Best Responsible Pet Ownership Podcasts (2025)

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Causes of Aggression in Cats 10:12

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11h ago10:12

10:12

Send us a text This week Dr. Chastain and Ginger cover: Injuries to handlers from aggressive cats Reasons for cat aggression Capture and restraint of aggressive cats Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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"Stop it!" Our Christmas Wish List 1:08:49

13d ago1:08:49

1:08:49

In this festive episode of The Bark, we’re cutting through the holiday sparkle to talk about the real do’s and don’ts of Christmas when it comes to dogs and cats. While the season brings joy, it also brings a dangerous spike in impulse puppy purchases, roadside puppy sales, and “free to a good home” litters from irresponsible breeding. We break dow…

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The Christmas Puppy Decision: How to Prepare for a Puppy and Why Responsible Dog Ownership Matters 11:32

14d ago11:32

11:32

Bringing home a Christmas puppy seems magical, but the reality often looks very different once the excitement fades. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of responsible dog ownership and how to prepare for a puppy, along with five actionable steps you can take right now to decide whether a puppy as a gift is truly t…

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African Pygmy Hedgehogs as Pets 8:31

8d ago8:31

8:31

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger as they investigate African Pygmy Hedgehogs, including: Socializing hedgehogs as pets Restrictions in the U.S. on owning hedgehogs Risk of skin irritation from handling hedgehogs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Dog Daycare Rules and Regulations 6:40

13d ago6:40

6:40

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like you to learn more about: Growth of dog daycares Risks for dogs in dog daycares Proactive efforts to protect dogs in daycares Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Safety Considerations When Handling Cattle 12:22

14d ago12:22

12:22

Send us a text This week, Dr. Chastain and Ginger will tell you about: Defenses of cattle Cattle breed differences in ability to be handled Keys to safer handling of cattle Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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When the Crisis Hits the Farm 49:34

25d ago49:34

49:34

At Laws Saving Paws, we believe meaningful change happens when communities and industry leaders come together — and few voices in Tennessee are as influential as Farm Bureau. In this episode of The Bark, we explore how the state’s growing animal overpopulation crisis is no longer contained to shelters or city centers. Stray and roaming dogs, driven…

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From Fearful Puppy to Confident Dog: Gentle Steps That Work 13:52

17d ago13:52

13:52

In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of helping your fearful puppy feel safe and eight actionable steps you can take right now to build confidence and connection through desensitization dog training. If your walks feel more stressful than joyful, or your puppy freezes, hides, or pulls toward home, this episode will …

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Zoonoses: Diseases Transmitted from Animals to Humans 16:19

27d ago16:19

16:19

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger describe: The incidence of zoonoses Zoonotic risks Preventive measures for zoonoses Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Approach and Capture of Dogs 10:54

1M ago10:54

10:54

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger would like to briefly capture your attention this week to tell you about: Approaching a strange dog Capture of a dog in an enclosure Recovering an escaped dog Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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The Trainer's Guide to Loose Leash Walking and Positive Reinforcement Training to Stop Leash Pulling for Good [Replay] 16:02

1M ago16:02

16:02

Does your dog turn every walk into a tug of war? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how to stop leash pulling using the same positive reinforcement training methods I teach my clients every day. You'll learn the simple steps to create calm, enjoyable walks through consistent loose leash walking practice. If you've ever wondered …

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A Lifeline For Our Heroes 1:00:38

1M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

In this episode of The Bark, we spotlight the life-saving bond between veterans and their dogs — a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and healing. While our veterans step up to defend our country, countless dogs are stepping up to defend them right back, providing critical emotional support, mobility assistance, and a renewed sense of purpose whe…

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Thoughts on Responsible Ownership of Horses 11:12

1M ago11:12

11:12

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Ginger share some thoughts on: Costs of horse ownership Annual care required for a horse Benefits of horse ownership Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Moving Groups of Sheep 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger invite you to join them to learn more about: Herding and leading characteristics of sheep Sheep herding precautions Sheep herding dogs Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Dogs on Halloween: How to Keep Them Calm, Confident, and Safe 9:37

2M ago9:37

9:37

Halloween might be fun for us, but for dogs on Halloween it can feel like the world has gone a little wild. Between doorbells, Halloween dog costumes, and glowing decorations, even confident pups can get overwhelmed. In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about Halloween pet safety so your dog stays calm, happy, and out of t…

