WINTER KENNELS

Curiosity killed the cat as the saying goes. It also kills dogs that are curious about snakes. Dogs have no natural fear of snakes, so when a dog encounters one his first instinct is to get close and smell it. He wants to investigate, which is why so many dogs are bitten on the head, chest and face. Even after being bitten, most dogs don’t consider a snake to be a bad thing. They are not "snake-proofed." The pain comes so much later it is not connected to the snakebite at all.

Our job at Winter Kennels is to connect a snake with pain definitively in the dog’s mind, using a mild shock that does not hurt the dog, but makes the necessary lasting impression. Winter's approach is unique because it is safe for the dog. He uses snakes that have had the venom removed permanently- unlike those who “milk” the snakes, break off fangs, or sew the mouths shut.

Sometimes referred to as "snake-proofing," or "snake-breaking," Harlen Winter has been doing snake avoidance training for over two decades. It only takes a short time to make your dog aware that snakes are BAD, and that can save your dog's life and possibly your own. Take the time to protect BOTH of you and call Winter Kennels today at 512.263.2416 to schedule a snake avoidance session. Harlen trains individual dogs, all the dogs in one household, and also groups, including clubs. Just let us know your particular needs. While Winter Kennels has done snake avoidance training for many hunting dogs, any breed can be trained, so call us about protecting your pet, too-if you live where snakes do, the danger is real.

The cost is currently $60.00 per dog/ per snake, and we have available a rattlesnake, a cottonmouth water moccasin, and a copperhead. You may choose one, two, or all three snakes depending on where you live and hunt. We offer two FREE refresher clinics for anyone who has had his dog "snakebroke" by Harlen (we don't honor those done by anyone else), on the Saturday before dove season opens and the Saturday before quail season opens, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. We also take new dogs on refresher days at the usual charge.

Private refreshers (not on the two free days) are $40 per dog per snake.