Better Animal Handling

40 Episodes
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By: Dr. C.B. Chastain

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.

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Scam Online Puppy Sales
#368
Today at 4:00 PM

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You can trust Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they warn you about:

Typical methods used by puppy scammersMeans to investigate possible scamsReporting puppy scammers

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Understanding Ropes Used to Handle Horses
#367
11/04/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them as they explain:

Natural fiber ropesSynthetic fiber ropesTwisted and braided ropes

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


The Trafficked Wild and Exotic Animal Trade
#366
10/29/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to hear about:

Wildlife trafficking and its impactsTrafficked species and estimated lossesLaws and enforcement against illegal trafficking of animals

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Transporting Dogs in Cars or Pickup Trucks
#365
10/21/2026

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In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger offer advice on:

Preparations for any travel with a dogSafety considerations for travel by car with a dogSafety considerations for travel by pickup trucks with a dog

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


18 Practical Recommendations for Preventing the Transmission of Diseases from Animals
#364
10/14/2026

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Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they go through important preventive measures against the transmission of zoonoses, including:

The risk of acquiring zoonotic diseaseSituations that increase the spread of zoonotic diseasesPractical means to avoid acquiring zoonotic diseases

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Characteristics of Pet Gerbils
#363
10/07/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to learn more about pet gerbils, including:

Environmental adaptations and needs of gerbilsCorrect handling of gerbilsSigns of stress in gerbils

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Tips on Safe Handling of Horses
#362
09/30/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger offer tips on handling of horses, including:

The most common type of injury from handling horsesThe most common fatal injury from handling horsesSome steps to minimize the risks of common injuries from handling horses

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Separation Anxiety in Dogs
#361
09/22/2026

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Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about separation anxiety, including;

Signs of separation anxiety in dogsCauses of separation anxiety in dogsSeparation anxiety avoidance training

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Normal Characteristics of Donkeys
#360
09/22/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like to tell you about:

Typical behaviors and physical abilities of donkeysCatching a donkeyRestraint of donkeys

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


How to Handle Goats
#359
09/10/2026

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You are welcome to join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explain:

Recognition of normal goat behaviorMoving and separating goats to be handledPhysical restraint of goats

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Who in the World Wants American Beef?
#358
09/02/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to air your beef about:

World consumption of beefFactors adverse to American exports of beefAn alternative to beef from feedlots

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Proper Use of an Equine Halter and Lead Rope
#357
08/25/2026

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Come join Dr Chastain and Ginger to learn the basic means of controlling horses, including:

Types of equine halters and lead ropesProper handling of a halter and lead ropeCreating an emergency halter

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


How a Diaphragm Affects Handling of Animals
#356
08/18/2026

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In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe:

Companion pets without a diaphragm muscleHandling techniques to avoid in animals without a diaphragmHow some animals breathe without a diaphragm

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


The Sense of Hearing in Animals
#355
08/11/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like for you to join them to hear about:

The three aspects of hearingHearing ranges in common species of animalsThe effects of noise on handling of animals

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Training Methods for Handling Animals
#354
08/06/2026

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Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger for an examination of training methods, including:

The best age to begin trainingProper uses of positive and negative re-inforcements of trainingAvoidance of aversive training methods

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Stocks for Horse Restraint
#353
07/28/2026

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In you are in the market for information on horse stocks, join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn about:

The type of restraint provided by horse stocksThe surroundings needed for proper use of horse stocksPhysical restraint alternatives to stocks for horses

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Essentials of Proper Animal Restraint
#352
07/21/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to learn to identify:

Four essentials for proper animal restraintThe attitude of handlers who will restain animals The value of a good release technique for eliminating future fear of restraint

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Special Equipment for Handling Snakes
#351
07/15/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger will be glad to describe for you:

Snake polesSnake shields, tongs, and squeeze boxesTransparent tube restraint of snakes

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


The Risk of Injury from Rams and Buck Goats
#350
07/09/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to join them for a revew of dangers in handling male small ruminants, including:

Aggressive behaviors of rams and buck goatsProper management of aggressive ramsResponse to attacks by aggressive rams and buck goats 

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Disadvantages of Invisible Fences and Tethering for Containing Dogs
#349
06/30/2026

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Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn about some of the disadvantages of:

Buried wire electric fencingGPS electric collarsTethering to restrict a dog's range of movements

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Knots and Hitches Horse Handlers Should Know
#348
06/23/2026

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In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger will tell you about:

Useful knots for horse handlersUseful hitches for horse handlersHow to learn to tie knots and hitches for horse handling

