Pet Pigs

People who are true pet lovers are constantly looking for something new other than just the simple cat or dog. Exotic animals have always been a favorite and will definitely be a conversational piece, but for many of us - having an animal in the house that is too extreme just isn't worth it. Enter the pet pig.

Pigs are becoming more and more popular as pets, though they have been domesticated for a while now. They are very much like having and training a dog, and in fact the same techniques used to improve the canine can be used with pet pigs. They can be sweet, loyal, and most important - bring a lot of personality, fun and enjoyment to any family.

You've probably heard at some point or another some horror stories. There have been some cases where this kind of a companion just didn't work out, and there is no denying that these cases are true. Although pet pigs can be wonderful compadres, and even though they can be trained much like any ordinary pet, they still require a special approach, the right kind of owner, and a special kind of understanding in order to get the most out of them.

Any pet requires a customized kind of attention depending on the animal that they are, but also as well as their personality. So it should come as no surprise to you that when it comes to the pet pig as another part of the family, it is no different. Its important to state that every year many of these little creatures have it rough. A lot of pigs end up abandoned because the owners are not qualified to take care of them, and there are many reasons for this, so if you want to become the proud owner of one, you really need to do your research and ask of yourself if you think that you and a pet pig would do well together.

Because they are so intelligent, they can be the best pet or the worst. First of all, they can be extremely territorial, especially once they grow close to their master. This sounds great and all, but then consider this when having other pets in the house, which does not always work out at all. In fact, the combination of critters can be harmful at times to both animals. This problem can also make it difficult to have occasional friends show up. A pet pig can become very distraught at the site of a stranger in their or their owner's chair for instance. This is why it is very important to socialize them in the right manner. Too much in the beginning can be stressful to the animal, so doing it in healthy increments is a must.

There are a lot of myths surrounding them, but also a lot of common knowledge about pigs that gets abandoned. The one myth is that they are smelly or messy. On the contrary they are actually very clean, and people who have very bad allergies to animals may be surprised to learn that pigs generally don't create this as a problem.

One of the things that is certainly not myth that gets overlooked is their appetite. Pet pigs can be relentless in their pursuit for food. This is why its so important to keep anything that is edible out of reach. On the other hand though, you can use treats very well to train your pig. Much like a dog, they respond to your change in vocal modulation. A high, happy voice of praise is easily recognized by a pig, and it should only be used when they have done something well as not to confuse the animal.

A pet pig can be trained to use a litter box believe it or not, and generally with ease, but pigs should really get a lot of fresh air and you may find that your pig prefers to do his or her business outside.

They also root, which is connected to a primal instinct of searching for food. As long as you give them designated time to go out and explore the ground around them this should be a problem, and feeding them well will make them less likely to do this, but it can also be a real problem if you are not prepared. They can actually do a lot of damage to your house and home furnishings with this instinct. Again, keeping a pet pig on a good and steady diet should help.

Pet pigs, like all animals, require proper care, but when it comes to this friend of man - they may need a little bit more. Though most people find that they are not allergic in any way to them, skin allergies can be a big problem for pet pigs. They therefor require special skin care, and there are many bathing products made available just for this.

Though they are not extremely high maintenance, they do require just the right kind of person to take care of them. Therefor, a well prepared house hold and owner will be best suited for the job. Any one who is considering adopting or purchasing a pet pig should come to the understanding of many things about them first, and one of the major ones is that most pet pigs do not stay little. In fact, some breeds can weigh in excess of of several hundred pounds, so if you don't think that you are prepared for that, then it may not be right for you. Believe it or not, but obesity is a huge problem with the little porkers. A healthy diet, much like any human should be keeping to is very much advised.

Train your pet pig like a pro fast!

They can also have an incredible longevity, living to be as old as 18 years. Unfortunately a lot of people go out and buy pet pigs, without thinking in the long term. If you do your studying, asses your house hold and your own confidence in your training skills, while at the same time having an understanding of a pig's chemistry and details, then you should have no problem in owning and raising a happy pet pig.

With a little bit of reading and preparation anyone can learn to train any pet pig with ease. Some people who already have this kind of pet may be having trouble, and so they should know that there are plenty of resources to help you get the most out of your companion.

This is another great resource for learning about training pet pigs.

Pot bellied pigs as pets