How To Raise A Polite Pig

Sharing what I've learned about how to raise a pig that is well behaved and not aggressive.
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Adri Rachelle
PO Box 851
Greensboro, GA 30642
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[@RemRoseHomestead]

Cute pigs! Thanks for the info. We just got piglets that are 14 weeks old. They may be harder to pick up, but I'm going to try. One of them is kinda bossy. Lol

[@zinyadooley5666]

I literally just became a piglet owner 6 days ago she’s 9 weeks! I’m thankful for your channel it’s so relevant to this day🐷🥰

[@lindsay.oram86]

Most concise information I have found. Thank you!

[@HollyPosh]

Thank you! I needed to hear this today! My 10 month old is challenging sometimes but I love him 💛🐽

[@AdriRachelle]

They all have their days for sure - constant state of terrible twos, lol

[@HollyPosh]

@@AdriRachelle yessss giiiiiiiiiiirl! Lol

[@sassycassie3]

Thank you Adri... my 5 month little girl is biting at us and swiping at us and charging guests in our home. We hold her and cuddle with her but she all of a sudden started doing this so thank you for actually giving advice on what to do. Everyone just says you need to correct the behavior but not tell us how so I can't thank you enough for this!!

[@candybates9111]

I have a new ba y mini pig and I love tour discipline advice I have learned how to get her to stop screaming and being demanding. But she is so darn cute ..

[@biancamiguel2960]

I love how u do so much for ur animals no matter what ur such an amazing person I love u boo keep doing u ❤️

[@mickibabe5495]

my husband is getting me a mini pig for our anniversary and i'm relearning everything i did when i was 16 and i'm so glad i came across your page! i can't wait 😭

[@marywebb7490]

More great advice from the Pig Whisperer! One of the best pieces of advice that you’ve given me was the nose tap or the spray bottle when Penny becomes demanding at dinner time. I had to get the spray bottle out again last week because she was jumping up on me getting really demanding for her food. A couple water sprays on her head and she stopped completely. Thanks so much it really helps!

[@sassycassie3]

Mary- how do you use the spray bottle? For obedience? For when food aggressive? My lil 5 month old is starting to think everytime someone walks into the kitchen she should get food and screams and is now swiping and biting at us so I'm curious if the water bottle could help me?

[@marywebb7490]

Cassie, I use it for any unwanted behavior. Most of the time it’s when shes demanding and jumping up when I making her dinner. That being said she has never swiped or tried to bite me. It sounds to me like she’s trying to dominate you to get her way. All of the things Adri mentions in this video work has worked for me. I would think the water spray bottle is worth a try . Another thing I try not to feed her when she’s being loud and demanding. I wait until she calms down. I also always feed her in her crate. She now knows when she sees her food bowl to go to her crate. She will stand there and wait for her bowl. I also don’t mind thumping her nose but she has never even tried to bite me . When she sees the spray bottle now she usually stops what she’s doing. It’s worth a shot! Adri is definitely way more experienced on this issue than I. I’ve basically followed all of her suggestions on feeding and disciplining my pig and it’s worked. Penny is now even ready for her test to be a therapy pig in a couple of weeks.

[@AdriRachelle]

I actually mentioned the spray bottle in this video and then cut it out - I shouldn't have!!! Darn. I use it often...some absolutely respond immediately, others can be a bit stubborn :P You've done such a great job with Penny!!!

[@HkFinn83]

Hey, I like a lot of what you’re saying here. One thing I’ll add is people shouldn’t be too upset that their pet does not act like a puppy dog. Because we compare all animals to dogs, we can get frustrated that they’re different. And don’t forget dominance play and fighting among animals is not unusual and it isn’t always a problem, as long as it’s dealt with properly.

[@christycookey6500]

Great video! Great advice! Pigs are incredibly smart and they remember so much and you can’t be wishy washy with them. People forget that every pet is a lifetime commitment that requires attention,love, and discipline. My daughter’s pig (my Oink’s sister) was held all the time. She would go with me in the car and even went with me to take my autistic son to therapy, which all the kids and therapists LOVED! Minnie was socialized with humans...and then something happened and she suddenly started biting. She has never hit me or attempted to bite me, but it seemed most geared towards men. (Which I believe she must have been mistreated by a man). I do believe that all behavior can be corrected. I treat both my pigs like I treat my children. I am stern when I need to be but for the most part I am easy going...and it has worked for both my pigs and for my kids. I have very very well behaved kids and very well behaved pigs. Thank you Adri for another very informative video. It was so sweet for you to end the video with a snout shot!

