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.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 12 minutes
- Episodes
- 308
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Lead Tying of Horses
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby talk about:
- Quick release hitches
- Unacceptable tying
- Escape artist horses
- Cross tying
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Poultry Housing
This week Dr. Chastain and Abby explore poultry
- Battery cages
- Enriched housing
- Barn or aviary
- Free range and backyard housing
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
The Natural Behavior of Reptiles
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby in a review of the:
- Shared behaviors of all reptiles
- Behaviors common to turtles, lizards, and snakes
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Training Methods for Animals
Please join Dr. Chastain and Abby to learn more about:
- Training methods for predatory animals
- Training methods for prey animals
- Misuse of treats in training large animals
Link to show notes…
Equestrian Riders' Helmets
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby as they explain:
- The need for head protection when around horses
- Ratings for equestrian helmets
- How to fit an equestrian helmet
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHa…
Dangers of Losing Genetic Diversity in Livestock
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby will alert you to:
- Risks of losing genetic diversity in livestock production
- Why genetic diversity in livestock is being lost
Link to show notes: Bet…
Avoiding Dog Bites
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week in exploring the topics of:
- Risks of being bitten by a dog in the U.S.
- How to avoid bites from strange dogs
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.co…
Animals and the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby describe:
- What is an attractive nuisance?
- Animals and situations that can come to be attractive nuisances.
- How to minimize the risk of an attractive …
Types of Ropes Used for Large Animal Restraint
Dr. Chastain and Abby invite you to join them in reviewing large animal ropes, including:
- Natural fiber ropes
- Synthetic fiber ropes
- Construction of ropes
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHan…
Bad Manners in Horses
This week Dr. Chastain and Abby talk about bad manners in horses, including:
- Nipping
- Biting
- Kicking
- Disrespectful positioning of hindquarters
- Striking or pawing
- Dragging a handler when being …
Enclosures for Snakes and Lizards
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week for more information on:
- General requirements for reptile enclosures
- Proper enclosures for snakes
- Proper enclosures for lizards
Link to show notes: Bett…
Training Cattle to be Handled
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby will cover the topics of:
- Preparations to move cattle on foot or by horseback
- Training dairy heifers to be herded
- Desensitizing cattle to chutes and headga…
Breed Behaviors in Dogs
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby will explain:
- Breed behavior and selection of new dogs into your family
- Traits of common dog breed groups
- Specific traits among dog breeds intended to work…
Fences and Gates for Horses
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week to learn more about:
- Materials for horse fencing
- Fence layouts
- Fence heights
- Gates
- Special needs for fencing foals and stallions
- Introducing a horse to a …
Variations in Sight Abilities Among Domestic Animals
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby go over animal vision, including:
- Field of view
- Depth perception
- Visual acuity
- Perception of motion
- Color differentiation and night vision
Link to show notes:…
Containment of Pet Rodents
Don't rat out on us. Join Dr. Chastain and Abby to learn more about:
- Rodent cage construction
- Contents of rodent cages
- Containment needs for rats, mice, guinea pigs, gerbils, and hamsters
…
Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Pet
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby give advice on:
- Care for a debilitated pet
- Time for euthanasia
- Options for the diposition of the pet's body
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.c…
Handling and Restraint of Foals
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby describe how to:
- Capture a foal
- Lead a foal
- Restrain a foal
- Transport a foal in a trailer
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
A Cat Lover's Opinion of Cat Cafes
This week, cat lovers, Dr. Chastain and Abby, will tell you about:
- Cat cafes' effects on cat stress levels
- Cat cafes' environment for disease transmission
- Cat cafes' efforts to adopt out h…
What NOT to Wear When Handling Animals
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby this week to hear about:
- Improper attire when handling animals
- Proper small animal handling attire
- Proper large animal handling attire
Link to show notes: BetterA…