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PODCAST · education

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.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 10, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 359

    How to Handle Goats

    Send us Fan MailYou are welcome to join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explain:Recognition of normal goat behaviorMoving and separating goats to be handledPhysical restraint of goatsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  2. 358

    Who in the World Wants American Beef?

    Send us Fan MailDr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to air your beef about:World consumption of beefFactors adverse to American exports of beefAn alternative to beef from feedlotsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  3. 357

    Proper Use of an Equine Halter and Lead Rope

    Send us Fan MailCome 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 halterLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  4. 356

    How a Diaphragm Affects Handling of Animals

    Send us Fan MailIn 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 diaphragmLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  5. 355

    The Sense of Hearing in Animals

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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 animalsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  6. 354

    Training Methods for Handling Animals

    Send us Fan MailJoin 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 methodsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  7. 353

    Stocks for Horse Restraint

    Send us Fan MailIn 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 horsesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  8. 352

    Essentials of Proper Animal Restraint

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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 restraintLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  9. 351

    Special Equipment for Handling Snakes

    Send us Fan MailThis week Dr. Chastain and Ginger will be glad to describe for you:Snake polesSnake shields, tongs, and squeeze boxesTransparent tube restraint of snakesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  10. 350

    The Risk of Injury from Rams and Buck Goats

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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

  11. 349

    Disadvantages of Invisible Fences and Tethering for Containing Dogs

    Send us Fan MailJoin 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 movementsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  12. 348

    Knots and Hitches Horse Handlers Should Know

    Send us Fan MailIn 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 handlingLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  13. 347

    Approaching and Catching Cats

    Send us Fan MailThis 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 catsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  14. 346

    Natural Behavior in Swine and Potential Effects of Growth Stimulants

    Send us Fan MailDr; 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. swineLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  15. 345

    Pre-Trip Checklist for Hauling Horses

    Send us Fan MailPlanning 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 tripsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  16. 344

    Handling Methods and Facilities that are Stressful and Dangerous to Cattle

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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 farmingLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  17. 343

    Dog Leashes and Collars

    Send us Fan MailThis 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 dogsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  18. 342

    How to Respond to Escaped Horses or Livestock

    Send us Fan MailThis 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 livestockLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  19. 341

    Diseases Transmitted from Cats to Humans

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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 catsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  20. 340

    Some Safety Precautions When Trail Riding Horses

    Send us Fan MailIn 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" horseLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  21. 339

    Backyard Chickens: A New Typhoid Mary?

    Send us Fan MailJoin 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

  22. 338

    Routine Handling of Pet Lizards

    Send us Fan MailPlease 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 lizardsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  23. 337

    Laying a Cow Down for Restraint

    Send us Fan MailThis week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain:Reasons to cast a cowRisks to cows when they are castMethods of casting cowsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  24. 336

    The Status of Animal Handling Knowledge and Skills in the USA

    Send us Fan MailPlease 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 handlingLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  25. 335

    Maintenance of Leather Tack for Horseback Riding

    Send us Fan MailSaddle up with Dr. Chastain and Ginger so they can tell you about:Aspects of leather qualityCleaning and conditioniing leather tackMildew and leather tack storageLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  26. 334

    Basics of Snake Handling

    Send us Fan MailDr. Chastain's and Ginger's topics for this week are:Hazardous snakes to handleRoutine handling captive-bred pet snakesFeeding time influence on handling snakesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  27. 333

    Considerations on Containment for Livestock Production

    Send us Fan MailDr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them as they explain:Assessment of livestock containment qualityEffects of containment on behaviorStress to livestock from improper containmentLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  28. 332

    The Importance of Sleep in Horses

    Send us Fan MailJoin Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they describe sleep in horses, including:Types of sleep in horsesNormal sleep requirements in horsesCauses of sleep-deprivation in horsesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  29. 331

    How to Catch Pigs and Hogs

    Send us Fan MailIn 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 ropesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  30. 330

    The Value of Puppy Classes

    Send us Fan MailLearn 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 childrenLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  31. 329

