Sleeping With Pigs: A Recipe For Disaster

Pigs are not ideal bedfellows. They are loud sleepers, and their rooting instincts can lead to destruction of property. They are also highly intelligent and can be manipulative, so it is important to establish boundaries and train them early.

Pigs are herd animals, so they will consider you part of their herd if you are a single pig owner. They need to know their place in the herd and will frequently test this. This can be addressed using the Move the Pig technique, where you physically move the pig to a different spot when it gets comfortable. This teaches the pig that what you say is the rule.

Pigs are also very smart and curious, so they will get into anything they can, including cupboards, purses, and refrigerators. They will eat almost anything, including toxic substances and items that can cause intestinal blockages. It is important to pig-proof your home by keeping dangerous items out of reach and using child-proof locks on cabinets.

Pigs are social animals that need company, so it is recommended to have at least two pigs so they can keep each other company. They can get along with cats but typically do not do well with dogs, as dogs are predators and pigs are prey animals.

Pigs are highly sensitive to temperature extremes and should be provided with a clean, dry, draft-free environment. They are naturally rooting animals, so they will root up lawns and gardens if given access. They also need an area to dig and play, such as a kiddie pool or mud pit.

In summary, while pigs can make great pets, it is important to be aware of their needs and behaviours before bringing one into your home. They require a lot of time, attention, and care, and they are not ideal bedfellows.

Potty training

Pre-Potty Training

• Have a potty on hand: Don't introduce the concept of sitting on a toilet on the same day that you're asking your child to pee on it. Buy a toddler toilet early and keep it around so that your child knows what it's for.
• Be open about potty talk: Normalise the process by being open about your own toilet use. Narrate the process to your child so that you can remove the mystery and make using the bathroom as stress-free as possible.
• Set them on the potty from time to time: Get your toddler comfortable with the idea of sitting on the toilet by having them take practice sits. Encourage them to try, and keep it light.
• Pick your date: Don't jump into potty training on a whim. Pick a date and circle it on the calendar. This gives you time to gather supplies, make a game plan, and avoid last-minute dashes to the store.

Day 1 of Potty Training

• Set the stage the night before: Tell your child: "Tomorrow—no more diapers! We potty in the toilet. I will teach you. Tomorrow is a big day!"
• Throw away the diapers: Take the diapers to the trash with your child. Say something like: "Bye bye diaper! We pee in the potty now!"
• Have them sit on the potty: Encourage them to try and get some pee out. This probably won't happen, but it's a good place to start.
• Set a timer: On Day 1, set a timer for 15 minutes. Every 15 minutes, take them to the toilet. If they go, restart the timer for 15 minutes. If not, set it for 5 minutes and take them every 5 minutes until they pee.
• Keep your child hydrated: This might mean breaking your juice-free policy or busting out some lemonade. You need a child with a full bladder.
• Celebrate their successes: When they get that first potty in the toilet, celebrate like you've just won the Super Bowl. Give them a small candy prize to incentivise potty-ing, but only for the first few days.
• Don't shame them for accidents: If you catch them starting to pee, carry them to the toilet so they can start to understand that the sensation to pee and being in the bathroom go together. Talk about it: "Oh no! We need to go pee in the potty. Come on! Let's go see if we can get some into the potty."

After the First 72 Hours

• Keep helping them learn: Leaving the house will look different now. Your child is still potty training and things are fragile. Keep helping them learn, and keep helping them find success.
• Plan your outings: Think about where bathrooms are and how long your errands will be. Make sure they pee before you leave the house, and keep a bag of extra clothes in the car.
• Keep a potty in your car: This will be your best friend.

Tips for Potty Training with a Younger Sibling in the House

• Start potty training on a long weekend: Get an extra set of hands to help so that one person can work with the child you're potty training and the other person can be responsible for the sibling.
• Keep the sibling confined while the potty trainee is on the potty: Use a high chair with toys, a bouncer/walker/swing, or set up toys/books in a nearby area.
• Use the sibling to your advantage: Tell your trainee: "Let's show baby brother how you can go potty like a big girl!" or "Let's teach your brother how to poo on the potty like you do!"

