Better Animal Handling
Humans have domesticated and handled animals for 14,000 years. Modern times have brought urbanization and technology which have caused a drastic decline in human-animal interactions. As a result, the knowledge of how to properly handle, restrain, and house animals is in decline. In Better Animal Handling, C.B. Chastain, veterinarian and professor emeritus, describes effective, humane animal handling with emphasis on safety measures to prevent injury and the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
Approach and Capture of Dogs
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like to briefly capture your attention this week to tell you about:
Approaching a strange dogCapture of a dog in an enclosureRecovering an escaped dogLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Thoughts on Responsible Ownership of Horses
Send us a text
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger share some thoughts on:
Costs of horse ownershipAnnual care required for a horseBenefits of horse ownershipLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Moving Groups of Sheep
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to learn more about:
Herding and leading characteristics of sheepSheep herding precautionsSheep herding dogsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
The Versatile Donkey
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger hope that you will join them while they describe:
Natural behaviors of donkeysProper handling of donkeysUses of donkeysLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Avoiding Cat Bites
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like to help you learn:
Unique risks of cat bitesAssessing the risk of being bitten by a catHow to avoid cat bitesLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Parts of a Lariat Rope
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to review:
Construction and uses of lariatsParts of a lariat loopLariat hondasLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Getting to Know Gerbils
Send us a text
Test your knowledge of gerbils this week with Dr. Chastain and Ginger, including:
Natural behavior of gerbilsCautions in handling gerbilsSeizures in gerbilsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Is It Always Bad for Your Pet to Have Anxiety?
Send us a text
Calm down and join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they comment on:
Effects of anxiety on learningMotivations for prescribing anti-anxiety drugs for animalsWhen chemical restraint is warrantedLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
The Use of Twitches in Horses
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them in reviewing:
How twitches workLong-handled nose twitchesOther, less common twitches used on horsesLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Cat Cages and Other Containments
Send us a text
This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger offer advice on:
Cages for catsCage contents for catsOutdoor fences and tunnels for catsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Conditions for Handling and Restraint of Animals
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to learn more about:
Pre-handling of animals considerationsPre-restraint of animals considerationsEnvironment, personnel, and duration of handling effects on animalsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Fences for Horses
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn more about horse fencing, including:
Horse fence materialsFences for stallionsFences for foalsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Selected Breeding of Dogs and Severe Dog Bites
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger while they chew on the topic of dog bites, including:
Diversity of dog breedsCharacteristics of breed groupsDog breeds and bitesLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Virtual Fencing for Cattle, Sheep, and Goats
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explain virtual fencing, including:
What is virtual fencing?The potential benefits of virtual fencingPossible disadvantages of virtual fencingLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Handling Beef and Dairy Calves
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger are glad to bring you information on:
Socializing calves for being handledCapturing a calfRestraint methods for calvesLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Critical Socialization of Puppies
Send us a text
Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about:
The initial socialization of nursing and weanling puppiesPuppy classesPuppy first interactions with other animals and childrenLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Saddles for Horses and Their Attachments
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain:
Western and English saddlesParts of a saddleSaddle attachmentsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Sex-Linked Haircoat Colors in Cats
Send us a text
Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger if you are interested in cats, particularly:
Tricolor catsOrange male catsOrange cats in historyLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Natural Behavior of Reptiles
Send us a text
If you are interested in reptiles, join Dr. Chastain and Ginger for a review of:
Typical behaviors of turtles, snakes, and lizardsHow reptiles sense their environmentReptiles means of defenseLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Handling and Restraint Equipment and Facilities for Cattle
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to learn about:
Primary facilities needed to handle cattleRecommended cattle handling equipmentOptional facilities for handling cattleLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Hamsters: Grouchy Little Bears
Send us a text
In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe:
Natural behavior of hamstersHousing for hamstersHandling of hamstersLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Transporting a Cat
Send us a text
Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger while they explain:
Carrying a cat in your armsTransporting a cat in a crateMoving a cat by vehicles and by airLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Proper Approach to a Strange Dog
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to join them to learn more about:
Common INappropriate greetings for a strange dogHow to invite a strange dog to approach youGreetings and approaches for Service DogsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Head-Shyness in Horses
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they review:
Hazards of head-shyness in horsesCauses of head-shynessHow to prevent common causes for head-shynessLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Backyard Housing for Poultry
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger are ready to tell you about:
Housing needs for chickensAssessments of the quality of poultry housingSpecial housing needs for turkeys, ducks, and geeseLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Pet and Livestock Predators in the U.S.
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about predators of pets and other animals, including:
Predators of pets and livestock in the U.S.Coyote behaviorDeterrents against coyotes and other predatorsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Odors and Animal Behavior
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger for explanations on:
Sense of smell in small companion animalsAromatherapy for handling animalsManaging odors that adversely affect handling of animalsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Basic Handling of Small and Large Lizards
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger will guide you in how to handle lizards, including:
Lizard handling hazardsHandling techniques for small lizardsPrecautions for handling large lizardsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Longeing Horses
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them for a description of equine longeing, including:
What is longeing?What are the benefits of longeing?How is longeing properly performed?Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Risks of Handling Hogs Raised in Extreme Confinement
Send us a text
This week Dr Chastain and Ginger will alert you to dangers in handling total confinement hogs, including:
Damage to hearingRespiratory impairmentBite woundsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Understanding Pet Rabbits' Behavior
Send us a text
If you like pet rabbits, join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to hear about:
Behaviors of ancestors of the modern domestic rabbitDaily grooming behaviors of pet rabbitsTerritorial and maternal aggression of pet rabbitsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Prey and Predator Behavior in Domestic Animals
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger delve into:
Physical characteristics of prey animals and predator animalsHunting tactics of predator animals and defense techniques of prey animalsAnimal perceptions of humans as predators or as preyLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Handling Methods Adverse to the Health and Safety of Cattle
Send us a text
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger will help you understand:
Assessment of cattle welfareInjuries from poor handling facilitiesHandling methods adverse to the health and safety of cattleLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Cat Vision
Send us a text
Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger in reviewing cats'
Clarity of vision: acuityPerception of motionAbility to see in darknessLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Horseback Riding Safety Tips: Part II
Send us a text
In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger offer more tips on safer horseback riding, such as:
How to check and maintain riding tackSafer riding attireHelmetsBootsShirts and jacketsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Horseback Riding Safety Tips: Part I
Send us a text
Interested in horseback riding? Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn some safety tips, such as:
Partnership with the horseCautious confidence in yourselfPairing with a horse that matches your riding skill and abilityLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
When Chemical Restraint of Dogs or Cats is Warranted
Send us a text
Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about:
Anxiety: detrimental to development or a learning facilitator?Safety and efficacy of anti-anxiety nutraceuticals and drugsJustifiable reasons for the use of chemical restraintsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Catching Sheep and Goats
Send us a text
This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explore:
Approaches to catching sheep compared to goatsRestraints to avoid with sheep and goatsProper use of crooks and neck straps or chains with sheep and with goatsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Common Handling and Restraint of Companion Birds
Send us a text
Flock together with Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about:
Precautions needed prior to handling birdsHandling training as part of socializing young birdsHandling techniques for different sized birdsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Use of Voice, Touch, and Body Language in Handling Animals
Send us a text
Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to join them to learn more about:
Effective voice commands for handling animalsAnimal detection of body languageProper use of touch to control an animal's movementsLink to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
