Better Animal Handling

232 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

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.

Education Kids & Family Pets & Animals animal dog cat rodent bird reptile horse cattle sheep goat
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Episodes

Raccoons and Brainworms in Humans

April 16, 2024 05:00 - 8 minutes - 6.02 MB

Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn about: Baylisascaris worm infestations in U.S. raccoons Possible effects of Baylisascaris in infested humans Treatment and prevention of Baylisascaris Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Vision in Animals and Its Effects on Their Behavior

April 09, 2024 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger will explain: Vision in predator animals Vision in prey, grazing animals Night vision in animals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

How Horses Molded Human Civilization

April 02, 2024 05:00 - 10 minutes - 6.98 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they review: History of the horse Horses' contributions to civilizations How controlling the use of horses was a military tactic Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Enclosures for Rabbits

March 26, 2024 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.35 MB

This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger will tell you about: Rabbit cages Rabbit hutches Indoor rabbits Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Containments for Goats

March 19, 2024 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.74 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them for a description of: Goat behavior when confined Special considerations for goat fencing Pens for newborn goats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Basic Training of Dogs

March 12, 2024 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.21 MB

This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe: Socializing a puppy Puppy classes Basic commands to teach a puppy Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Legal Considerations of Animal Handling

March 05, 2024 06:00 - 12 minutes - 8.79 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explore: Waivers of responsibility to protect others around animals that could cause injury Animals considered inherently dangerous Legal consequences of animal abuse Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Anticipation: the Key to Safety Around Horses

February 27, 2024 06:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about horse safety, including: Anticipating horse behavior Common dangerous behaviors of horses Approaches to managing bad behaviors in horses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Rabbits as Pets

February 13, 2024 06:00 - 13 minutes - 9.02 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to appreciate the value of: The natural behavior of pet rabbits Proper approaching and catching of pet rabbits How to handle pet rabbits Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Catching and Handling Chickens

February 13, 2024 06:00 - 8 minutes - 5.83 MB

This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain how to catch and handle chickens, including: Capture of chickens Restraint and handling of chickens Removal and replacement of chickens in cages Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Risks of Injuries from Handling Small and Large Animals

February 06, 2024 06:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like to alert you to: Common injuries from dogs cats, cattle, and horses Causes of animal handler injuries Animal injuries to veterinary health professionals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Human Diseases that can be Acquired from Cats

January 30, 2024 06:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger review: Signs of zoonoses in cats Risk factors for zoonoses in cats Preventive measures against cat zoonoses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Using a Lariat in Handling Large Animals

January 23, 2024 06:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them in discussing: Types of lariats and their uses Catching cattle with a tossed loop Catching horses with a Hoolihan throw Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Preventing the Escape of Horses and Livestock from Containment

January 16, 2024 06:00 - 11 minutes - 8.24 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about: Consequences of large animal escapes Prevention of large animal escapes Response to large animal escapes Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Pet Ferret Behavior

January 09, 2024 06:00 - 10 minutes - 7.53 MB

This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explore the behaviors of pet ferrets, including: The domestication of ferrets Play behaviors of ferrets Ferret special senses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

The Natural Behaviors of Poultry

January 02, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 4.71 MB

In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe the natural behavior of poultry, including chickens, turkeys, guineafowl, geese, and ducks. Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Selecting a Collar or Harness for a Dog

December 26, 2023 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.65 MB

This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger provide advice on dog: Leashes Collars Harnesses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Casting a Cow with Ropes

December 19, 2023 06:00 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MB

In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain: Why to cast a cow Two methods of casting cows Risks of casting a cow Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Selected Memorable Quotes About Dogs and Horses

December 12, 2023 06:00 - 7 minutes - 5.1 MB

Dr. Chastain and Abby wish to share their favorite quotes about dogs and horses with you this week. Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Better Animal Handling by Distraction and Respect