[@AdriRachelle]

I love hearing from pig parents who have taken the time to really figure these amazing animals out! They are 100% like toddlers...that is definitely the best way to approach them in all manners of training!

[@livingnews6364]

I love how polite you are with your animals keep doing your videos you are awesome

[@jennyblack2089]

I just got my pig two days ago and your videos are tons of help!

[@AdriRachelle]

I'm so glad!

[@MarcellinosWoodshop]

How do you prevent the pigs from demanding food earlier and earlier??

[@SledgeScarves]

omg yes, the waking up earlier and earlier is crazy!! my wilbur starting doing this for the 3rd time. it was so bad I had to soundproof his room because he is STUBBORN and will squeal until he gets what he wants. took about 3 days but hes learning finally hahaha. momma dont play! Great tips girl. i love on wilbur all the time so hes use to me being in his face all the time but im getting sad cuz hes 30lbs now and its hard for me to pick him up like I use to. my lil boy is getting so big!😍

[@madelinebrownlee5787]

Great job. You are naturally dominant and the pigs will pick up on that. You've done a great job and are advising people accurately. My friend had a lot bellied pig and she was always passive to him. It ended up that he had to be put down because of her being passive to him all of his life. When he finally went after her, she was devistated. Pigs kill people, not these little guys but most people have never seen an adult 1000 pound plus butcher hog, most are butchered as young stock. A man I worked with, his uncle went in with a sow who had just had piglets. He went in with her, she got him down A'll that was left was his shoes! These little pigs need to respect you. Just making them move when you walk by is enough, as long as you start when they first come to your home.

[@taylorwilliams6520]

Does aggression include the initial introduction where they establish top hog?

[@AdriRachelle]

I would not consider the behavior of establishing dominance in a herd of pigs aggression in the true definition of the word. When establishing the pecking order they are not out to injure each other, even if it sounds like they are, they just want to let others know that they are in charge.

[@carissaulmer4388]

I wish I would’ve know this a while ago because my pig kept waking me up super early everyday but last weekend my pig moved outside so she has to wait for her food love you and your videos they are super helpful

[@AdriRachelle]

It's something literally every pig owner I've talked to goes through! Lol

[@Kostly]

You remind me of a friend I used to know. She was so about animals and caring for them. Beastmaster was the movie I identified her with. :)

[@AdriRachelle]

Sounds about right :P

[@Dj-gy1bl]

Awesome advice. I'll keep all this in mind for when I get my little baby. 🐽 Definitely don't want an aggressive pig!

[@sheliabenson5496]

Pigs are escape artists as well if you have a outside area beware Of any weak areas in your pens. They can climb & jump better than you might think as they get some size. They will digg / root under a fence fast. They will push along looking for any give in fence line. Also other predators will look for weak places to get at your pigs. Never leave your pig tied to anything out in your yard aline, it sets them up for accidents or becoming vulnerable to dogs etc that might be loose in your area. We love pigs and want every pig to be safe.

[@LittlePaws18120]

Sounds like pigs can be a lot like toddlers! Thanks for the video. P.s. I love your ratties. 🐀🐾😀

[@AdriRachelle]

100%, there are so alike!

[@toniomiklo2406]

Very good video thanks.

[@shirleymanson4582]

I love ur pigs they are so cute

[@yvestruchon9849]

You are the best pet keeper in the world and you are so beautiful have a great day

[@AdriRachelle]

You also!!!

[@jazminhernandez4097]

Great video ❤️

[@sarahshort8413]

Your a great person

[@woofwoofwoof1603]

I love ur videos sooo sooo soo much

[@AdriRachelle]

I'm sooo sooo sooo glad :D

[@hostcarnage4361]

Thank you so much! Can you give advice in a video regarding how you get them to be so comfortable picking them up?