Remember, every child is different. They go and learn at their own pace. Remember to have patience and let them know you believe in them!

Crate training

Step 1: Introduce your pig to the crate

Place the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or bed in the crate. Take the door off or keep it propped open and let the pig explore the crate at their leisure. Some pigs will be naturally curious and start sleeping in the crate right away. If yours isn't one of them, bring them over to the crate and talk to them in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is open and secured so that it won't hit your pig and frighten them.

Encourage your pig to enter the crate by dropping some small food treats nearby, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If they refuse to go all the way in at first, that's OK; don't force them to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your pig will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If they aren’t interested in treats, try tossing a favourite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.

Step 2: Feed your pig meals in the crate

After introducing your pig to the crate, begin feeding them their regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate.

If your pig is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, place the food dish or interactive puzzle toy stuffed with food all the way at the back of the crate.

If they remain reluctant to enter, put the dish only as far inside as they will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed them, place the dish a little further back in the crate.

Once your pig is standing comfortably in the crate to eat their meal, you can close the door while they’re eating. The first time you do this, open the door as soon as they finish their meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until they’re staying in the crate for 10 minutes or so after eating.

If they begin to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving them in the crate for a shorter time period.

Step 3: Practice with longer crating periods

After your pig is eating their regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine them there for short periods of time while you're home.

Call them over to the crate and give them a treat.

Give them a voice cue to enter, such as "crate". Encourage them by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand.

After your pig enters the crate, praise them, give them the treat and close the door.

Sit quietly near the crate for five to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time and then let them out.

Repeat this process several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you leave them in the crate and the length of time you're out of sight.

Once your pig will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can begin leaving them crated when you're gone for short time periods and/or letting them sleep there at night. This may take several days or weeks.

Step 4, Part A: Crate your pig when you leave

After your pig can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving them crated for short periods when you leave the house.

Put them in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave them with a few safe toys in the crate.

Vary the moment during your "getting ready to leave" routine that you put your pig in the crate. Although they shouldn't be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate them anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving.

Don't make your departures emotional and prolonged—they should be matter-of-fact. Praise your pig briefly, give them a treat for entering the crate and then leave quietly.

When you return home, don't reward your pig for excited behaviour by responding to them in an enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low-key to avoid increasing their anxiety over when you will return. Continue to crate your pig for short periods from time to time when you're home so they don't associate crating with being left alone.

Step 4, Part B: Crate your pig at night

Put your pig in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a young pig. Young pigs often need to go outside to eliminate during the night and you'll want to be able to hear your pig when they whine to be let outside. Older pigs should also initially be kept nearby so they don't associate the crate with social isolation.

Once your pig is sleeping comfortably through the night with the crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer, although time spent with your pig—even sleep time—is a chance to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Whining

If your pig whines or cries while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to decide whether they’re whining to be let out of the crate, or whether they need to be let outside to eliminate. If you've followed the training procedures outlined above, then your pig hasn't been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from their crate. If that is the case, try to ignore the whining. If your pig is just testing you, they'll probably stop whining soon. Never punish them for whining.

If the whining continues after you've ignored them for several minutes, use the phrase they associate with going outside to eliminate. If they respond and become excited, take them outside. This should be a trip with a purpose, not play time. Stand in one spot in your yard where they normally go to the bathroom and wait. If you're convinced that your pig doesn't need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore them until they stop whining. If you've progressed gradually through the training steps and haven't done too much too fast, you'll be less likely to encounter this problem. If the problem becomes unmanageable, you may need to start the crate training process over again.

