Table of Contents
Pet pigs are becoming increasingly popular as domesticated animals. Over the last few decades, pigs have transitioned from farm animals to loving house pets.
Owning a pet pig can be a rewarding experience that comes with many benefits. The domestication of pigs dates back to around 5000 BCE in what is now modern-day Turkey.
Since then, pigs have been bred for meat production and utilized in agriculture practices worldwide. In the 1980s, people started to take interest in keeping miniature or potbelly pigs as pets due to their smaller size and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Owning a pet pig has numerous benefits, but they can also come with problems for some people. For starters, they are incredibly intelligent animals that can form very close bonds with their owners.
Pigs are also highly sociable creatures that thrive on human interaction and appreciate affectionate physical contact like belly rubs or scratches behind their ears. Furthermore, pet owners who suffer from allergies can consider adopting a pig because they do not produce dander which causes allergies unlike cats or dogs.
Choosing the Right Pig
Breeds Suitable for Pets
When choosing a pig as a pet, it’s important to select a breed that is known for its gentle disposition and manageable size. Some of the best breeds for pets include the Juliana pig, Pot-bellied pig, and KuneKune pig. The Juliana pig is known for being intelligent, affectionate, and small in size.
The Pot-bellied pig is also popular due to its easy-going nature and adaptability. The KuneKune pig is another great option because they have short legs, making them easier to manage.
It’s important to do your research on different breeds and their characteristics before deciding on which one you want as your pet. Each breed has unique traits that make them stand out from others.
Characteristics to Look For In A Healthy Pig
When selecting a pet pig, choosing one that is healthy and free from any signs of illness or injury is important. Here are some characteristics to look for in a healthy pig: – Bright eyes: A healthy pig will have bright, alert eyes.
– Clear nostrils: check if the nostrils are clean with no discharge or signs of infection – Clean ears: Check if ears are clean with no bad odor
– Healthy coat: Look for soft fur without any bald spots or skin issues – Active behavior: A healthy pig should be active with normal bowel movements.
It’s important to find out about the health history of the particular pigs you’re considering as well as where they came from. Pigs that come from reputable breeders tend to be healthier overall than those purchased from less reliable sources such as online marketplaces where one cannot inspect the animal personally before purchase.
When choosing a pet pig, it’s essential to consider their breed and characteristics as well as their health status. By selecting a healthy and gentle breed, you’re on the right path to having a happy and lovable new pet.
Setting Up the Home Environment
Indoor vs Outdoor Living Spaces: Finding the Best Fit for Your Pet Pig
When it comes to owning a pet pig, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether they will live indoors or outdoors. There are pros and cons to both options – indoor pigs may be easier to potty train and can bond more closely with their owners, while outdoor pigs can enjoy natural grazing and rooting behavior. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your pig’s individual needs and temperament.
If you choose an indoor living space, make sure it’s an area where your pig will have plenty of room to move around comfortably. Pigs are social animals and prefer to be near their human companions whenever possible.
Consider setting up a sleeping area with comfortable bedding and toys that your pig enjoys playing with. Pigs love routine, so creating a consistent schedule for feeding time, playtime, and bedtime will help them feel secure in their new home.
On the other hand, if you opt for outdoor living spaces, make sure that it’s properly enclosed so that your pet doesn’t escape or become preyed upon by wild animals such as coyotes or wolves. You’ll need to provide a sturdy shelter where your pig can get out of the elements when needed – this could be something as simple as an igloo dog house or a custom-built structure designed specifically for pigs.
Creating a Comfortable and Safe Living Area For Your Pig
Regardless of whether you choose an indoor or outdoor living space for your pet pig, creating a comfortable environment is key to ensuring they thrive in their new home. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available at all times – pigs can drink up to two gallons per day!
You’ll also need to provide them with a balanced diet consisting of pellets formulated specifically for pigs along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Pigs are intelligent animals that love to play, so be sure to provide them with lots of toys and activities to keep them entertained.
Puzzle feeders, balls, and even kiddie pools filled with water are all great options for keeping your pig mentally stimulated. In addition, it’s important to create a safe living space for your pet pig.
Make sure that any potential hazards such as sharp objects or toxic substances are out of reach. You’ll also need to ensure that any fencing or enclosures are secure so that your pig doesn’t accidentally escape or become injured.
Setting up a comfortable and safe living environment for your pet pig is essential to their health and well-being. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor living space, providing plenty of room to move around comfortably, fresh water and food at all times along with toys and activities for entertainment will make sure your pet is happy in its new home!
Basic Training Techniques
Litter box training
One of the first things you’ll want to teach your pet pig is how to use a litter box. Fortunately, pigs are naturally clean animals and tend to choose one spot in their living area to use as a bathroom.
You can take advantage of this by placing a litter box in that spot and rewarding your pig when they use it. To start, put your pig in the litter box after meals or when they show signs of needing to go.
When they successfully go in the litter box, offer them praise and a treat. If they have an accident outside of the litter box, don’t punish them – instead, gently guide them back to the litter box and try again.
Teaching basic commands (sit, stay, come)
Pigs are highly intelligent animals and can learn basic commands just like dogs can. Start with simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” To teach your pig to sit, hold a treat above their head then move it towards their tail. As they follow the treat with their nose, their hindquarters should naturally lower onto the ground – at that point, say “sit” and offer them the treat.
