AboutPriscilla Valentine Expertise Behavior, health, aggression issues our specialty , litterbox or house training problems, finding a healthy baby pigs to buy, finding a book on potbellies,
Aggression and biting, overweight problems, medical problems, history of the breed, hoof and tusk trimming, parasite control, zoning, proper diet, veterinarians in your area, socializing babies, proper
housing, training tricks and obedience, proper behavior, birthing, training tricks.
Experience We are professional trainers/breeders and have had house pigs for over a decade, we also wrote "Potbellied Pig Training and Behavior" book. We do most of our vetting and specialize in consultation. We are Valentines Performing Pigs.
Former Board of Directors of NCOPP (2 terms)Publications we have written for include PPRSI , Potbellied Pig Journal, NAPPA, NCOPP, SCAMPP, National Geographic, Exotic Animal Magazine. Education/Credentials include a BA in English and Psychology at Central WA University
Awards and Honors, World Pig Trick Champion (NCOPP)
World Pig Obedience Champion (NCOPP)
4 Permanent Potbellied Pig Champions (NAPPA and NCOPP)
Question Hello,
I'm adopting a pot bellied pig in he will be here in about 2 weeks. He's about 3-4 and he is altered. He has spent most of his life outside, but we were hoping that we could get him inside. Would it be possible at his age to house train him? He would be inside during the winter and during the night over the summer. I was hoping that with a little patience he would be willing to live inside with us. Do you think this will work?
Thanks,
Katie
Answer Firstly, congratulations on your new rescue!
Pigs will steal your heart.
Regarding training an older pig, pigs naturally prefer to do their business outdoors. The scent of the earth, plants, previous droppings motivate them! It should be no problem to train him to go outside.
We would suggest taking him outside VERY soon (10 minutes) after you first get him inside, because of the "excitement".
The first day, take him out at least every two hours during the day to establish his habits. More is better than less because you don't want him to assume going indoors is okay. Use Nature's Miracle to get rid of the scent from "mistakes".
Praise him (no food) and walk him in the house again.
No punishing or food rewards....set up a consistent routine.
Allow him to focus in on what comes NATURALLY to pigs! Lead him to wherever he went previously.
DON'T expect him to let you know when he needs to go, at first.
Good luck,
Priscilla
