Although we had less than a week's lead time to promote this clinic 15 dogs and their owners participated in Terry Chandler's clinic on the West Mesa just outside of Rio Ranch. Dogs ranged in size from an orange & white Beagle to Labordors and a German Shepard and Labodoole. Of course CNMBC members had their Brittanys particpate as well. Terry was very thorough explaining how and why he developed this approach to rattlesnake avoidance more than 24 years ago, what was going to take place and what the dog would experience. The role of the handlers and owners was clarified both for the clinic and what to look for in the future when their dogs encounter "Herb" a five ft. diamondback rattlesnake. The knowledged gained by dog and handler could well prevent the owners from a bad encounter with a rattlesnake thanks to the behavior of their dogs whenever a rattlesnake is near. Thanks to Bill Bradford and Tom Mauter for coordinating this event. And thanks to Dave Schnider for helping afixing the e-collard on the dogs prior to meeting Herb for the first time.
Based on the participants feedback, CNMBC plans to present this clinic next year...with more lead time for promotion.
(Photos by Tom Mauter) |
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Thanks to all the participants and thier dogs, in photographic order:
- Nathan Nash and Zach (retest)
- Lary Kincaid and Ernie
- Johnny Harper and Dharma handled by Terry Chandler
- Tom Mauter and Ollie (not pictured)
- Bill Bradford and Tara (aka Terror)
- Huge Simpson and Rif
- Cathy Briand and Katie handled by her husband Dan
- Diane Davis and Lolly handled by Bill Bradford
- Ron Berg and Rusty (retest)
- Ron Craft and Betty
- Autumn Gomez and Zax
- Cat Scheibner and Weller handled by Bill Bradford
- Ernie Dunston and Duffy handled by Bill Bradford
- Michael Berg and Nibbler
- Betsy Walker and Latigo handled by Bill Bradord
- Ron Berg and Rusty on a double retest
- Michael Berg with Nibbler and Rusty ready for outdoor activity with the knoweledge of rattlesnake avoidance
Thanks again to Terry Chandler, his wife Janet who rangled the rattlesnake with assistance from their granddaughter, Dave Schnider in fitting the e-collars on the dogs, and "Herb" for his assistance in conditioning all the dogs on how to avoid rattlesnakes!
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