Rattlesnakes and dogs don’t mix and one of the most popular rattler avoidance clinics is set Aug. 8 at Veterans Memorial Park in Boise.

The clinic, which is open to all breeds, is $30 per dog and sponsored by the Snake River Versatile Gun Dog Club. It is one of the club’s fund-raising events.

“We will train your dog to avoid rattlesnakes by sight, scent and sound,” said Heidi Funke, club spokeswoman. Rattlesnakes are common in Idaho and dogs can encounter them whether on a hiking trail in the Boise Foothills or on a raft trip on the Main Salmon River. Rattlesnakes can be a problem for upland bird hunters and their dogs, too, especially in places like the Owyhees or around Brownlee Reservoir.

The snakes are usually out until mid-October.

The club’s 14th annual rattlesnake avoidance training will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Each dog takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the training,” she said.

The session continues to grow in popularity over the years and dog owners start inquiring about the training as early as late winter. Because of the popularity, the club recommneds that dog owners call for appointments.

They can be made by calling Funke at (208) 463-2304.