[@AdriRachelle]

Definitely! Doing another pig q&a soon because my inbox is full of new ones! I'll be sure to elaborate on this!

[@shyann6681]

Amazing videos!! They help so so so much! ❤️ I’m planning to get a piggy, and these videos have helped so much in my research! 🐷

[@annabaldridge5987]

Thank you my pig hates everyone but me so I needed this video

[@faithbutler734]

Your videos are so helpful! I have 8 cats, 6 dogs and 1 pig. She’s only about one year old and I have learned so much from you along the way. She is SO sassy. I do have one question I haven’t been able to figure out yet. We have concrete floors and she slips a lot. Do you have any recommendation on how to help with that? I’m sure you have slippery floors with having so many animals too! I can’t find pig shoes or anything manufactured yet and have honestly thought of designing something haha

[@hopeinhell9353]

Pig shoes lol

[@AdriRachelle]

Ugh, yes I totally battle with this as well having all wood floors! Rugs are my pigs friends (though I know a lot of pigs are prone to peeing on them so some times that's not an option). I wish there was some kind of rubber adhesive or horse shoe type design for piggy hooves! lol

[@Cfitz13]

So I just brought home a 6 month piglet. I have had him for about a day now. I’m just now able to give him bell rubs that he seems to enjoy. All of a sudden he started to bite. Swinging his head and coming out of no where. Now he is pretty skittish with me. Any suggestions?

[@AdriRachelle]

Sounds totally normal! It has taken me WEEKS to bring some new pigs around...where they trust me enough to not either scream, squirm, or nip out of fear. For now, work slowly on getting him to not only trust you but also LIKE you. Belly rubs are a great way to do it!

[@kristinmay2887]

I wish Hammie would enjoy when I pick him up like yours. I have been hands on with him since he was six weeks old and he always fusses lol

[@AdriRachelle]

Lots of them do a little...Scarlett will still oink quite a bit at first, but she never squirms or protests much beyond that - so I just ignore her :P

[@khermann1987]

I love your videos!

[@AdriRachelle]

Thank you!!

[@Mywaylearning18]

tatter tot is my favorite pig of yours

[@perkar49]

Picking up a pig is not possible after age 2...but it would make great video..I only see piglets in your vid's, do you have any with adults.

[@judithmegesi5587]

Well done!!!

[@lk11119]

Do you suggest not training pigs to do tricks at all? I love teaching my little guy new things.. but he is demanding at times. I'm trying to initiate a command word so he knows when training begins and when it ends, and not to beg any more after the training session ends. Do you think this will work?

[@AdriRachelle]

I like to trick train mine as well, I just only reward with a treat once every three or so times a trick is performed. And when I'm done asking for it I walk away, no more treats no matter how many times they perform it!

[@emilysvendsen9562]

So cute 😁🧡🧡🧡🧡🐷🐷🐷

[@madison8032]

Omggg I love your vids😭❤️

[@AdriRachelle]

❤😍😊

[@270billycraven]

My pig is 8 weeks are so old he is always up erlie and demanding food also I just not sure the amount of food for his self

[@rhipotter6191]

They all like to push, charge and bite when young I think it starts really young if they jump or such you can accidentally reward it without realizing

[@AdriRachelle]

Yes! I have had some babies definitely get into scuffles with siblings, but not on a super frequent basis...and they seem to naturally outgrow that to some extent. When first socializing any I usually can count on some fear biting attempts, but otherwise I've been fortunate not to encounter it past that. I definitely start strict about it though, and stay firm to reinforce that it isn't tolerated!

[@alvexok5523]

I have heard about piglets sometimes chewing up the tails of their piglet brothers and sisters, if they're in conditions too crowded or uncomfortable.

[@aestheticclods1641]

I’m going to get a potbelly pig soon thank you

[@makaylahambay787]

I have a question, I really want a mini pig but I have a puppy and he doesn’t really like new things he rarely gets along with our cats what do I do?

[@sugarbabie1681]

So basically treat them like a 2 yr trying to get his or her way?

[@summersanchez8341]

I have a pig that is about 6 months and charged at the dog. How would you handle that situation?

