{
  "id": 429891,
  "title": "Leave it: Dog trainers help pets avoid venomous snakes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/leave-it-dog-trainers-help-pets-avoid-venomous-snakes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-10T02:53:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/dogs-rattlesnakes-avoidance-training-65fbfcbf33317e80157314c1698c36bf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Tucson, Arizona, dog trainer J.J. Belcher from Sublime Canine utilizes a non-venomous rattlesnake named Brian to train dogs, such as 2-year-old blue heeler mix Ripley, to avoid venomous snakes. This training involves a single jolt from an electronic collar that simulates a snakebite, which proved effective in deterring Ripley from the real rattlesnake. Belcher noted that the training session, offered for free annually, is intended to keep dogs safe while they pursue small animals in their environment. In the U.S., around 150,000 dogs encounter venomous snakes yearly, with Arizona's emergency veterinarians treating four to six dogs daily for rattlesnake bites alongside occasional cat cases. Snakebite survival rates for pets typically reach 94% when treated promptly, though the cost of treatment can be substantial.",
  "summary": "TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Ripley, a medium-sized dog with a strong prey drive, curiously approached Brian, a large western diamondback rattlesnake , until she got a quick zap on the neck meant to simulate a venomous viper’s bite.…",
  "key_points": [
    "J.J. Belcher uses non-venomous rattlesnake Brian for dog training.",
    "2-year-old blue heeler Ripley learns to avoid venomous snakes.",
    "150,000 U.S. dogs annually encounter venomous snakes."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This snake avoidance training for dogs helps pet owners prevent costly and risky snakebite treatments by teaching their pets to steer clear of venomous snakes in their environment.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}