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The Versatile Donkey 12:45

2M ago12:45

12:45

Send us a text Dr. Chastain and Ginger hope that you will join them while they describe: Natural behaviors of donkeys Proper handling of donkeys Uses of donkeys Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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The Foster Effect 59:51

2M ago59:51

59:51

www.lawssavingpaws.org/thebark Follow us on Facebook and IG: @thebarklsp In this episode of The Bark, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most overlooked aids to Tennessee’s animal crisis — fostering. While shelters struggle to keep up with endless intakes and the fallout of overbreeding, foster homes are the unsung heroes keeping the syst…

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Avoiding Cat Bites 8:09

2M ago8:09

8:09

By Dr. C.B. Chastain

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What Is Small Dog Syndrome? How to Train Small Dogs So They're Confident, Not Cranky 13:30

2M ago13:30

13:30

People ask me all the time: what is small dog syndrome? Maybe you've seen a Chihuahua who barks at everything or a Yorkie that charges at bigger dogs. Too often, these little pups get labeled as a "small mean dog" – but that reputation isn't the full story. In this episode, I explain exactly what is small dog syndrome, why it happens, and most impo…

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Parts of a Lariat Rope 8:36

2M ago8:36

8:36

Send us a text Join Dr. Chastain and Ginger this week to review: Construction and uses of lariats Parts of a lariat loop Lariat hondas Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.comBy Dr. C.B. Chastain

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Together or Nowhere: A Conversation with The Animal Alliance 1:05:57

3M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

In this episode of The Bark, we sit down with the global organization out of Baltimore, Maryland, The Animal Alliance, whose mission is clear: Transforming Communities Through Compassion for Animals. Together, we explore how tackling issues like animal overpopulation and continued compassion for our animals, irresponsible breeding, and lack of acce…

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Overwhelmed by Conflicting Puppy Training Tips? Here's How to Know What Will Actually Work for Training Your Puppy 14:22

3M ago14:22

14:22

Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting puppy training tips? You're not alone - and you're definitely not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I'm helping you cut through the noise so you can feel confident, calm, and clear when it comes to training your puppy. As a professional dog trainer and registered vet tech with over 20 years of experie…

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Getting to Know Gerbils 8:23

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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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Puppy Won't Listen Without Treats? Here's How to Phase Out Treats in Dog Training 14:08

3M ago14:08

14:08

If your puppy won't listen unless you've got a treat in hand, you're in the right place. I'm diving into one of the most common concerns I hear from dog owners: the frustration of feeling stuck in endless treat training puppy mode. You'll learn why your pup might ignore you unless food is in sight - and what to do about it. We'll cover what happens…

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Cat Cages and Other Containments 10:38

3M 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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Law & Order: Tennessee Style (with Special Guest, Jessica Schultz) 1:06:59

3M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

In this episode of The Bark, we take a closer look at what’s really happening in Tennessee with animal laws — and what that means for you, your pets, and your community. We’ll talk about your rights as a citizen when dealing with irresponsible pet owners, what it takes to be a truly responsible pet owner, and the steps you can take to make a differ…

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Conditions for Handling and Restraint of Animals 13:04

3M 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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Evening Zoomies, Biting, and Meltdowns? Signs of an Overstimulated Puppy and How to Help 11:14

3M ago11:14

11:14

Does your puppy turn into a wild chaos gremlin at night - zooming, barking, and biting everything in sight? You're probably dealing with an overstimulated puppy - and I'm here to help you make sense of it all. In this episode, I'm diving deep into what puppy overstimulation really looks like. I'll explain how to recognize the early signs of an over…

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No-Kill: The Hidden Fallout 49:56

4M ago49:56

49:56

www.lawssavingpaws.org/thebark Follow us on Facebook and IG: @thebarklsp In this episode of The Bark, we pull back the curtain on the no-kill shelter movement and reveal the hidden consequences of chasing a “no-kill” status at all costs. While the goal sounds compassionate, the reality is far more complicated — and often devastating for animals and…

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Fences for Horses 13:03

4M 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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Puppy Milestones by Week: A Guide to Puppy Development and Socialization 20:02