[@AdamConstantine]

We have a 1yo pig. 78lbs. A 4yo 50lbs. Our son has been roughly tapping our pig and even thrown toys at him or books or stuffed animals and now our pig charges and attempts to or actually bites him anytime the two of them are near each other. It’s much less aggressive In the yard than the house. What should we do? (Assuming we don’t have to get rid of him because we absolutely do not want to). Should we seek a professionals help?

[@AdamConstantine]

I will add I am plenty strong enough to stop Forky (pig) from charging or biting and our pig is extremely comfortable with both my wife and I. I can pick him up if needed pretty easily and if I say “up” he will stand there and wait for me to lift him. He just doesn’t respect our son because our son will jump back or run and we can’t seem to teach our son how to behave with the pig and we think that’s half or more of the issue. At this point we are wondering if you think there’s a chance this can be corrected or not. Forky will come right over to me and lay down right against me. He will jump in our bed and sleep while he waits for us to finish bathroom routines at night etc. he is very well behaved EXCEPT around our son. We go on camping trips several times a month and this got worse when our son would throw something off the top bunk of our camper into the bottom bunk where our pig sleeps. We think that’s why he is aggressive indoors now but not sure. He will also go after any MALE who is not me that he is not familiar with (who is in our house). This does not ever occur outdoors.

[@MyDuckSaysFucc]

Sounds like the behavioral issues are from your young child, not your pig. Your kid should not have any access to the pig if this is how he’s treating him. You need to physically make sure the pig is safe because being hit and having objects thrown at you (even from a little kid) is upsetting, especially for animals like pigs. You should research appropriate discipline for kids of this age. A stern voice and firm time outs are a must. Your kid needs to be taught it is NOT OK to hurt or scare animals. Just my 2 cents. Rehome might be necessary for the happiness/health of the pig.

[@coxco350]

When would you say a pig is an adult?

[@leasfarmanimalrescueandsan2694]

Okay so i recued a baby piglet and hes like humping my leg and biting me to the point im bleeding is this notmal and how do i correct it

[@AdriRachelle]

Neither of those behaviors should be allowed! You must stop that now. Use the methods I talked about in the video. When it is behaving in a manner that you do not want or is unacceptable poke it with your four fingers into his side like a mom pig would do with her snout. Don't be tentative, mother pigs never are. If it is biting you need to hit it on the snout. Their snouts are very tough, it won't hurt him so much as startle him. You could also flick his snout when he bites. You have to break him of that because when he get older biting will cause serious injuries. Be firm and consistent. Good luck. You got this!

[@ScarletCandlelight]

Do you feel this will still work on a Juliana pig fixed male almost 2 years old im adopting. He is perfect other then he wants his way and got use to if he charges his old owners they will drop all the treats and leave his area. I have worked pigs before and I stood my ground this shocked him and he screamed in protest but stopped charging me. I raised my voice and told him "NO! treats till your good" when he chilled I gave him what he wanted. But this went on for 3 hours till he backed off and stopped chalenging me. His owners got him as a bottle baby and never corrected his behaviour when you was little now he has been left in isolation for a year 2 meals a day is his only contact on the property he gets till I started working with him. I'm moving him to my property this week. I have loads of videos of him younger so you can see what I mean in his body language. Do you think with him still being young I have a change to teach him manners ?

[@emilysvendsen9562]

I love the vids keep on making more♡😁

[@AdriRachelle]

Thank you!

[@emilysvendsen9562]

Your welcome

[@robotzilla5471]

Hi, I have a mini Juliana pig that is 7 months old. I got her when she was about 2 months old and she was NEVER held as a baby with her original owner. She lived in a barn and had almost no human interaction. She HATES being picked up and she isn’t really “tame”. I don’t know what to call it but she just doesn’t click with humans. She has lots of human interaction and she really loved us when she lived in our room. But we got our room redone and we had to move her into a different room for a while. She still had interaction but we were all really busy that time and I think she got a little less. I don’t know what to do to make her more comfortable with humans again. Any advice?

