Who’s the Boss?
Part II
by John Vincent

Pigs understand physical correction very well. After all, this is how they naturally establish dominance between each other. The correction described below has been used on many pigs with great and lasting success. The correction is not an overnight miracle cure, it takes time, consistency and effort — but it will work. During the first week of corrections, it’s possible that your pig may even get worse because your taking away privileges he has enjoyed. The correction also requires you to work positively with your pig, learning to handle and control him. It’s designed to teach your pig not to bite yet it doesn’t hurt, frighten, or make him hand shy. You must never lose when making the correction, and if you get into a fight with the pig, you are doing something wrong.

First, get your pig comfortable with you gently holding his mouth closed. This is accomplished best while petting the pig. Next, get your pig comfortable with you moving him a few inches while holding his mouth closed. Once he’s comfortable, you are ready to use the correction.

It’s important that the first few times you make the correction you are fully prepared. The correction must be done without hesitation. You cannot chase the pig around the room, this only frightens him and he forgets why he’s being chased. You also have to learn not to pull back when the pig snaps. Pulling back shows fear that the pig will sense and the correction will be much less effective. The hardest part of this correction is teaching yourself to grab your pig’s mouth and not pull away. To help yourself be prepared for the correction, it’s best to try to set the pig up. Place a harness on your pig to help with controlling him. Put the pig in a situation that causes him to nip and be prepared. Remember to make the correction each and every time the pig displays any aggressive behavior. Don’t wait for the pig to snap. If you see it coming, correct him immediately. Learn to recognize the aggressive signs.

Phase l: When your pig makes any aggressive action, quickly grab your pig’s mouth and hold it closed. Don’t let him swing his head or run away. Hold his head for two or three seconds, firmly say “NO” and release. At first the correction is very short to ensure a victory for you and to avoid a huge wrestling match with the pig. You are controlling the pig, you are not trying to frighten or harm him. Show no emotion, this is simply a rule the pig must follow. After the correction, continue on as if nothing happened, A little practice may be required to catch the pig before he runs off or to avoid being bit, but this technique can be mastered in a short time. For the faint of heart, a leather glove can be worn at first, but remember you may not always have a glove available at the appropriate time. Repeat holding the pig’s mouth closed for two to three seconds each time he displays any aggression until he becomes comfortable with the handling (about four to six times).

Phase 2: Now the severity of the discipline must be increased each time the correction is made. About one second with each correction until you reach fifteen seconds. Remember, if you’re fighting the pig, you’re probably proceeding too fast. You must remain calm and in total control.

Phase 3: Once you have reached fifteen seconds, it is time to get more physical. Lift the pig off his front feet while holding his mouth closed for five seconds. There are three easy ways to do this:

l) One hand on the mouth, the other on the leg near the shoulder.

2) Both hands on the mouth.

3) If he is wearing a harness, one hand on the mouth, the other on the harness. Keep increasing the time until you reach twenty seconds. If the pig understands the rules, move to the next step.

Phase 4: With the pig’s front feet off the ground, drive him backwards about a foot. With each correction, drive him backwards a little further until you push him across the room and into a corner, a wall or a piece of furniture. Show no emotion. If you have a larger pig that you can’t lift off his front feet, just drive him backwards on all four feet. Lifting the front feet off the ground is best and even with a l00 pound pig you only need to lift his front end – or about fifty pounds. If you have HOGGIN’s video, “Amazing Pig Tricks,” this correction is shown in the intermediate section where the pig breaks “sit-stay.”

Phase 5: The next step requires some preliminary training. The pig must have been taught to sit physically – not by being lead with a piece of food. This “sit” is also shown in the training video “Amazing Pig Tricks” in the intermediate section. The pig should also be taught “stay.” A pig that will stay when told, truly respects you. For very aggressive pigs, this forced sit and stay is very important to teach. The training also gives the pig positive time with you, not just negative experiences. Once your pig has mastered sit, drive the pig across the room and physically place him in the sit position, hold for about five seconds. Show no emotion. When your pig knows stay, leave him on stay starting from ten seconds up to one minute. Remember to always release the pig from sit stay. Do not let him wander off on his own.

The correction could take four to five weeks depending on these factors: * How many times the correction is made. * How long the pig has been biting. * How effective you are in making the correction.

You must be consistent and always follow through with the appropriate degree of correction necessary to cure your aggressive pig. All that you’re doing is calmly and unemotionally teaching your pig (in his own language) that he does not hold the dominant position in the household.

Because of a pig’s aggressive behavior, many people want to find a new home, shelter or rescue for their pig. Placing a pig in a new home is very difficult and placing a biting pig may be impossible. Many problem pigs placed in shelters or rescues are never adopted and are either euthanized or condemned to live their lives in outside pens, only getting attention when fed. It’s a harsh experience for a once loved and pampered pet. The correction described in this article has saved many pigs from getting locked away, sent away or euthanized. It’s your pet, your responsibility, your choice. Make the right one.

Call if you need assistance. My service is free: 303-688-2821

Amazing Pig Tricks Video by John Vincent of Hoggin’:
This video shows you how to handle and train your potbellied pig. Hoggin produces another video, “There’s a Pig in the House”, that helps you learn how to care for a new pig, step-by-step. Both are excellent!

Hoggin’
11400 E. Folsom Point Lane
Franktown, CO 80116
303-688-2821

$33.95 Each
(If you purchase both tapes the cost if $55.00