Unfortunately it's that time of year again! My pup Phoenix decided to celebrate his 1st birthday by finding a new plaything - an adult Tiger snake! Much more fun than his granny and aunty obviously. My husband came out to find him sitting up observing the snake as the busy end thrashed around on the ground. The snakes back was broken in 2 places and had been mauled in between the breaks. Phoenix had obviously been 'playing' for a while.Fortunately the dog suffered no ill effects apart from a rushed visit to the vet.
However I'm now going to be carrying through with some 'aversion' therapy which I found in an article several years ago as I'm afraid Phoenix may have decided snakes are fun playmates. Suggestion was to find a non venomous snake, place it in a yard, give the dog a substance from the vet which makes them feel very sick and place them in the yard with the snake. Thus the dog relates the sickness with the snake! An obvious other strategy would be to use an 'e'collar at the appropriate time. I have traced a man who has pet snakes and will let you know how we go! Obviously it won't help in the bush where a dog may come across a snake and not see it but at least I can hope to stop him choosing to 'play'!!
Good luck to you all! Hope you don't have to face the same circumstance
Regards
Heather Ellis