[@AdriRachelle]

This video may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn3Ylap6lrCVbrM Don't give up. Keep working with her and letting her know you love her. Remember they are as intelligent as a toddler so like a toddler they can feel abandonment and be very headstrong.

[@brookecox7512]

Hey! So I am a new mini pig owner! First off, I have fallen in love with my sweet Coco! Before I got her, I read so much on how to care for a pig. I had done so much research. Well, my pig was 4 months when I got her. She’s now 5 months. Since I have gotten her, she HATES to be picked up. I have tried holding her until she stops throwing her fit, but she will poop on me. 😔 how would I go about doing this. I want her to be loving and cuddly. She’s super skiddish and jumpy. I’m not sure where to go with this.

[@AdriRachelle]

If you've only had her a month, and she had a few months of experiences with someone else I think it's just a matter of being patient with her. It's so hard when all we want to do is cuddle them - but just stay persistent and patient. Spend all the time you can spare being in her company, holding her but also getting down on her level and letting her learn to trust you!

[@pig6217]

I love your videos and your very beautiful keep it up!!💕

[@moonfire75]

I can't wait until I can wash my girl's face!! 🤣 She is still scared and bitey. We will work up to it 🥰

[@leinoramerritt7829]

So can someone please give me advice on what I can do with my pig. I have been potty training her to go outside. She is a little over 2 months but she goes everytime. However, depending on her mood if she doesn't want to come in she will stare at me until she's ready or ignore me completely when I call her. Idk what to do we live in a neighborhood and I don't want her to be so stubborn she will run off. Sometimes I'll pick her up and bring her in but I'm not sure if that's the right way because she freaks out. If anyone has a tip on what I should do pleaseeeee let me know! Thanks :) Also she nips at everyone's feet, not being mean but I'm not sure how to get her to stop that either.

[@mrjemes1597]

I 💗 pigs 🐖🐷

[@paulabaglioni3743]

What about cats and pigs? I want the smallest pig possible! And I really want a pig or 2 (please advise) We have land and fenced in property...about 1/2 could easilybe shared with the kitties. What is your smallhest of the pig species. I'm all in-

[@AdriRachelle]

In my experience, and generally from what I hear, cats and pigs aren't typically something to be concerned about. Certainly not to the same extent as dogs! As far as size goes I actually have a video all about that! It's essentially next to impossible to accurately predict. There are few measures that can give a better ballpark idea.

[@vincentput]

My girlfriend: omg it's soooo cute I want to pick it up all the time Me: not telling her we've bought a Hampshire pig and she is not a Viking strongman *lolz*

[@ievacelenceviciene]

Can mini pigs live whit rabbits?

[@AdriRachelle]

I don't have mine living with the rabbits but I don't see why they couldn't as long as they are supervised and introduced correctly

[@christinadumoulin6]

Do you take them to the vet to get their ears

[@AdriRachelle]

To have their ears cleaned? You certainly can if you aren't comfortable doing it, but I do it myself.

[@robertmunro1629]

I want a mini pig

[@Torch0362]

I know when I tell Luca firmly no he knows he's in trouble and puts his head down. He then spends the next hour or so trying to make up. It's amazing but they know when they are misbehaving. As far as picking up it never worked out for him now he's too big to even try. But those belly rubs he still loves them.

[@arthurmyself7183]

why are mini pigs so hard to sell. Do you have any hints on how to find good homes for your mini piggies?

[@AdriRachelle]

I think at this point the market is very oversaturated by everyone breeding their pigs with hopes of selling them for high prices like the top breeders do. The truth is, people have realized that price doesn't = smaller, and also that 90% of breeders are not to be trusted. Most breeders have to be VERY well established with a great reputation at this point to have any hope - there's now the opposite problem where the demand is low and the excess very high - lots of pigs in need of homes/being rehomed.

[@Cheese-is-its-own-food-group]

Would you please post a video of you disciplining your pigs for aggressive rooting and other behaviors? I’ve tried to do the two finger jam and he doesn’t respond in any way! He keeps rooting and giving me bruises! I don’t want to be mean to him, though.

[@AdriRachelle]

Hi Sherry, Rooting is a tough one. If that is all he's doing then it really isn't him trying to dominate you. He's just doing what comes naturally to a pig. Your best to try to redirect this behavior getting him to root on an appropriate thing...a rooting mat or box or even a stuffed animal or pillow. Good luck and be patient!

