The setup itself is out in a dirt field — which is perfect, honestly, because that's exactly the type of real-world environment where you'd actually encounter a snake. It was also the ultimate test for my three crazy Jack Russells, who will naturally go after absolutely anything.
The two-person staff was very friendly, offered us drinks, and were fantastic with the dogs. As someone with training experience, I was thoroughly impressed by their methodology:
Humane E-Collar Work
They utilize high-quality e-collars, and I really love that they don't just blast the stimulation on high. They work at a lower level to find the dog's specific working threshold, which teaches them effectively without traumatizing them or causing their brains to shut down from fear.
Hands-On & Flexible
I liked that while they walked the dog, I was able to walk right alongside them, and they let me handle my own dog at times.
Targeting All Senses
They set up auditory, visual, and scent stations (with snakes under wood, rocks, and bushes) to mimic real-life situations. The rattlesnakes are safely caged, and they have non-lethal snakes cross the path, which mirrors exactly what happens on a real walk. Because they target all senses, this was especially amazing for one of my dogs who is deaf.
Non-Traumatizing
While the dogs were naturally a bit anxious because it's a new situation, the staff was incredibly knowledgeable about breeds and reading canine body language. They knew exactly when a dog was getting overwhelmed and when to take a break. Two of my dogs are not very friendly with strangers or men, and the staff worked really hard to get them to comfortably take treats so they weren't overly stressed. They were also incredibly open to suggestions and feedback from another trainer, which doesn't happen very often.
By the time we completed the stations, all three of my Jacks wouldn't give any of the snakes a second look. It really is an incredibly effective program. I will definitely be recommending The Snake School to my friends and my own training clients.