Oscar learned his first trick! Since mini pigs have a reputation for being stubborn and spoiled, I am training Oscar so he learns some basic obedience and listening skills. Hopefully these quick training sessions at a young age will help minimize behavior problems as he grows.
Here is a video I put together on basic mini pig training and you can see Oscar perform his first trick near the end.
I train Oscar with a clicker because I find the click provides a consistent and concise message to him that he’s doing exactly what I asked him to do. Some people use words and that’s fine, but I prefer the clicker as it’s quicker and I don’t forget which praise word I was using and confuse him.
For training treats, I keep them small which allows me to do more training without overfeeding Oscar. He likes Cheerios, so I often break them in half for training. I’ve learned that he doesn’t really care how big the treat is, just that he’s getting a treat consistently for each trick done correctly. Occasionally I give larger treats for challenging tricks or just to keep him interested and excited about training, but I try not to overdo it. You can also use cut up carrots, peas, or fruit if your mini pig likes those. When Oscar seems to be bored with the reward, I switch up the treats.
Keep the training sessions short, preferably no longer than 2-3 minutes each. I train in two short sessions each day after his meals so that we can make progress without him getting distracted or bored. Training sessions should be fun for you and your mini pig, so if you or your pig is getting frustrated just stop for that session and try again later or the next day.
To see Oscar’s first trick, check out the video and watch him circle. If you want to hear more about mini pig training basics, start from the beginning. If you just want to see the trick, jump in around minute 3.
Where did you get a clicker?
Hi Paige! I ordered mine online. It was several years ago, but I’m pretty sure I ordered it from Amazon. You can typically find them at pet stores too.
Hi i just got a mini pig for my 60th bday from girls in my office. Lexi came with a tupperware full of what looks to me like chopped up carrots apples maybe oats and kinda smells like vinegar. Being she was gift i have no idea what this stuff is. Can you help. Thanks Lexi Rose and Chirs
Hi! Congrats on getting Lexi! I’m not exactly sure what that is in the tupperware. It’s possible the breeder fed a certain mix of food and that’s what was sent home with Lexi. However, we feed Oscar Mazuri mini pig food, so you might look into that for feeding Lexi. The Mazuri food is in the form of tiny pellets and is made specifically for mini pigs, and we’ve been happy with it so far. There is a local feed store near us that sells the Mazuri mini pig food so, if you’re interested in trying that for Lexi, check your nearest feed stores or places like that and see if they sell it. Here is a really good article on pellet diets if you’re interested. Hope that helps! http://americanminipigassociation.com/mini-pig-education/mini-pig-nutrition/
Hi! I just got my pig and I was wondering at what age did you start training oscar?
Hi – I am a new mini mom to 12 week old Charlotte and I am so loving all your videos and posts. Do you bring Oscar outside and give him mud baths? Also is he neutered? How much does Oscar weigh at 9 months? Charlotte is 5 inches tall and weighs 3 pounds? Was Oscar that small too? He is adorable. Sorry for all the questions but I am just soo excited to learn from your experiences. Thank you for your time and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi, I have a 3 month old mini pig. He does this high pitch scream every single time we pick him up, put a harness on, move him, walk him out way, is there any way to get him to stop?