[@taramccarthymusic9291]

What do you do while you're waiting the extra 5 minutes if they're squealing for food?

[@AdriRachelle]

Walk away. Totally remove yourself from the situation like you’re completely unphased by their tantrum!

[@taramccarthymusic9291]

@@AdriRachelle thanks for getting back! That helps a lot! Thank you

[@thewitchofsweden2195]

💕🐷🐽

[@karleyschannel1227]

If I put my pig down it will squil wene ever I pick him up he goes to sleep

[@Notgrizzlybear]

What breed is the smaller pig? 2:16

[@AdriRachelle]

Who knows! Lol. I think they're all mutts at this point!

[@sophiasspot9446]

how old are the pigs in this video?

[@AdriRachelle]

Trying to remember :P Bri will be 3 this April and Tator is 1 now.

[@GeorgeNZoey2023]

@@AdriRachelle hi I'm having trouble with my baby girl she squeals soo much everytime I pick her up and runs from me all the time and she does demand food early morning and throughout the day any tips?

[@TheBurrito171]

I feel like people think too much that pigs are like dogs. The comparison is always made, even by people who should know better, and I HATE it. The average dog owner isnt really adept at nipping bad behaviours in the bud when the dogs are puppies. They either miss them or encourage them without knowing that they are. Dogs are usually mellow enough that nothing awful happens as a result of owner incompetence. They're just, overall, pretty patient animals with us, which is impressive for a bunch of house wolves. Pigs are generally accepted as smarter than average dogs, and they are bigger and stronger. So I feel a bunch of pig owners go into pig ownership without really correcting the kind of mistakes they make as owners; mistakes that would be forgivable if they had simply gotten a dog -- except the'yve gotten a pig which is bigger, learns faster, and isn't really as patient towards people overall, and so quickly, people end up with aggressive or dangerous pigs. I've never seen a piggy person who wasn't a pig rehabilitator or rescuer be prepared to deal with full on pig aggression, but its just so common.

[@ToroDelSushi]

She's like a real life fluttershy.

[@pennymorris1844]

Kehehe

[@onabeachinmexico]

I wish she would physically show us how to “stomp” or “push back” - I have to find another video to see examples of what she’s talking about …

[@wrendavis299]

Tater is getting big!!!

[@AdriRachelle]

I know! Growing up so fast

[@robertmunro1629]

123 mini pigs

[@KarenOnsager]

piggylife1224 on instagram see Charlotte growing up. She's not a micro! Thanks for the great info!

[@MyDuckSaysFucc]

Not a pig expert but for those with large aggressive pigs, you might look into using a pig stick on them for discipline. I had friends who raised pigs in 4H and they used sticks to guide the pig. This was never an “animal cruelty” moment, you hold the stick to the side of their face as you walk, and you lightly tap them if they try to go the wrong way or do a bad behavior. Of course if your pig is disrespectful and even trying to attack you, you need to actually hit them, but like she is saying you only use corporal punishment in the case that this is not fearful aggression, but dominant aggression. Overall, I think a lot of pet owners and even parents are pushovers (sorry) and let their animals or kids walk all over them and even hurt them or others, this is simply unacceptable behavior people, you need to know how to safely discipline.

[@Kostly]

Same thing with dogs. Especially if they become aggressive with food.

[@AdriRachelle]

Definitely. A lot of the basic training principles are the same...but a pigs reactions to them tend to be quite different, since they are so much smarter (don't tell my dogs :P)

[@maddiesullivan588]

I don't agree with picking the animal in the eye. I see people not being careful enough.

[@anasanu4359]

View. 530

[@JOHNN01.82]

You should look tired you have 170 animals to look after

[@jennieb3171]

I'm trying to find out real, helpful, information on raising and training Mini Pigs. I am finding that very difficult because of your videos talking about yourself. Please if you are not going to provide any helpful information stop posting under these titles!

[@AdriRachelle]

✌️

[@mikepoteet1443]

If I had a pet pig I would try to get him as fat as possible.