Bonding

• Create a safe and comfortable space: When you first bring your mini pig home, provide a designated area, such as a crate or small room, where they can feel secure and settle in. This will also help with potty training. Include a bed, blankets, and a litter box if needed. Make sure the space is free from drafts and has adequate insulation, especially during colder months.
• Handle your mini pig gently and frequently: Get your mini pig used to being handled and touched by you and other family members. This will help build trust and make it easier to care for them. Touch their face, mouth, and hooves often so they become accustomed to it.
• Spend quality time together: Mini pigs are social animals and thrive on attention and interaction. Spend time with your mini pig, offer belly rubs, and play with them using toys or rooting boxes. This will strengthen your bond and keep them mentally stimulated.
• Be patient and consistent: Bonding takes time and consistency. Be patient with your mini pig, especially during the initial adjustment period. Consistently use their name, establish a routine, and set boundaries. They will learn to recognize your voice, understand the rules, and develop a strong bond with you.
• Provide a healthy diet: A balanced diet is essential for your mini pig's health and well-being. Feed them a high-quality mini pig feed as the main diet, supplemented with vegetables and fruits. Avoid sugary or salty foods. You can also offer treats as rewards during training or bonding activities.
• Train and socialize your mini pig: Training your mini pig basic commands like "sit" and "come" will help establish your role as the leader of the herd. Socialize your mini pig with other people and pets gradually and in a controlled manner to ensure positive interactions.
• Be aware of their unique behaviors: Mini pigs have distinct behaviors and needs. They are naturally curious and love to root around. Provide them with safe spaces to explore and satisfy their rooting instincts. They may also test their boundaries, so be firm and consistent in your training.
• Prepare for potential challenges: Mini pigs can be strong-willed and may exhibit behaviors like biting or aggression. Be prepared to address these issues with patience and positive reinforcement techniques. Seek advice from experienced mini pig owners or behavior experts if needed.

Harness training

• Get a pig harness. There are multiple websites to buy a pig harness from.
• Get your pig used to the harness by letting them sniff it and putting treats on it.
• Put the harness on your pig and give them a treat.
• Practice walking your pig on a leash around the house. Reward them with treats.
• Once your pig is comfortable with the harness, you can start taking them on walks outside.
• Always use positive reinforcement and treats when harness training your pig.

Socialising

• Prepare your home: Pigs are naturally curious and will try to taste everything, so it's essential to "pig-proof" your home by keeping harmful substances and items out of their reach. This includes medications, cords, toxic plants, and anything they can chew on or destroy.
• Create a designated space: Pigs need a safe and confined area to sleep, eat, and eliminate. This can be a crate, a small room, or a portion of a laundry room with a sleeping and eating area in one corner and a litter box in another.
• Provide bedding: Pigs enjoy burrowing, so offer soft blankets or an egg crate bed. Avoid dog beds with small pieces that pigs might chew and swallow.
• Potty training: Pigs can be trained to use a litter box or puppy pads. Use a high-backed ferret litter box or modify a large storage bin. Avoid cat litter, red cedar, and wood pellets as they can be toxic or cause intestinal blockages.
• Exercise and outdoor space: Pigs need ample space to run, play, and behave like pigs. They should have access to a fenced outdoor area where they can root, dig, and play.
• Initial interactions: When introducing yourself to a new pig, get down to their level so they don't feel intimidated. Speak softly, and let them come to you. Be patient and give them time to adjust to their new surroundings and form a bond with you.
• Handling and restraint: Pigs don't typically enjoy being held, but you may need to pick them up at times. Always use two hands, one under the front legs and the other under the back legs, keeping the pig close to your body. Be prepared for loud squealing.
• Socialising with children: Pigs need to be socialised with children and taught to respect them. Involve the whole family in daily interactions and "move the pig" training to establish the child's authority.
• Socialising with other pets: Pigs are herd animals and will consider other pets as part of their herd. They can get along with cats but may not do well with dogs, as they are prey animals and dogs are predators. Always supervise interactions between pigs and other pets.
• Feeding: Consult your vet for dietary recommendations. A balanced diet typically includes commercial mini pig feed, vegetables, and treats like Cheerios. Avoid sugary and salty foods.
• Initial care: Keep track of your pig's feeding and elimination habits, and establish a baseline temperature by taking rectal temperatures over a few days. Find a vet who treats pigs, and schedule an appointment soon after bringing your pig home.

Frequently asked questions