It takes about 15 minutes to teach a dog how to avoid a rattlesnake, and it's a lesson they will likely never forget.
Dog lovers headed to Julia Davis Park Saturday morning with their four-legged friends.
The 4th annual event that's all about dogs includes rattlesnake avoidance training. At least 250 dogs completed the training course.
Experts warn that without emergency treatment, rattlesnake bites can be deadly for dogs.
"One of the reasons we do this is to teach people that they don't have to kill snakes when they see them. All they have to do is avoid them and go the other way," said Burk Mantel, event co-chair. "The snake is perfectly happy to not be bothered by a human or a dog, and they'll just go about their business catching rodents."
New this year, porcupine avoidance training. An encounter with this critter could turn into an expensive trip to the veterinarian's office.
Anywhere from 100-200 quills can be left behind and put your dog at risk for infection.
The Idaho Trappers Association had a booth set up. They taught pet owners how to release a trap in the case their dog gets caught in one in the foothills.
The trapping season in Idaho runs from Nov. to Jan.
