We’ve all seen those clips of people training their dogs to do tricks. Heck, even some cats know some tricks that blow our minds. But have you ever heard of pigs doing tricks? That’s exactly what this pet parent did with their tiny, pink pig named Penelope.
In the clip below, this pig shows off her stuff as she does her little twists and turns for her tasty pumpkin treat.
@penelope_the_mini_pig_It’s a PUMPKIN party for my lil’ pig-ster Daisy!! 🐷🥰🐽 *(please note she is just a baby & WILL get bigger. Mini pigs grow to be 70-150lbs on average, but some breeds of miniatures could reach up to 300lbs. Micro/teacup pigs are NOT real. Mini pigs are only considered “mini” compared to 800lb farm hogs) #minipiglet #pigs #minipigs #piglife #piglet #petpig #minipiglife #pigsaspets #cute #makeyourday
She’s beyond adorable! But it’s not just about looks when it comes to pigs. These farm friends are much more intelligent than most people know. Because of their big brains, pigs love to be trained by their caretakers.
Related: Pig Who Sounds Just Like a Dinosaur Has Everyone So Delighted
By nature, pigs are playful and social. They love running, spending time with other pigs, and frolicking in the mud. In addition to training them to do tricks, you can also teach them other things to make their lives more enriching!
Ideas for training your pet pig
- Train them to walk on a leash and go for walks with them.
- Encourage rooting by hiding their food and treats. You can hide their meals or just scatter them throughout your yard, this makes a fun game for them.
- Pigs love food puzzles! They will love figuring out how to move the pieces and get their snacks out.
Like dogs, pigs are highly food motivated. When you’re teaching tricks, start small and make sure you give rewards such as Cheerios, shredded wheat, or small bites of fruit.
Pigs also love routine. Make sure your training time is at a set time every day when your pig has the most energy. For instance, training sessions before bedtime give your pig a great workout both physically and mentally for a good night’s rest.
After training, it’s always a good idea to follow up each training session with positive reinforcement. Each time they do something correctly, show your pig some love. Say things like “good pig” or say your pig’s name while petting and scratching them. Pigs want to bond with their caretakers so giving them lots of attention and affection can help make your pig want to please you.
All in all, it’s important to remember that pigs are incredibly smart, meaning they love to be trained. If you use food and affection, these can be great tools to train them. While pigs aren’t an ideal pet choice for everyone, if you’re a loving and affectionate person, you can train your pet pig who will love you unconditionally.
