The perfect surrogate to train a dog to stay away. 
Looking for snakes in all the right places. 
Hey, what’s that? 
Looks interesting. 
Hmm, smells like SPAM. I think I am gonna . . . 
STRIKE – YOWEEE!!. The bite was harmless but at the same time Tex was hit with the shock collar. 
Holy Crap! 
Damn thee serpent! 
Feet, don’t fail me now! 
OK, lets go home. 
A Gordon Setter gets trained. 
Beautiful animal. Now Tex wants NOTHING to do with these critters, and that is a very good thing. I have a call into Samuel L Jackson for a better title for this post.
Snake Avoidance Training
Filed under Bird Dogs
Birdhunter 
Great post. I wish we could fine snake avoidance training in my neck of the woods. LOVED the photos and captions. 🙂
Thanks Byrdgirl! Tex earned his Frosty Paws treat!
Wish I could have made it yesterday morning, looks like Tex learned a serious lesson!
It was quite a departure from the norm. We will catch you next time!
Going on Sunday with three de-fanged and de-venomed rattlers. Hope it helps! The snakes are thick in Nevada this year.
Have fun with that! It sure does not take long for the dog to get it. Take your camera!
Ben – love your blog. Glad we don’t see those critters up in Regent. The only bites we’ve experienced there have been Inka related. We’re already looking forward to November.
Thanks Peder! I am looking forward to that as well. A high point of the year.