4M ago20:02

20:02

What if you could understand what's going on in your puppy's brain - week by week? In this episode, I'm breaking down puppy milestones so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of your pup's first year. We'll walk through puppy milestones by week, explore what's happening developmentally inside that little fuzzy head, and talk about how you…

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Selected Breeding of Dogs and Severe Dog Bites 14:03

4M 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

4M 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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Pedigree or Profit? 52:25

4M ago52:25

52:25

In this powerful episode, we uncover how organizations like the AKC and USDA are quietly fueling America’s growing animal crisis—including right here in Tennessee. Behind the polished image of registered breeds and kennel standards lies a system that may appear to be built on unchecked overbreeding, outdated policies, and a disturbing tolerance for…

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Handling Beef and Dairy Calves 9:46

5M 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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Injustice For All 51:02

4M ago51:02

51:02

We’re tackling a disturbing but critical piece of the animal crisis: the brutal reality of animal cruelty—and the warning signs it carries for domestic violence and child abuse. This isn’t just about neglected dogs or starving cats. It’s about animals being beaten, chained, shot, or left to die—and how that cruelty often signals a much bigger threa…

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Are Puppies Really Blank Slates? Understanding Puppy Behavior 13:27

5M ago13:27

13:27

Ever found yourself asking, "Why does my puppy act this way?" If someone told you that your pup is a blank slate and it's all in how you raise them - this episode is going to challenge that idea in a big way. Today, we're digging deep into puppy behavior , and how understanding your dog's nature can change everything about how you train and connect…

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Not Illegal Enough 48:53

5M ago48:53

48:53

When it comes to animal laws in Tennessee, the truth is brutal: many of them aren’t broken—they were never built to work in the first place. In this episode, we’re digging into the legal side of the animal crisis and exposing the loopholes, penalties, and enforcement barriers that let abuse and neglect slip through the cracks. We break down how a l…

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Critical Socialization of Puppies 15:51

5M 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

5M 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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"Houston, we have an animal problem" - Part 2 46:29

5M ago46:29

46:29

The animal crisis is growing—and in Part 2 of our deep dive, we’re exposing the real cost of animal overpopulation in Tennessee. This episode unpacks the hard truths: higher euthanasia rates, shelter and rescue burnout, and the hidden taxpayer burden most people never think about. We’ll also connect the dots to rural life—how overpopulation affects…

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Mine! Understanding and Preventing Resource Guarding in Puppies 8:05

5M ago8:05

8:05

Has your sweet, snuggly puppy ever turned into a little growling gremlin when you reached for their favorite toy? If so, you've had a front-row seat to resource guarding - and you're not alone. In this episode, we're digging into resource guarding in puppies, why it happens, how to prevent it, and most importantly, how to stop resource guarding in …

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Sex-Linked Haircoat Colors in Cats 7:56

5M 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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"Houston, we have an animal problem" - Part 1 40:54

5M ago40:54

40:54

In this episode of The Bark, we dig into the messy truth behind animal overpopulation—and how problems that seem unrelated are often deeply connected. At the center of it all? Irresponsible breeding practices, lack of access to spay and neuter services, and a system that looks the other way. We expose how backyard breeding, accidental litters, and …

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Balls to the Wall 39:40

5M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode of The Bark, we’re going “balls to the wall” on one of the biggest drivers of animal overpopulation in Tennessee—the decision to spay or neuter your pet. We dig into why fixing your animals matters and what happens when people don’t. From a growing veterinarian shortage to a lack of low-cost spay/neuter clinics, we break down the ba…

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Not Just a Personal Problem 48:50

5M ago48:50

48:50

In this episode of The Bark, we explore how responsible pet ownership isn’t just a personal choice — it’s a community issue that impacts us all. From securing your pet and understanding the risks of choosing not to fix your animals, to the serious consequences of animal abandonment and chaining dogs, we break down why individual actions have statew…

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The Leash Is Off 41:03

5M ago41:03

41:03

Welcome to The Bark, a Tennessee podcast powered by Laws Saving Paws, where we confront the animal welfare crisis at its roots. In this kickoff episode, we dive into the real issues behind animal overpopulation—from backyard breeders and loose dog laws to overwhelmed shelters funded by tax payers. Unlike feel-good animal rescue shows, The Bark is f…

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Natural Behavior of Reptiles 17:49

6M 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