To train for staying put once seated or standing up backup once when saying ‘stay’ while holding out down flat palm hand towards pet until released by saying ‘okay’ followed by rewards or treats. To train for coming on command simply squat down calling its name followed with ‘come’, offering treats when he comes.
Positive reinforcement techniques
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to train pet pigs because it focuses on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. When your pig does something you want them to do – like using the litter box or obeying a command – offer praise (such as verbal affirmation or petting) and a treat.
This reinforces the idea that good behavior leads to good things. It’s important to be consistent with your rewards and praise, so your pig understands that certain behaviors are always rewarded.
Also, avoid punishing bad behavior – instead, redirect them towards a desired behavior or ignore the bad behavior until they do something you want to reward. With patience and consistency, your pet pig will learn quickly using positive reinforcement techniques.
Advanced Training Techniques
Agility Training: Let Your Pig Be Active and Happy
Agility training is a fun and engaging activity that can help your pet pig release energy in a positive way. Agility courses typically involve obstacles such as tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. You can easily create your own course in your backyard with items found around the house or purchase one online.
Some pigs may take to agility training quickly while others may need more patience and time to gain confidence. Begin by introducing the obstacles one at a time, allowing your pig to explore them at their own pace.
Once they are comfortable with each obstacle individually, you can begin to string them together into a full course. Encourage your pig with treats and praise every step of the way.
Trick Training: Keep It Fun by Teaching Your Pig Tricks
Teaching tricks is an enjoyable way to bond with your pet pig while providing mental stimulation and exercise. Simple tricks such as playing fetch or jumping through hoops are easy for most pigs to learn with consistent practice.
Start by selecting a trick that suits your pig’s skill level and personality. For example, if they enjoy fetching items already, you can build on that skill by teaching them how to retrieve specific objects on command.
Use positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training or verbal praise to encourage their progress. Remember that some pigs may take longer than others to learn new tricks, so be patient and keep it fun for both of you.
Socialization: Teach Your Pig How To Play Nicely With Other Animals
Socialization is an important part of raising a well-rounded pet pig who is comfortable around other animals (including humans). Begin socializing early on by introducing them gradually to other animals in controlled environments such as dog parks or play dates with other pigs.
When introducing your pig to new animals, always supervise the interaction and be prepared to intervene if necessary. Encourage positive interactions by offering treats and praise when they play nicely together.
If your pig shows aggression towards other animals, consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist for guidance on how to manage their behavior. Advanced training techniques such as agility training, trick training, and socialization can help your pet pig stay active, happy, and well-behaved.
With patience and consistent practice, you can bond with your pig while providing valuable mental stimulation and exercise. Remember to keep it fun for both you and your pig!
Training and Caring for Pigs
Pigs can remember positive and negative reinforcement, so they respond well to training involving their favorite low-sugar, high-fiber treat. They are capable of being house-trained, learning to be on a leash, and can even pick up a few tricks with repetition and enough patience (and treats) to spare.
Pigs Can Do Potty Training
Pigs can learn to use a litter box or go outside when it is time to use the bathroom.
If you are trying to train your pig to use the litter box, take baby steps.
First, start with some newspaper that is gradually moved closer to the litter box until the box is used. Make sure the litter box you choose to use is shallow enough for your pig to reach comfortably. Use lots of praise as positive reinforcement rather than treats for any time they successfully use the litter box or go outside.
- Use newspaper or a doggy pad
- Gradually move it closer to the door
- Reward your pig with veggies or fruits as treats when they go on the pad properly
- Make sure your pig has access to the potty box or outside anytime
Leash and Harness Training for Pigs
It is best to use a Figure 9 or H-style harness for your pet pig, as it is safer for their neck. However, it may take a few days before your pig becomes used to wearing the harness and walking with both harness and leash.
If you start younger, it will be easier.
To get them accustomed to the harness, start by placing it near your pig’s food bowl to sniff for a few minutes. Right afterward, put it on the pig for an hour; this will help the pig adjust to the feel of having the harness on them.
The next day, put the harness back on again, only this time with the leash. Begin walking with them for about an hour again. Allow them to walk you, so they have the chance to adjust. The following day, put all of the previous steps together, but this time you lead the walk; try calling the pig to you with their name, and offer them lots of praise if they do come to you.
From there, increase the duration of time your pig wears the harness with the leash each day, until you feel they are completely comfortable with it.
- Let your pig get used to the harness. Leave it by their food bowl, let them sniff it.
- Put the harness on your pig for no more than an hour
- Do this daily, but extend the time they have the harness on by a few minutes a day.
- After they seem comfortable with it, take your pig on a walk. Let them lead you.
- Take them for a walk, but you lead them. Call them, and offer treats when they come.
Conclusion
Training a pet pig can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Throughout this article, we’ve highlighted important information on choosing the right pig, setting up an appropriate living environment, and teaching basic and advanced training techniques.
It’s important to remember that pet pigs are intelligent animals that require time, effort, and patience to train properly.
It’s recommended that you use positive reinforcement techniques throughout the training process. This means rewarding good behavior with praise or treats, rather than punishing negative behavior.
My Most Used Pig Supplies
This list contains affiliate products. Affiliate products do not cost more but helps to support BestFarmAnimals and our goal to provide farm animal owners with accurate and helpful information.
Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.
A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.
Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.
A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.
When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.
You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.
Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.