Calves raised in three different conditions were studied in response to three different handling aids. Intensively-reared intact Holstein males (Group 1), extensively-reared beef-breed females (Group 2), and extensively-reared castrated beef-breed males (Group 3) were studied. The handling treatments included an electric prod, an oar with rattles or manual urging. Calves from each group experienced one of the handling methods. The handling methods were only used when necessary to encourage forward movement through a solid-sided semi-circular chute. One day before and one day and one week after the movement tests, an approach test was conducted. The fewest treatment applications were required for calves that received the electric prod. These calves also ran more often and made more contact with the sides of the chute. Behaviour during the approach tests did not change after the handling aids were used. However, during the approach tests, regardless of treatment, Group 1 calves were less fearful of humans compared to calves in Groups 2 and 3. One week after the chute tests, all the calves that had experienced the electric prod retreated from the handler when they heard the buzzing sound of the electric prod. This suggests that after experiencing both the feeling and sound of the prod, the sound alone could be enough to encourage the calves to move.