About Trap Aversion

Foundation

The foundation of trap aversion training is to introduce a dog to a conibear trap and the common scent lures used for the traps, in a safe environment, and teach it to never want to interact with these traps again.
I had been approached about teaching trap aversion training several years ago by a client who had gone through my rattlesnake aversion class. At the time, I was unsure of how to go about such a task, so I put the idea on hold. However, during the winter of 2023/24, a friend’s dog, Jester, was caught in an illegally set conibear trap not far off of a popular hiking trail in Afton, Wyoming. Unfortunately, the dog died right in front of its owner. This awful event led me to conduct research on trap aversion. After communicating with a number of individuals in the trapping community, scent dog trainers, ATF and border patrol dog trainers, and my snake aversion training mentor, I developed my trap aversion class in the hope of saving dogs’ lives.

The method that I use for trap aversion training is based on the rattlesnake aversion training that I have been performing since 2017. Over the last 40+ years, I and my mentor, Web Parton, have developed The ‘Snake Safe’ method that I use. I have had tremendous success with this method, which is why I am still providing these training classes today.
Trap aversion training will focus on teaching dogs to recognize the most common scent lures used for deadly furbearing and predator traps according to local Wyoming trappers. These scent lures are very pungent. I have seen dogs pick up the scent from these lures over 40 feet away.
Once the canines have learned how to recognize the lures, I will set up scenarios where the dog must walk up to the scent. Upon walking up to and smelling the lure scents, a low-level electronic impulse is then applied to the dog.
Measures are taken to ensure that the dog knows that it is the scent, not the human or the place, that is causing the impulse.
I establish a perimeter as the safe area where the dog and I can retreat and calm down.
Once I feel certain that the dog realizes that the scents are something that it does not want to interact with, I do one final test to assure the owners of the effectiveness of the training.

After consulting several Afton, Wyoming. trappers, I decided on using four different lures made by Caven’s. They cover the scents used for conibear and snare traps for Wyoming fur bearing animals as well as predatory coyotes. If I were to travel to other states for this class, I would consult local trappers to see if the same scent lures apply in their state.

In order for the training to be effective, I ask that the canine be over 6 months in age.
Please be sure that your dog is up to date on all vaccinations at the time of the class.
Since the classes will be in a group setting, please let me know if your dog is aggressive towards other canines or humans. Private trainings may be available upon request.

I will be offering classes in the Star Valley area of Wyoming or Utah’s Salt Lake City area year-round. My prices will reflect classes in those areas. However, if travel is required, prices may increase due to my travel expenses.
Classes will be scheduled on an on-demand basis. I require at least two dogs for a group class, but would prefer at least four to six dogs per class. Six dogs is the maximum number per class.
Classes will take 2-3 1/2 hours depending on class size and how quickly the dogs are picking up on the training.
The price of a group class will be $140.00 per dog. Unfortunately, there is not a price break for multiple dogs from the same household. Each dog receives the attention it needs to make sure I feel good about sending it out into the field after the class.
If a one-on-one private class is required due to reactivity issues, the price will be $200.00. Otherwise, private classes of multiple dogs will adhere to the same prices as the group class rate.
If you are interested in having your dog attend a trap aversion class, please contact me through the CONTACT link on this website.