Training Your Mini Pig
Mini Pigs are extremely intelligent animals. They are rated 4th most intelligent in the animal kingdom. They are quick to respond to commands taught to them in a positive way. Some people will train their mini pigs using only treats, but we find using the clicker training method they respond faster to training. Regardless of the chosen training method, remember to always use positive training with your mini pig!
Below, we have outlined the basics of "Clicker Training". It is important to have an understanding of the method of training you feel is best to use with your mini pig. This understanding will help you to reach your training goal and you will be able to pick out "key" points during a training session. It is important to remember when training your mini pig to keep calm and praise your pig often for a happy training session. I find that it helps to keep my pigs attention and also to help build our bond. I like to reward them with treats and I pat them and tell them in a soft spoken voice; "good girl/good boy".
Below, we have outlined the basics of "Clicker Training". It is important to have an understanding of the method of training you feel is best to use with your mini pig. This understanding will help you to reach your training goal and you will be able to pick out "key" points during a training session. It is important to remember when training your mini pig to keep calm and praise your pig often for a happy training session. I find that it helps to keep my pigs attention and also to help build our bond. I like to reward them with treats and I pat them and tell them in a soft spoken voice; "good girl/good boy".
What Do You Need To Start?
Training mini pigs is different than training a dog. The fact that mini pigs are extremely intelligent and eager to learn make it fun and also challenging through training sessions. Mini pigs learn best through positive training. Reward based training will encourage your mini pig to participate in the activity.
Before starting your training session make sure you are well prepared by following the guidelines in this LINK
Before starting your training session make sure you are well prepared by following the guidelines in this LINK
What is Clicker Training?
This method of training was developed in the 1960's. It was developed as a science-based method to communicate with animals. Clicker training is a method of training that offers rewards for a desired behaviour. This is also referred to as "Positive Reinforcement Training". You, as the trainer, will not offer punishment for undesired behaviours, you will ignore those behaviours and reward only the desired ones.
The click of the clicker is NOT the reward. The click is intended to mark the desired behaviour, the treat that is given with the click is the reward! It is important to be aware of your timing of the click during training. You want to ONLY click the moment your pig does what is asked. If you click to late, this would result in the pig understanding the last behaviour was the desired one.
For example: When asking your pig to stay, if you click at the time that your pig takes a step forward; this would mark stepping forward as the desired behaviour.
The click of the clicker is NOT the reward. The click is intended to mark the desired behaviour, the treat that is given with the click is the reward! It is important to be aware of your timing of the click during training. You want to ONLY click the moment your pig does what is asked. If you click to late, this would result in the pig understanding the last behaviour was the desired one.
For example: When asking your pig to stay, if you click at the time that your pig takes a step forward; this would mark stepping forward as the desired behaviour.
Step One: Introducing the Clicker to Your Pig
The first step to clicker training is the most important one. This step will allow your Mini Pig to understand when he/she hears the "click" he/she has completed the desired behaviour.
How is this done?
- Bring your Mini Pig into an open area. You are best to do your training indoors and not in an unsecure area.
- Bring with you your mini pig's favorite treats (ex. cheerios, almonds, cut up grapes or pieces of apples). Putting the treats in a treat pouch attached to your hip is the easiest way to access the treats. Have your mini pig stand in front of you, facing you. Have the clicker placed in your left hand and reward with your right hand.
- Once you have his attention, click the clicker and offer a reward. At this time limit how much you speak. This will allow him to focus on the click followed by the reward, and not your voice.
- Repeat this behaviour for approximately 10 to 15 times. Then allow for a break. Keep in mind that your training sessions should be kept short. Lengthy sessions will become boring for your pig, regardless of the food being offered. At the end of the training session, give your mini pig a pat and tell him he was good.
Step Two: Pairing the Clicker with a Behaviour
The second step is to pair a behaviour with the clicker. Depending on the type of behaviour you are trying to teach, you'll need to adjust the length of the session. The idea is to not force your pig to perform a behaviour but to encourage the desired behaviour. It is best to encourage your pig in small steps. Do not expect your pig to complete the entire action right away.
How is this done?
- Teach your mini pig "The Turn"
- Have your pig stand in front of you, facing you. With a treat in your right hand, place your hand in front of your pigs nose. Allow him to sniff the treat in your hand so he knows its there. Move your hand to the side of his face and when he turns his head click and reward. He does not have to move his feet at this time. Repeat this behaviour a number of times until he starts to turn his head at the same moment you move your hand. At this time, you do not need to use and voice commands. You will add vocal commands at the end of the training.
- Once your pig is turning his head at the same time as you move your hand (and has displayed this a number of times), it's time to move to the next step. You want to lengthen the amount his body turns. At this stage in the training you may find it easier to have him stand beside you rather than in front of you. By you standing or kneeling on one side of him, this will help to guide him to spin on his front legs (making sure you are moving your hand away from your body so he turns away from you). Move your hand towards the side of his face, but this time when he turns his head, keep moving your hand slowly to where his tail was. The moment his nose is where you had guided him, click and reward. Continue this until he follows your hand with no hesitation. Remember to click and reward every time.
- Once your pig has mastered the half turn, continue the turn back to the pigs starting point (facing you). Once his nose is back to the start, click and reward. Continue this step, having your pig turn in a full circle, following your hand, until he is following it without much hesitation.
Step Three: Adding a Verbal Command
At this point you are able to add in your verbal commands. This will eventually allow you to ask your mini pig to complete a desired behaviour at any point.
How is this done?
- Have your pig facing you and before you move your hand say his name then say the command ("Piggy Turn").
- Have your pig still follow your hand all the way back to the start of the circle. Click and reward.
- Continue this for a few more times so your pig can relate the behaviour (the turn) with the verbal queue ("Piggy turn").
- As you practice the behaviour over time, you will be able to just use the verbal command and not have your pig follow your hand.
Following this method of training can be applied to any of the tricks you want to teach your mini pig. They are very intelligent animals and will be eager to learn with proper leadership from their trainers. Remember to make every training session positive and enjoyable for both you and your pig!
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