Best Dr. C.B. Chastain Podcasts (2025)

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Getting to Know Gerbils 8:23

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1d ago8:23

8:23

Send us a text Test your knowledge of gerbils this week with Dr. Chastain and Ginger, including: Natural behavior of gerbils Cautions in handling gerbils Seizures in gerbils Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Is It Always Bad for Your Pet to Have Anxiety? 7:41

8d ago7:41

7:41

Send us a text Calm down and join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they comment on: Effects of anxiety on learning Motivations for prescribing anti-anxiety drugs for animals When chemical restraint is warranted Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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The Use of Twitches in Horses 11:43

14d ago11:43

11:43

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them in reviewing: How twitches work Long-handled nose twitches Other, less common twitches used on horses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Cat Cages and Other Containments 10:38

20d ago10:38

10:38

Send us a text This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger offer advice on: Cages for cats Cage contents for cats Outdoor fences and tunnels for cats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Conditions for Handling and Restraint of Animals 13:04

27d ago13:04

13:04

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to learn more about: Pre-handling of animals considerations Pre-restraint of animals considerations Environment, personnel, and duration of handling effects on animals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Fences for Horses 13:03

1M ago13:03

13:03

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn more about horse fencing, including: Horse fence materials Fences for stallions Fences for foals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Selected Breeding of Dogs and Severe Dog Bites 14:03

1M ago14:03

14:03

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger while they chew on the topic of dog bites, including: Diversity of dog breeds Characteristics of breed groups Dog breeds and bites Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Virtual Fencing for Cattle, Sheep, and Goats 9:17

2M ago9:17

9:17

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they explain virtual fencing, including: What is virtual fencing? The potential benefits of virtual fencing Possible disadvantages of virtual fencing Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Handling Beef and Dairy Calves 9:46

2M ago9:46

9:46

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger are glad to bring you information on: Socializing calves for being handled Capturing a calf Restraint methods for calves Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Critical Socialization of Puppies 15:51

2M ago15:51

15:51

Send us a text Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about: The initial socialization of nursing and weanling puppies Puppy classes Puppy first interactions with other animals and children Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Saddles for Horses and Their Attachments 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain: Western and English saddles Parts of a saddle Saddle attachments Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Sex-Linked Haircoat Colors in Cats 7:56

3M ago7:56

7:56

Send us a text Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger if you are interested in cats, particularly: Tricolor cats Orange male cats Orange cats in history Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Natural Behavior of Reptiles 17:49

3M ago17:49

17:49

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 lizards How reptiles sense their environment Reptiles means of defense Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Handling and Restraint Equipment and Facilities for Cattle 17:49

3M ago17:49

17:49

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to learn about: Primary facilities needed to handle cattle Recommended cattle handling equipment Optional facilities for handling cattle Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Hamsters: Grouchy Little Bears 10:50

3M ago10:50

10:50

Send us a text In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe: Natural behavior of hamsters Housing for hamsters Handling of hamsters Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Transporting a Cat 13:46

3M ago13:46

13:46

Send us a text Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger while they explain: Carrying a cat in your arms Transporting a cat in a crate Moving a cat by vehicles and by air Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Proper Approach to a Strange Dog 13:25

4M ago13:25

13:25

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to join them to learn more about: Common INappropriate greetings for a strange dog How to invite a strange dog to approach you Greetings and approaches for Service Dogs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Head-Shyness in Horses 11:00

4M ago11:00

11:00

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they review: Hazards of head-shyness in horses Causes of head-shyness How to prevent common causes for head-shyness Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Backyard Housing for Poultry 12:42

4M ago12:42

12:42

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger are ready to tell you about: Housing needs for chickens Assessments of the quality of poultry housing Special housing needs for turkeys, ducks, and geese Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Pet and Livestock Predators in the U.S. 7:07

4M ago7:07

7:07

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 behavior Deterrents against coyotes and other predators Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Odors and Animal Behavior 10:27

5M ago10:27

10:27

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger for explanations on: Sense of smell in small companion animals Aromatherapy for handling animals Managing odors that adversely affect handling of animals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Basic Handling of Small and Large Lizards 10:43

5M ago10:43

10:43

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger will guide you in how to handle lizards, including: Lizard handling hazards Handling techniques for small lizards Precautions for handling large lizards Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Longeing Horses 9:27

5M ago9:27

9:27

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.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Risks of Handling Hogs Raised in Extreme Confinement 10:46

5M ago10:46

10:46

Send us a text This week Dr Chastain and Ginger will alert you to dangers in handling total confinement hogs, including: Damage to hearing Respiratory impairment Bite wounds Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Understanding Pet Rabbits' Behavior 9:28

6M ago9:28

9:28

Send us a text If you like pet rabbits, join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to hear about: Behaviors of ancestors of the modern domestic rabbit Daily grooming behaviors of pet rabbits Territorial and maternal aggression of pet rabbits Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Prey and Predator Behavior in Domestic Animals 9:17