December 05, 2023 06:00 - 8 minutes - 6.21 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to hear about: Distractions as a means of animal handling The value of an animal's respect for humans Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Approaching, Catching, and Holding Companion Birds

November 28, 2023 06:00 - 12 minutes - 8.55 MB

This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe: Preparations for catching and handling companion birds Holding techniques for small, medium, and large caged birds Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Donkey and Mule Natural Behaviors

November 21, 2023 06:00 - 12 minutes - 8.67 MB

Don't be stubborn, join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about donkeys and mules, including: Differences between donkeys and their hybrids, mules and hinnies Physical abilities of mules compared to horses Mule behavior compared to horses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Enclosures for Snakes

November 14, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MB

In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger talk about: Proper containments for snakes Appropriate climate inside of snake enclosures Needed maintenance of snake enclosures Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Steps in Preventing and Responding to Barn Fires

November 07, 2023 06:00 - 13 minutes - 9.46 MB

This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger talk about: Common causes for barn fires Preparation for extinquishing barn fires Evacuation of horses during barn fires Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Differences Among Animal Behaviorists, Trainers, and Handlers

October 31, 2023 21:00 - 13 minutes - 8.97 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to learn: The various roles of animal handlers, trainers, and behaviorists Training methods for animal handlers, trainers, and behaviorists The value of certification as an animal behaviorist, trainer, or handler Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Transporting Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

October 24, 2023 05:00 - 11 minutes - 8.08 MB

This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain: How to transport cattle How to transport small ruminants Livestock transportation regulations for interstate travel in the U.S. Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Transporting Dogs in Cars and Trucks

October 17, 2023 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.49 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger are anxious to tell you about: Restraint of dogs in cars and trucks Preparing dogs for car rides Care of dogs traveling by car or in truck cabs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Saving a Horse Cast in a Stall

October 10, 2023 05:00 - 7 minutes - 5.03 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn: How horses are cast in stalls The safest method to help a horse cast in a stall Monitoring a horse recovering from being cast Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Outdoor Containments for Dogs

October 03, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.8 MB

In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger will assist your understanding of: Dog houses and outdoor runs Fences for dogs Tethering dogs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

The Natural Behavior of Swine and Commercial Pork Production Methods

September 26, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger will lead you through: The natural behavior of swine Effects on swine from commercial indoor pork production on concrete Alternatives to indoor pork production on concrete Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Animal Vision-Based Behavior

September 19, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

Dr. Chastain and Genger explain the differences in animals': Field of view Pupil shape and light accommodation Depth of field perception Acuity and detection of motion Color differentiation and night vision Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Capture and Restraint of Foals

September 12, 2023 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.47 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn more about: Capturing foals Restraining foals standing and in lateral recumbency Trailering foals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Common Mistakes in Meeting an Unfamiliar Dog

September 05, 2023 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.79 MB

Learn how to meet unfamilar dogs from Dr. Chastain and Ginger, including: Eight mistakes people make in meeting dogs Better ways of meeting unfamiliar dogs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Sheep and Goat Behaviors Compared

August 29, 2023 05:00 - 11 minutes - 7.61 MB

In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe: Behaviors common to sheep and goats Behaviors typical of sheep Behaviors typical of goats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Natural Behavior of Reptiles

August 22, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MB

This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe: Behaviors common to all reptiles Chelonian (turtle and tortoise), snake, and lizard behaviors Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Special Restraint Equipment for Cats

August 15, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them while they explain: Basic handling techniques for cats Special equipment for handling less tractable cats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Some Dangerous Habits of Horse Handlers and Riders: Part III

August 08, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week in reviewing 10 dangerous habits while riding horseback. Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com

Preventing Transmission of Disease from Farm and Ranch Animals to Humans

August 01, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.52 MB

In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby describe zoonotic disease prevention on farms and ranches, including: High risk sources of zoonotic diseases from farm and ranch animals Animal handlers at high risk to acquire zoonotic diseases Proper sanitation, vaccinations, and personal protective equipment against zoonoses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com