Time Out Technique – North American Pet Pig Association (2024)

Time Out Technique After Pig Discipline
By Nancy Shepherd

If a pig displays a behavior that you do not approve of, you must discipline her immediately. The severity of your reprimand should be commensurate with the severity of the pig’s misbehavior. In other words, if your pig sneaks a bagel that you stupidly left on the low coffee table, a sharp “no”, “bad pig”, or whatever your normal negative words are is suitable. If your pig tries to bite your hand as you are offering a training treat, a much more severe punishment is indicated, like a bold push with your foot on the pig’s shoulder as you loudly shout “Knock It Off”, “Bad Pig”, or “NO”. I recommend this technique because when pig’s fight, they face each other and push at the shoulder. Most pigs are truly socked and surprised to find themselves on the floor. They literally don’t know what hit them and this is good. The quickness and surprise of your physical reprimand is very effective.

After such a scolding, it is important to place the pig in a time out situation. Escort or shoo your pig to her room. Using a mean tone of voice, tell her she was a very bad girl and this is not the kind of behavior you will accept from her. Isolate her from the rest of the family for 15 to 30 minutes. When this time has elapsed, go back to your pig and quietly talk to her. See if she is remorseful. I think no touching is good here as well as no food treats. Just talk quietly and get a feel for if your pig is truly sorry for her bad conduct. If she displays the bad behavior again, repeat the shoulder push and loud verbal reprimand, leave her area, slamming the door and start another time out session. When your pig is back to normal and acting according to the prescribed house rules, let her out of her room to resume her normal activities.

It is good to avoid too many extra food treats and exposure to other people during this type of behavior training. Be consistent with your words and actions so the pig understands what is expected of her.

© Nancy Shepherd 1997

Time Out Technique – North American Pet Pig Association (2024)

FAQs

How do you win over a pig? ›

To build a relationship with the pig you must earn trust and respect. Gaining a pig's trust is easy. Be gentle, calm, and bring treats. The first step is to consider the pig's perspective.

How do you discipline a pet pig? ›

I think no touching is good here as well as no food treats. Just talk quietly and get a feel for if your pig is truly sorry for her bad conduct. If she displays the bad behavior again, repeat the shoulder push and loud verbal reprimand, leave her area, slamming the door and start another time out session.

How can you prevent a pet pig from being destructive? ›

Pigs explore by rooting and are destructive if allowed full access to a landscaped yard, so some pet owners may prefer confining them to a pen within the yard. The space should provide shade, feeding, and watering areas, and enough space that elimination can be performed at some distance from these areas.

Can pigs be potty trained? ›

Known for their cheerful personalities and high intelligence, it is no secret that mini pigs make incredible companions. With a little patience, consistent training and perseverance, you can train a mini pig to use a litter box or go to the bathroom outside, just like a cat or dog.

What is move the pig technique? ›

Essentially, teaching the other pigs to respect his space. If he comes your way, then you better move. This respect of space can be applied to pig ownership. You must demand that your space be respected and practice that dominant pig behavior of applying pressure to your pig's bubble frequently.

What is the pig out rule in pass the pigs? ›

If both pigs land on their sides, the score is as follows: Sider - Pigs lie on the same side, either spot up or spot down - 1 point. Pig Out - Pigs lie on opposite sides - Player's score for the turn is wiped out; play passes to next player.

What does it mean when a pig nudges you? ›

They might nip or lunge at them, give them a head swipe, or forcefully nudge them for attention. These behaviors are usually dominance games that pigs would be playing with each other. If a pig nudges you and you move away, the pig might assume they've won the dominance game and are now your boss.

How do you calm an aggressive pig? ›

Encourage the pig to relax in your presence by sprinkling food or tossing food several feet from you, in a calm manner. Reassure the pig with a soothing voice but do not approach the pig or reach towards him. Once you intrude on his personal space you will lose the trust.

What makes a pig aggressive? ›

Most aggression in pigs seems to be related to resources such as food. Crowding and limited amounts of food increase aggression. During breeding, boars may fight and become very vocal; boars will strut shoulder to shoulder, champ their jaws (producing pheromone-rich saliva), then finally face each other and attack.

What makes a pig happy? ›

Pigs are playful, friendly, sensitive, and intelligent animals. They've long been considered smarter than dogs, and the complexity of their social lives rivals those of primates. Much like people, pigs are soothed by music, love playing ball, and even enjoy getting massages.

What do pigs hate eating? ›

Most pigs detest cabbage, onions, corn husks, cauliflower.

What to do if a pig bites you? ›

If the bite creates a deep puncture or the skin is badly torn and bleeding, apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding and get medical attention right away. If you develop a fever or other signs of infection — swelling, redness, pain, a bad smell or fluid draining from the area — see a physician immediately.

How long can pigs hold their pee? ›

A young piglet will need to go potty frequently, typically every one to two hours. Pigs a year old should be able to manage their bladder for about 4-5 hours. Pigs between the ages of 2-3 should have very good bladder control and be able to hold onto their urine for at least 12 hours.

Do pigs like to be carried? ›

Generally, pigs do not like to be held or picked up. 1 When a pig feels threatened, they will squeal loudly. 4 Even though you may be trying to pick up a baby pig to cuddle, the baby pig may be scared and squeal.

Can you walk a pig on a leash? ›

Mini pigs love taking walks with their owners. Your harness and leash skills will be extremely beneficial in keeping your pig safe. A whole world opens up when you can safely take your mini pig outside of the home.

What are the rules of pig? ›

Game Rules

On a turn, a player rolls the die repeatedly. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible, adding up the numbers rolled on the die. However, if a player rolls a 1, the player's turn is over and any points they have accumulated during this turn are forfeited.

How do you show a pig you love them? ›

Pigs love physical contact, especially when it involves snuggling, belly rubs, and ear scratches. Set aside a regular time each day for snuggle time with your pig, whether it's on the couch, the bed, or a soft blanket. Use this time to relax, bond, and show affection to your pig.

What makes a prize pig? ›

Their sole aim is to win, not because they really want the prize on offer or are loyal customers of the company running the giveaway, but for bragging rights and often for income.

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