Dogs can be trained smell individual subspecies of snakes e.g tiger snake, lowland copperhead etc, but they smell species first. That is why we train with a range of different snakes (venomous & non venomous) so dogs learn to (generalise) avoid all snakes upon smelling them.
A: No, most breeds cannot smell reptiles. Only the breeds with the most developed sense of smell—retrievers, Blood hounds, Bassets, Beagles — are able to detect snakes merely by smell.
Whether we all really share an innate terror of snakes is still somewhat controversial, but the case is much clearer in dogs: our beloved canine companions simply aren't afraid of snakes, and that's probably part of the reason so dang many of them wind up in veterinary ERs for envenomations.
They don't attack - but they will react when disturbed or threatened. If your dog finds one, they will most likely strike to protect themselves. Unfortunately, this can result in your dog being envenomated, which means they need prompt medical attention and may need Antivenin to treat the bite.
Dogs and snakes don't mix!
A dog's natural curiosity can quickly get them into trouble unless they have previously learned to stay out of harm's way!
It's likely that most snakes won't choose to go near dogs. They're bigger, noisier, and more of a hassle than a good snack. Simply by having your dog around, you will likely help to keep snakes away.
Many dogs don't have a natural aversion to snakes, and their curiosity and eagerness to investigate could put them, and you, at risk. Understanding and applying the principles of snake safety for dogs is key to preventing a tragedy.
Guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and cats will also help keep snakes away. If foxes are indigenous to your area, fox urine is a very good natural repellent for snakes when spread around your property.
Despite what you might have heard, dog poop does not keep snakes away and deter them from entering your yard, garden, home, or property. Snakes do not respect boundaries and will not consider dog poop as an indicator they are entering your dog's territory.
Walk away from it slowly and keep an eye on it from a safe distance (several metres away). Keep your pets safely away from it and the snake will usually move on in its own time.
b. Do Dogs Keep Snakes Away? Yes, big dogs especially can be a deterrent to snakes. They bark loudly and are much larger than snakes, so they will typically choose to stay away.
Snake-Proof Your Yard
Remove any piles of leaves or logs as these are ideal snake-hiding places. You should also keep your bushes and plants well pruned to limit other hiding areas. Snakes love to hide in grass because it offers shelter from predators and because it's cool and dark.
Some snakes such as eastern brown snakes are active during the day, others prefer to hunt in the evening, while some species are more active at night during the hotter months.
What scents do snakes dislike? There are many scents snakes don't like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.
Introduce snake
Place a toy snake on the ground. Put your dog on a leash and when he goes to investigate, say "leave it". If your dog leaves the snake, reward with treat. If he approaches, say "no", and walk with your dog on the leash in the opposite direction.
Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.
Pet doors are commonly overlooked access points for snakes, and must be sealed or removed to prevent snakes from entering your home.
Because snakes don't hear sound vibrations in the air very well, clapping is not an effective way to scare them away. Instead of clapping, try stomping your feet on the ground to produce vibrations that the snake will feel. This will be more effective than clapping.
If you see a snake, please keep your distance, do not try to touch it or try to contain it. Snakes are very common particularly in summer and will regularly be seen around houses and yards. They are usually passing through and will be gone within a few hours.
Snakes are most active at night and during early morning and late evening hours, the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension says. One of the most common species of snakes isn't venomous at all.
In the United States, snake season extends through most of the spring. March or April often constitutes the beginning, but snakes will often continue to be active well into the fall or even winter if conditions are right for hunting.
When it's cooler, snakes are typically out moving. Just because you see one does not mean there are more. If you see 6+ babies or adults in the same location in a short amount of time, then you have a problem.
Predators. The species' known predators include birds of prey and feral cats.