JEFFRY SCOTT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR

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It's one of the scariest things that can happen to your dog: a rattlesnake bite.

"Typically, when a dog approaches a rattlesnake, they don't see it," said Oracle resident Web Parton, who trains dogs with San Manuel resident Jay Smith.

Parton estimated that he trains 100 dogs a month during the snake season, which is February through November.

His business, Snake Safe Training (www.snakesafe.com), works with dogs to better hear, see and smell snakes before it's too late.

While a small percentage of dogs will tuck their tails and run when they encounter a snake, many won't know what to do. And more aggressive sporting and herding breeds might go after the snake.

Parton, a writer and photographer, started training bird dogs about 20 years ago. He said that one of the first things he'd do is train them to be snake-safe. He developed Snake Safe Training about three years ago to train all breeds.

"The real benefit to people with those dogs is they now have an early warning system to know that a rattlesnake is there," said Parton, who has endured three bites himself.

Parton will conduct occasional rattlesnake avoidance training classes through November at The Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Companions for Life Center.

"The training isn't 100 percent, but the training is very, very effective," Parton said. "A big chunk of the training is training the people."

Classes will be held on certain Fridays and Saturdays through November. Dogs must be between 10 months and 10 years. About 15 dogs per 2 1/2-hour class will be permitted.

Parton gets the rattlesnakes used in the training from fire departments. He de-fangs the rattlesnakes so they aren't harmful to participants. Rattlesnakes have multiple pairs of fangs and can grow new ones.

"We only use animals that would have been destroyed," Parton said. "Other species don't work. (Dogs) can smell the difference."

For more information or to register for classes, call the Companions for Life Center at 795-6225 or 795-6181.

"This training is for life," Parton said. "We do multiple tests, including taping the rattlesnake's tail so it's silent and putting him in a bag so the dog can't see him and it's harder to smell."

● While walking dogs, keep them on a sturdy leash, maintain vigilance and stay on open paths where snakes can be seen more easily.

● Avoid nighttime walks in desert areas, as rattlesnakes are nocturnal feeders and present when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees.

● Should a dog be unusually interested in something hidden in the brush, have it back away unless the "something" can be identified.

● Don't allow dogs to explore holes in the ground or dig where snakes may be hidden. Keep yards free of hiding places to discourage the presence of snakes.

● Identify the snake by making note of the shape of its head, its color pattern and the presence or absence of a rattle.

● Thoroughly check dogs for bite marks — more than one wound may be present.

● Stay calm and keep the dog as quiet as possible to avoid a dog bite.

● Immediately take the dog to the nearest vet or emergency clinic.