The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is stepping up its efforts to provide snake avoidance training for pet owners after a two-year-old German Shepard named Steve Irwin was bitten by a rattlesnake. Jennifer Armbruster of the Arizona Humane Society shared, "Steve Irwin is a two-year-old German Shepard and he came into our trauma hospital after a snake bite," as FOX 10 Phoenix reported. Not only is Steve making a recovery at their South Mountain location, but he is also in search of a new home.
Identifying the urgent need for pet safety awareness, particularly within the rattlesnake-populated area, AHS promotes non-aversive training methods. "We’re not using shock collars. We’re not using prong collars or choke collars. It’s really building on those basics of heel, come when called, leave it," Armbruster told FOX 10 Phoenix. Training that, in not shocking the pet, owners are taught to reinforce positive behaviors for outdoor safety.
Steve Irwin, the German Shepard, having been administered antibiotics, is now recovering and stands as a testament to the risks pets face and the potential benefits of the AHS training. Jennifer Armbruster emphasized the importance of quick action if a pet is bitten, stating, "If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, immediate medical attention is needed. So make sure you get them to an emergency clinic as soon as possible for treatment," echoed FOX 10 Phoenix.
To further promote the significance of this training, the Arizona Humane Society offers a three-week snake avoidance course, now available at a 30% discount through September. Engaging dogs are hoped by AHS to build reflexes that stop them from interacting with dangerous wildlife. This weekend, AHS is additionally waiving all adoption fees, potentially making it an opportune time for families to welcome a new pet while also educating themselves on desert safety for their new companion, FOX 10 Phoenix reports.
