Snake Season Part 2: How Dogs Learn to Avoid Rattlesnakes with Gina Gables

Your dog stops on the trail, tail down, and won't take another step. Would you know what they're trying to tell you? In this episode, Dr. Amber Da Silva sits down with Gina Gables, owner of Ma and Paw Kennel - Canine Training Services. Gina has spent 17 years training thousands of dogs to recognize and avoid rattlesnakes. She walks through what really happens on a rattlesnake avoidance course, and why she blends shaping and positive reinforcement instead of relying on one-trial learning. She also explains how a dog that knows the sight, sound, and smell of a rattlesnake can alert the whole family to danger. What you'll learn: - How a multi-station course teaches dogs to recognize adult and baby rattlesnakes by sight, sound, and smell - Positive reinforcement vs. one-trial learning, and why a stressed dog can't learn - Why rattlesnake season can be any season in Southern California - Simple safety habits for trails, hikes, and the backyard - Gina's take on the rattlesnake vaccine and where avoidance training fits - How to build a snakebite emergency plan before you ever need one Missed Part 1? Go back to Episode 103 for Dr. Amber's deep dive on snake season. https://vitalpet.life/unleashed-curiosity-episode-103 **Connect with our guest**, Gina Gables: 🌐 SnakeSafeDog.com ❤️ **Connect with us:** **ᐧ Check out our website:** UnleashedcuriosityUnleashed Curiosity: Dog & Cat Health, Nutrition & Vet Advice by Vital Pet Life **ᐧ LinkedIn:** linkedin.com/showcase/unleashed-curiosity-podcast **ᐧ Facebook -**facebook.com/vitalpetlife **ᐧ TikTok:**@vitalpetlife **ᐧ Instagram:**@vitalpetlife **ᐧ X:**@vitalpetlife **ᐧ YouTube:**@vitalpetlife **ᐧ Check out our website:** www.vitalpetlife.com 🎧 You may also enjoy: https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/new-state-laws-are-reshaping-pet-sales-vet-care-animal-welfare Music: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at [hello@unleashedcuriosity.com](mailto:hello@unleashedcuriosity.com). Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #RattlesnakeAvoidanceTraining #RattlesnakeSafety #SnakeSafeDog #SnakeSeason #DogSafety Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.