Local Dog Trainer Hosts Rattlesnake Clinic for Pets

Rattlesnakes are a common sight in the summer for San Diego County and while we may be smart enough to stay away from the noisy snakes, our pets sometimes get a bit curious.

Local dog trainer Nichole Hartmann, who owns Crazy Dogs in Poway, is hosting a rattlesnake clinic June 1 for residents looking to teach their dogs the dangers of the venomous serpents.

“I know that once [dogs] get bit, they have very little time to get to a vet,” Hartmann said of the dangers of the rattly reptiles.

Enter: Natural Solutions, a company devoted to training both wildlife and domestic animals for all types of situations.

“They’re like rock stars,” Hartmann said.  “As far as trainers go, they’re really good at their timing and judging each dog individually.”

Natural Solutions takes a more natural approach at training the dogs by using four stations: a baby rattlesnake, rattlesnake skins, rattle noises and an adult rattler. Unlike other companies, Hartmann said Natural Solutions simply tapes the snakes' mouths shut, allowing a more natural environment for both dog and snake.

“They behave as they would in the wild, they smell as they would in the wild…  so your dog gets a more accurate assessment of what’s going on,” the Powegian said. “Usually by the time the dog gets to the adult rattlesnake, they don’t want anything to do with it.”

Hartmann said five dogs will be trained every 30 minutes, so interested pet-owners should call to make an appointment. 

"With the heat we've been having, the snake population has just exploded," Hartmann said. "They're coming into more suburban areas... it's not just for people like me who live on the outskirts [of town], it's more for the average person."

The rattlesnake clinic will be held on June 1, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. by appointment. Cost is $75. Natural Solutions will lead the clinic and Crazy Dogs, which is located at 15075 Sycamore Canyon Rd., is hosting it.

Make your appointment by calling Hartmann at 619-916-6767.