Join us once again for our highly sought-after Snake Avoidance Clinic, led by Guy Mollicone of Mollicone Kennels. With experience training well over 1,000 dogs across a wide range of breeds, Guy brings a calm, proven, and highly effective approach that gives both dogs and owners real confidence in the field.
Whether you spend your time hunting, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors with your dog, this clinic offers an invaluable layer of protection against potentially dangerous snake encounters. Many veterinarians will tell you that a large number of snake bites actually happen close to home — often right in a dog’s own backyard — so even if desert adventures aren’t part of your routine, this training is still an incredibly smart and worthwhile investment. More than just a training session, it’s peace of mind — knowing your dog has been properly introduced, conditioned, and prepared to avoid a situation that could otherwise turn serious in an instant.
We’re proud to offer this opportunity again and welcome both first-time attendees and returning participants. It’s a relaxed, supportive environment where you can ask questions, learn from an expert, and walk away knowing you’ve done something meaningful for your dog’s safety.
Curious what Snake Avoidance is all about? Check out this video by our friends at Sky Island Gun Dogs from a previous snake training day.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location: 33.79987, -112.01285 (Carefree Highway and N 32nd St)
Directions: From Carefree Highway, turn north onto N 32nd St. Almost immediately after turning onto N 32nd St there is an entrance on the right (east side) through the barded wire fence onto the AZ State Trust Land. Follow the dirt road about 250 yards to the large gravel area.
Cost:
$100 per dog
$50 for a re-check dog
EBs of the SW club members receive a 10% discount
Payment Options: Cash, PayPal, or Venmo
Registration: Dogs will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're uncomfortable handling your dog around snakes, a professional handler will be available to guide your dog through the course.
What to Bring:
A flat collar for your dog (no slip leads or pinch collars)
Water for your dog
Waiver:
All participants must sign a waiver before the clinic. Click here for online waiver.
Disclaimer:
While this training is designed to reduce the risk of snake bites, it does not guarantee that your dog will avoid snakes in all situations. Participation in this clinic is at your own discretion, and you assume all responsibility for your dog’s safety.
Does Snake Avoidance Training Work?
This is an example of a rookie dog to snake avoidance. Once the dog catches the scent cone, her prey drive kicks in sending her towards the snake to investigate.
This is an example of a dog that is attending a snake avoidance refresher. This dog has been thru snake avoidance in the past. Notice when he enters the snake’s scent cone the dog pauses before deciding to pull away the snake.