Teach pups to avoid rattlesnakes

For dog owners anxious about the possibility of their dogs crossing paths with a rattlesnake in their backyards or out on a hiking trail, dog trainer Patrick Callaghan will present a rattlesnake avoidance training clinic for dogs this May.

Hosted by Mountains Restoration Trust, the clinic will be offered in 30-minute sessions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Fri., to Sun., May 5 to 7, at Headwaters Corner, 23075 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas.

Space is limited and there is a nominal fee. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Mountains Restoration Trust at (818) 591-1701, ext. 189.

Poisonous snakes bite about 15,000 dogs each year.

"Domestic dogs do not know the danger of poisonous snakes," said Callaghan, "as 70 to 80 percent of rattlesnake bites occur on dogs' faces and heads,

indicating that dogs are curious about snakes. Even puppies as young as 3 months old can be taught to recognize and avoid them."

Callaghan's methods are "proven, safe and humane, for both the dogs and the rattlesnakes" according to Mountains Restoration Trust. (Live snakes are used during the program.)

For more information on the classes, call Callaghan at (951) 735-3251.