A lot of people would never consider owning a pig but many people do own them as pets and love them because they are very cute and charming. Pigs are charming creatures who do make great pets and are not the dirty animals people think they are. Pigs may take a lot of work to care for but a pig can make an interesting and much adored addition to the home. They are very fun and love to play but need lots of care and attention.
There are always positive and negatives to own a pet. The same is true for pigs. Raising a pig has many positive qualities. Pigs are affectionate, curious, playful, and easily trained. Many pig owners consider their pet an essential part of their family and involve them in all their activities just like a dog or a cat. Yet there are some downsides that potential owners need to be aware of.
Pigs are very intelligent creatures and are trained just like a dog without too much trouble. But, their intelligence can make them a bit of a handful too. They are playful and curious but also headstrong and sensitive. Without sufficient stimulation, they will become easily bored, lethargic and very often destructive too. They have a lot of energy and that energy needs to be put to good use. If you keep them locked up all the time they will get bored and make a big mess and destroy lots of things.
Pigs are very insistent and unrelenting when it comes down to meal times. These animals are smart enough to open fridges and cupboards if they smell something to eat. They have an uncanny knack to beg for food, most of the times demanding more and may even get aggressive with kids having food. They also tend to dig and root for food with their snouts and in the process may overturn items in the house including the trash can and can disrupt the landscaping as well. Rooting comes on instinctively and to keep the pigs from messing the house and landscape, an area of soft dirt should be provided in the yard so that pigs can satiate their rooting needs.
Be sure to train your pig like you should any other animal. Pigs respond well to praise and rules. When you train them be firm and let them know clear boundaries. Give them treats and rewards when they do something good and raise your voice when they do something bad. Be patient as it takes a long time to train a pig well.
Pigs are very social creatures who demand a lot of interact with their environment. For potential owners with appropriate expectations, a pig will make for a rewarding, entertaining and a much loved pet. Pigs are best for people who have a lot of outdoor space for pigs to roam around in. Pigs are not very good city pets. However, they are great pets to own if you have the space to have one. Kids love them and they are very playful.