Potbelly Pigs

Every year, thousands of potbelly pigs are thrown to the curb, because of an ill informed owner. Nothing against these people, but when buying any pet, even a non exotic animal, it is a life and should be taken seriously and the research should be done first.

These potbelly pigs have their good qualities, but given their intelligence they also have some traits that can conflict with the average home and life style. Its these little things that future owners don't take into consideration that leave these pig abandoned, because the owner can no longer care for them. You will see listings every where and that is in some cases a sad thing.

With your permission, I would like to do my best to guide you and give you some more valuable information, before you jump right in and make that big decision of whether or not to get a potbelly pig.

A potbelly pig has a very large appetite, and if this is not balanced well, they can get into a lot of trouble by trying to get to food. The good news, is that they are very much like having and training a dog on some levels. You can use food as a reward to help discipline your potbelly pig to some degree.

They should eat healthy things for the most part to keep them in tip-top shape, as eating poorly is one of the number one problems that affect their health. They root, which is an instinctual thing, but it is related to their searching for food. This wouldn't be a problem, accept that root can do a lot of damage to furniture. This is why its important to let them get outside a little bit every day.

Its important for them to prowl around in the dirt and flex those instincts. By keeping your potbelly pig well fed they will also be less likely to root inside the house.

Potbelly pigs can be extremely territorial. The first thing that you may notice is how intelligent they are, and I believe that they possess a strong Emotional Intelligence, which can lead to great things and bad things. This is why you must be aware of this and a step ahead of them, at least for the first year or so of working with them.

A brand new potbelly pig will tend to be very introverted. Don't over-do-it, but keep in mind that praise, affection and rewarding good behavior will help them fit in better, much like training a dog. The more that you expose them to your friends and family the better. They can become very disgruntled for instance if you are sitting in their owner's chair.

This is also why they are so wonderful, because they can be very loyal, but you need to work with them, because a potbelly pig can become very uptight about change in their own atmosphere.

One of the biggest issues with owning a potbelly pig are other animals in the house. Its not set in stone that pigs and cats and dogs don't get along well, but a lot of times this turns out to be a real issue.

In many cases pigs don't like dogs, and dogs don't like pigs. Fights can break out, putting either animal in danger. A dog may perceive the potbelly pig to be a toy, and without meaning to do any real damage - hurt it. The Pot-bellied pig itself may react to a cat for instance and hurt another creature.

Its always wise to make sure that any edibles are put away up high where the pig can not get to them. Garbage that may possibly contain remnants of food should also be locked away somewhere. Any areas that you don't want your pig to venture into should be dealt with before hand.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that potbelly pigs will always stay that little and adorable. Well, in my opinion, they only get cuter with age, but one thing's for sure - they also get larger.

Some of these guys can actually grow to weigh up to 200 pounds, and in some cases more. Its also important to note that they can live to be up to 18 years old, and in some instances longer. A lot of people are not prepared for animals with good longevity. This is definitely something to make note of when considering purchasing a pot belly pig.

The smartest thing anyone can do whether they are currently having trouble with their potbelly pig, or are interested in owning one and want to know how to train one, is to better their self education about the animal. With the right guidance and a little bit of education, anyone can become a master at pot bellied pig discipline and give learn to give them a wonderful, happy life.

POTBELLY PIG SECRETS

Having some trouble with an a potbellied pig that you have had for a while? did you just get one and things are not looking so good?

This is more common than you would think. A good source of information is Pot Belly Pig Secrets, because there aren't a whole lot of resources on this subject matter, and this is a very good one. It covers...

1. How to take care of any skin condition issues (mange-like symptoms) your pig might have

2. housebreak your pig

3. break your new friend of nudging or rooting issues

4. help them get over hostility towards other animals

5. eliminate depression and stress

6. train them to love being walked on a leash

7. understand pig health and the piggie immune system better

8. Essential pig health (first aid information, skin care, stopping vomitting and diarrhea and more)

9. how to avoid salt poisoning!

10. setting up proper housing and bed conditions for them.

11. taking care of excessive mucus around the eyes and snout

12. Ultimately, what you will gain from this resource is the
ability to take charge and show your pig that YOU are boss.

These pets can be extremely stubborn, which is why many people get rid of them. If you can learn how to dominate in a healthy manner, your pet, then you will have the best time with them.

Read more about potbellied pig training

Potbelly_pig on wikipedia