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Approaching and Catching Cats
#347
06/18/2026

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This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger tackle cat handling, including:

Differentiating non-aggressive cats from aggressive catsProper approach and capture of non-aggressive catsCapture of aggressive cats


Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Natural Behavior in Swine and Potential Effects of Growth Stimulants
#346
06/09/2026

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Dr; Chastain and Ginger do not like to hog animal handling information.  Join them to learn more about:

International recognized 5 Freedoms of domesticated animalsNatural environments and behaviors of swineA beta-adrenergic growth stimulant used to promote growth in U.S. swine

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Pre-Trip Checklist for Hauling Horses
#345
06/05/2026

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Planning to haul horses in a trailer?  Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger for information on:

Transport requirements for horse trailers and tow vehiclesTrailer training requirements for horsesChecklists for annual trailer inspections and prior to all trips

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Handling Methods and Facilities that are Stressful and Dangerous to Cattle
#344
05/26/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them as they explain:

Adverse effects on cattle from poor handling methods and poor handling facilitiesTraining cattle to be handledSome unique problems of corporate dairy farming

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Dog Leashes and Collars
#343
05/19/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger have information for you on:

Flat, slip, and retractable leashes for dogsFlat, rolled, slip, and martingale collars for dogsRoles for chest harnesses for dogs

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


How to Respond to Escaped Horses or Livestock
#342
05/13/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger talk about:

Factors that promote the attempted escape of horses or livestockLiabilities associated with escaped large animalsKey tactics in responding to escaped horses or livestock

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Diseases Transmitted from Cats to Humans
#341
05/08/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger hope you will join them in reviewing:

Which diseases are transmitted from cats to humansThe risks of acquiring diseases from catsPrevention measures against acquiring a disease from cats

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Some Safety Precautions When Trail Riding Horses
#340
04/28/2026

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In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain safer trail riding, including:

Accessories and tack for safer trail ridingTrail riding etiquetteAvoidance of creating a "barn sour" horse


Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Backyard Chickens: A New Typhoid Mary?
#339
04/27/2026

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Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger today to learn what typhoid has in common with backyard chickens, including:

What is salmonellosis and why are backyard poultry associated with it?What are the signs and symptoms of salmonellosis?How to avoid salmonellosis from backyard poultry.

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Routine Handling of Pet Lizards
#338
04/16/2026

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Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger in the review of lizard handling, including:

Small lizard handling compared to large lizard handlingDefensive tactics with tailsSigns of agitation in lizards


Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Laying a Cow Down for Restraint
#337
04/09/2026

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This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain:

Reasons to cast a cowRisks to cows when they are castMethods of casting cows

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


The Status of Animal Handling Knowledge and Skills in the USA
#336
04/01/2026

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Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn more about:

The evolution of today's animal welfareProfit motivations for promoting some types of animal welfareCourse of diminished knowledge and skills of animal handling

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Maintenance of Leather Tack for Horseback Riding
#335
03/24/2026

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Saddle up with Dr. Chastain and Ginger so they can tell you about:

Aspects of leather qualityCleaning and conditioniing leather tackMildew and leather tack storage

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Basics of Snake Handling
#334
03/17/2026

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Dr. Chastain's and Ginger's topics for this week are:

Hazardous snakes to handleRoutine handling captive-bred pet snakesFeeding time influence on handling snakes

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Considerations on Containment for Livestock Production
#333
03/11/2026

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Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them as they explain:

Assessment of livestock containment qualityEffects of containment on behaviorStress to livestock from improper containment

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


The Importance of Sleep in Horses
#332
03/03/2026

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Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they describe sleep in horses, including:

Types of sleep in horsesNormal sleep requirements in horsesCauses of sleep-deprivation in horses

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


How to Catch Pigs and Hogs
#331
02/25/2026

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In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe how knowing how to catch pigs and hogs affects how pigs are raised, including:

Preparation to catch pigs and hogsCatching pigs in an indoor, large volume environments compared to in small farm outdoor environmentsUse of hog snout snares and snubbing ropes

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


The Value of Puppy Classes
#330
02/19/2026

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Learn to help puppies learn with Dr. Chastain and Ginger, including:

Preparing puppies for socialization classesExpectations for meaningful puppy classesProper puppy exposures to other animals and to children

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com


Ponying Horses: Leading a Horse While Riding Another Horse
#329
02/12/2026

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Follow along with Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explain the:

Definition of ponyingBenefits of ponying a horseTechniques to avoid risks of ponying horses

Link to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com