    Ponying Horses: Leading a Horse While Riding Another Horse

    Send us Fan MailFollow along with Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explain the:Definition of ponyingBenefits of ponying a horseTechniques to avoid risks of ponying horsesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  32. 328

    Proper Construction of Bird Cages

    Send us Fan MailPlease join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn about:Recommendations for bird cage sizeHazardous materials to avoid for bird cage constructionBetter shape for bird cagesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  33. 327

    Handling Guinea Pigs

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain:Normal behaviors of guinea pigsCatching and restraining guinea pigsGender determinations of guinea pigsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  34. 326

    Rope Halters for Cattle

    Send us Fan MailInterested in cattle restraint?  Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger in a review of:Construction of a rope halter for cattleProper application of a rope halter with a lead ropeTying a cow's head in a chute with a rope halterLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  35. 325

    Bits for Horses

    Send us Fan MailThis week Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to learn more about horses':Non-leverage bitsLeverage bitsSpecialty bitsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  36. 324

    Housing Pet Rodents and Rabbits

    Send us Fan MailDr. Chastain and Ginger hope you will join them as they describe:Housing considerations for all small mammal petsRodent housing requirementsRabbit housing requirementsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  37. 323

    Benefits and Disadvantages of a Barn for Horses

    Send us Fan MailThis week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger go over:Advantages of pastures turn-outs for horsesAdvantages of barns and stables for horsesReasonable combinations of pasture time and stall confinementLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  38. 322

    Handling Mules and Hinnies

    Send us Fan MailDr. Chastain and Ginger hope you will not be stubborn about learning more on handling mules, including:Behaviors of mulesComparison of mules to hinniesWork ability of mulesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  39. 321

    Diseases of Birds Transmitted to Humans

    Send us Fan MailPlease join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they review:The overall risk of zoonotic diseases of birds in humansSystemic, digestive, respiratory, skin, and nervous system diseases of humans transmitted by birdsSanitary measures to prevent the transmission of disease from birds to humansLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  40. 320

    Causes of Aggression in Cats

    Send us Fan MailThis week Dr. Chastain and Ginger cover:Injuries to handlers from aggressive catsReasons for cat aggressionCapture and restraint of aggressive catsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  41. 319

    African Pygmy Hedgehogs as Pets

    Send us Fan MailJoin Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they investigate African Pygmy Hedgehogs, including:Socializing hedgehogs as petsRestrictions in the U.S. on owning hedgehogsRisk of skin irritation from handling hedgehogsLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  42. 318

    Dog Daycare Rules and Regulations

    Send us Fan MailDr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to learn more about:Growth of dog daycaresRisks for dogs in dog daycaresProactive efforts to protect dogs in daycaresLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  43. 317

    Safety Considerations When Handling Cattle

    Send us Fan MailThis week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger will tell you about:Defenses of cattleCattle breed differences in ability to be handledKeys to safer handling of cattleLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  44. 316

    Zoonoses: Diseases Transmitted from Animals to Humans

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe:The incidence of zoonosesZoonotic risksPreventive measures for zoonosesLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

  45. 315

    Approach and Capture of Dogs

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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

  46. 314

    Thoughts on Responsible Ownership of Horses

    Send us Fan MailIn 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

  47. 313

    Moving Groups of Sheep

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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

  48. 312

    The Versatile Donkey

    Send us Fan MailDr. 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

  49. 311

    Avoiding Cat Bites

    Send us Fan MailThis 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

  50. 310

    Parts of a Lariat Rope

    Send us Fan MailJoin Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to review:Construction and uses of lariatsParts of a lariat loopLariat hondasLink to show notes:  BetterAnimalHandling.com

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.

HOSTED BY

Dr. C.B. Chastain

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Better Animal Handling have?

Better Animal Handling currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Better Animal Handling about?

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...

How often does Better Animal Handling release new episodes?

Better Animal Handling has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Better Animal Handling?

You can listen to Better Animal Handling on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Better Animal Handling?

Better Animal Handling is created and hosted by Dr. C.B. Chastain.
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