SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) – A Nevada rattlesnake expert group will be traveling to Utah to provide safety training for dog owners Friday in the Salt Lake Valley.

As the weather gets warmer, animal experts anticipate an increase in outdoor activities with dogs including running, hiking, camping, and hunting.

“While you might have the sense to avoid a rattlesnake, your dog’s natural curiosity puts them at much greater risk of a venomous bite which can cause excruciating pain, permanent physical damage, thousands of dollars in vet care, and even death,” said John Potash with GetRattled.

Rattlesnakes can inhabit a variety of terrains, including mountains, plains, and deserts. Potash said there are currently 32 species of rattlesnakes in all 48 of the contiguous United States and all of them share the same two traits – the famous rattling sound and venom.

“A bite from a rattlesnake can kill a dog within 48 hours without treatment,” he said.

The clinic will utilize live, healthy rattlesnakes designed to teach dogs how to recognize and avoid the sight, sound, and smell of rattlesnakes. Potash said he and his team have decades of combined experience in a variety of training and handling methods.

The training is conducted in small groups of dogs on a per hour basis. Participants will be given a brief educational presentation with Q&A before each dog undergoes individual training tailored to their unique and specific character.

“To us, the rattlesnakes are team members and not just tools. We take the best care of our snakes and will keep them till the day they die. We still have four of our original five snakes, each more than 20 years old. They are retired from dog training, but we still use them for other educational displays and presentations.” said Potash.

The event, sponsored by Wasatch Snake Removal, will be held Friday, May 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Olympus Hills Park. The cost is $130 per dog.

For more information or to register, click here.

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