Animal Behavior Basics
This sound made by cats can signal comfort, but sometimes also pain or stress.
What is purring?
Before approaching any animal, handlers should always do this to avoid startling it.
What is make your presence known?
This simple tool is used to guide and control livestock by extending your reach.
What is a sorting stick or cane?
Dogs may yawn, lick their lips, or avoid eye contact when experiencing this.
What is stress or anxiety?
This farm animal is often led with a halter and handled by its head for safe control.
What is a cow or cattle?
When a horse pins its ears flat against its head, it is usually showing this emotion.
What is anger or aggression?
These are the minimum protective items recommended when handling livestock, such as boots and gloves.
What is personal protective equipment?
A nylon or leather loop used to control a dog’s head and body during handling.
What is a leash?
A horse showing the whites of its eyes, pawing, or sweating without exercise is likely feeling this.
What is fear or nervousness?
Sheep are most safely caught and held by grabbing this area, not the wool.
What is the under the jaw or around the flank?
Raised hackles (hair standing up) on a dog’s back usually indicate this state of mind?
What is fear or arousal?
The safest place to stand when working with horses is close to this part of the body, where you maintain control.
What is the shoulder?
This restraint device safely holds cattle in place for procedures like vaccinations or tagging.
What is a squeeze chute?
Livestock like cattle may bunch tightly together, vocalize excessively, or refuse to move when under this condition.
What is stress or agitation?
This animal can deliver a powerful kick straight back or sideways, making it important to stay close to its body when handling.
What is a horse?
When prey animals like rabbits or goats freeze in place, it is a natural response to this?
What is fear or threat detection?
When restraining an animal, handlers should avoid putting pressure here to prevent injury or breathing problems.
What is the chest or airway?
Veterinarians often use this curved tool to safely capture cats by the neck without getting scratched or bitten.
What is a cat control pole?
A rabbit grinding its teeth loudly (different from gentle purring-like grinding) often indicates this negative state.
What is pain or discomfort?
Pigs are often guided using boards or panels, commonly called these.
What are hog boards or pig boards?
Cattle often show this behavior, involving a repeated sideways movement of the head, when they are stressed or resisting handling.
What is head tossing?
This invisible area around an animal can cause kicking, charging, or escape attempts if entered suddenly.
What is the flight zone?
Often used with sheep and goats, this device flips the animal onto its side to make hoof trimming and exams easier.
What is a sheep/goat tilt table or turn table?
Birds may pluck their feathers, pace, or scream excessively when experiencing this long-term issue.
What is chronic stress?
Goats are known escape artists because they often test fences by doing this behavior.
What is climbing or pushing/jumping on fences?