6M ago9:17

9:17

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger delve into: Physical characteristics of prey animals and predator animals Hunting tactics of predator animals and defense techniques of prey animals Animal perceptions of humans as predators or as prey Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Handling Methods Adverse to the Health and Safety of Cattle 13:13

6M ago13:13

13:13

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger will help you understand: Assessment of cattle welfare Injuries from poor handling facilities Handling methods adverse to the health and safety of cattle Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Cat Vision 9:38

6M ago9:38

9:38

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger in reviewing cats' Clarity of vision: acuity Perception of motion Ability to see in darkness Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Horseback Riding Safety Tips: Part II 11:09

6M ago11:09

11:09

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 tack Safer riding attire Helmets Boots Shirts and jackets Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Horseback Riding Safety Tips: Part I 9:52

7M ago9:52

9:52

Send us a text Interested in horseback riding? Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn some safety tips, such as: Partnership with the horse Cautious confidence in yourself Pairing with a horse that matches your riding skill and ability Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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When Chemical Restraint of Dogs or Cats is Warranted 13:07

7M ago13:07

13:07

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 drugs Justifiable reasons for the use of chemical restraints Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Catching Sheep and Goats 9:21

7M ago9:21

9:21

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger explore: Approaches to catching sheep compared to goats Restraints to avoid with sheep and goats Proper use of crooks and neck straps or chains with sheep and with goats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Common Handling and Restraint of Companion Birds 10:58

8M ago10:58

10:58

Send us a text Flock together with Dr. Chastain and Ginger to learn more about: Precautions needed prior to handling birds Handling training as part of socializing young birds Handling techniques for different sized birds Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Use of Voice, Touch, and Body Language in Handling Animals 9:26

8M ago9:26

9:26

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to join them to learn more about: Effective voice commands for handling animals Animal detection of body language Proper use of touch to control an animal's movements Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Selection and Care of Barn Cats 9:59

8M ago9:59

9:59

Send us a text In this episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger provide advice on: Desirable characteristics of a good barn cat Health care requirements of barn cats Daily care of barn cats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Illegal Trafficking of Wildlife 10:04

8M ago10:04

10:04

Send us a text Please join Dr. Chastain and Ginger while they explain: The size of international wildlife trafficking criminal activity Collateral effects of illegal wildlife trafficking How to combat illegal wildlife trafficking Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Barn Fires and Horses 13:15

8M ago13:15

13:15

Send us a text This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger explain: Causes of barn fires Prevention of barn fires Evacuation of horses from a burning barn Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Recommended Knives for Horsemen 11:04

9M ago11:04

11:04

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe knives for horsemen, including: Need for an ever present knife when working with horses Qualities of a useful everyday carry knife Facilitating access to an everyday carry pocket knife Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Selection and Use of Dog Crates 8:09

9M ago8:09

8:09

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger investigates: Uses of dog crates Types of dog crates Proper sizing of a crate for a dog Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Mouth Bits for Horses 13:12

9M ago13:12

13:12

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join their review of: Horse bit purpose Metals used in bits Types of bits Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Diseases that can be Transmitted from Reptile Pets to Humans 8:59

9M ago8:59

8:59

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger tell about: Captive-bred reptile diseases transmitted to humans Reptile pets and children Prevention of reptile disease transmission Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Outdoor Dog Runs and Houses 8:42

10M ago8:42

8:42

Send us a text This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger review: Proper construction of outdoor dog runs Essential aspects of dog houses Reasons against tethering dogs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Where Have Most of the Good Animal Handlers Gone? 15:35

10M ago15:35

15:35

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to explore the: Benefits of good animal handling Causes of good animal handling attrition Reliable sources of information on animal handling Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Using South American Camelids as Pack Animals 7:34

10M ago7:34

7:34

Send us a text Come along with Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they talk about packing with camelids, including: Advantages of packing with llamas Limitations of packing with alpacas and llamas Equipment for packing with llamas Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Handling Alpacas and Llamas 11:19

10M ago11:19

11:19

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them as they describe alpaca and llama: Manual restraint Catch pens, stocks, and halters and lead ropes Handling of their young (crias) Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Understanding Camelids: Alpacas and Llamas 9:57

11M ago9:57

9:57

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they assist in the understanding of camelids, including: Uses of camelids Differentiating alpacas and llamas Camelid behaviors Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Hearing in Animals 9:04

11M ago9:04

9:04

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger to hear about animal hearing, including: Desired sound intensity when handling animals Sound frequency range of animals compared to humans Bidirectional hearing in animals Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Capture and Release of Horses: Part II 11:45

11M ago11:45

11:45

Send us a text This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger expand on their description of capture and release of horses, including: Capturing horses in stalls Removing a horse from a herd of horses Releasing horses safely Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Capture and Release of Horses: Part I 14:07

11M ago14:07

14:07

Send us a text In this first of two parts episode Dr. Chastain and Ginger will tell you about: Teaching a horse to be caught Proper application and use of halters The use of advance and retreat to catch a loose horse Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Yard Fences for Dogs 8:41

12M ago8:41

8:41

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to learn more about: Mesh wire fencing for dogs Invisible fences Tethering as an alternative to fencing Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain