Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets for the 2024 Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic are sold out.
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The registration is full–will you be offering another clinic this year?
No, we hold only one clinic per year. This is a non-profit, fundraising event held to benefit the DCSO K-9 Unit and to ensure all the K-9s are fully trained.
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Do you have a waiting list?
No, there is no waiting list. Tickets are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. If a previously sold ticket becomes available, it will be open for purchase on the Registration link.
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Where does the clinic take place?
On the grounds of Franktown Animal Clinic, 7658 Burning Tree Drive, Franktown, CO 80116. For more information, please email info@K9Friends.org
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Do I need an appointment?
YES! Appointments are scheduled in one hour blocks with eight dogs through the course each hour. Please be prepared to be there for one hour. It is first come, first served within that hour, so most people will be there less than one hour.
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Who does the training?
Fred Presson of High On Kennels. We have used Fred Presson for this training every year because of his compassionate care of the dogs and snakes.
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Why does K-9 Friends bring Fred Presson from California for this training?
Fred Presson is the exclusive trainer for our Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinics because of his humane treatment of the dogs and snakes. Other trainers may cut the fangs off the snakes and allow the snakes to bite the dogs. We do not believe in such treatment.
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How is the training done?
We use an electronic training collar to simulate a snake bite, and we teach the dog to recognize the sight, sound and scent of a rattlesnake so they learn to avoid them when encountered.
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Does it hurt my dog?
No, the collar gives a mild electrical shock that startles the dog and teaches them to avoid the snake. The degree of shock is controlled by the trainer and is adjusted to the size and temperament of the pet. No dog has ever been injured at one of our events.
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Can the snake hurt my dog?
No, all precautions are taken to keep your dog safe. The snakes are neutralized so that they cannot bite.
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Do the snakes get hurt?
No, the snakes are well cared for. No snake or dog has ever been injured in the process of training.
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Who handles my dog?
Your dog will be handled by trained handlers. The trainer follows the handler and the dog and stimulates the dog as it encounters the rattlesnake.
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Are the fangs cut off the rattlesnakes?
No, these rattlesnakes are not de-fanged. They are muzzled for the training sessions so they can be released back into the wild.
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How often should my dog be trained for rattlesnakes?
Fred recommends training a dog once per year for three years in a row. Some herding breeds and working dogs respond so well to the training that they do not need to repeat it.
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How old does my puppy need to be to go through this training?
Puppies must be at least six months of age.
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Do you recommend other Rattlesnake Clinics?
No, because dogs and snakes are handled differently by different Clinics. We recommend you research them and find the best fit for you.
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If my dog has been bitten by a rattlesnake in the past, is it worthwhile to participate in the training?
Yes, it can still be beneficial to go through the rattlesnake clinic even if your dog has been bitten in the past.
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Where does Fred release the snakes?
Under Dr. Swieckowski’s front porch. KIDDING! The trainer keeps a record of where he catches each snake and will release them back where they were found.