Pigharmony.com - Good Pet?

At three years old, potbellied pigs average about 125 lbs, (contrary to early advertising), making it difficult to take
them to the vet in a car. Vietnamese potbellied pigs were once "darlings of the media," and promotedas the
condo pet of the eighties - clean, smart, small and affectionate. Imported into the United States from Canada, the
first potbellies sold for up to $25,000! Ten years later, there are sanctuaries for unwanted potbellies that are filled
to capacity. Potbellies are often advertised in the "For Free" section of newspapers, the prices have plummeted,
and occasionally, the pigs are even abandoned by the roadside. What happened? Of course, with any new,
exotic breed of animal, prices will fall as the supply meets the demand. This goes with the territory. But in the
case of the potbelly, other factors came into play.

Potbellied pigs are very "special" animals. Most owners that understand their personalities and quirks bond to
them. Many owners sleep with their pigs, travel with their oinkers, dress them in costumes and share every
aspect of their lives with their portly companions. Potbellies love to have their tummies scratched, and to snuggle
with their owners.

Pigs are like 2-year-old children-intelligent, curious, mischievous and sometimes manipulative. They are sensitive
creatures that can be playful, and even almost humorous. In the intelligence scale, they are only two species
away from the intelligence of humans! Only the monkey/ape family and the dolphin/whale families are more
intelligent. Unfortunately, that can be detrimental to having a pig as a pet. The porker will quickly learn to open
refrigerator doors and cupboards in his eternal quest for food, and outsmart hi trainer by taking the shortest route
to gratification. Wily pigs learn to scream, to wake their owners for breakfast, beg for food and raid pantries. They
can be demanding, overly sensitive or even neurotic. Piggies often pout if challenged by humans! Their
personalities are complex. Because of this, pigs need a lot of discipline and monitoring. A bored pig will root,
knock over household objects and devour house plants. Pigs take nothing for granted and seem to want to know
what is under everything. Pigs are not good pets if left home alone with no mental stimulation or physical
challenges. And, because of their intelligence, they can be aggressive with young children.

The good news is that pigs are very trainable. First, a pig must be taught that he can trust his owner. Firm,
gentle discipline works well. Because of their love for food, positive reinforcement is effective. Negative physical
reinforcement is not. Pigs have a great memory and respond well to commands. They are capable of learning to
slam dunk a basketball, play a piano, or golf, play soccer, jump through hoops, dance, ride a skateboard and
dozens of other feats. Housebreaking comes very easy to pigs. Potbellied pigs average about 125 pounds at 3
years of age. Originally, they were advertised by breeders as being around 50 pounds at maturity. What few
people took time to learn was that the pig grows until 4 years of age, and often is too large to ride in a car to go
to the veterinarian. This problem can be overcome, if the owner is dedicated, by training a pig to climb a ramp into
the car.

All pigs must be neutered and spayed to be good pets. Otherwise they are very hormonal, demanding and
whiney. Potbellies are herd animals with a strong pecking order. If they are spoiled, they often become territorial,
and aggressive towards humans, especially house guests. The pigs have an instinctual urge to be "Top Hog," and
defend their turf. Pigs with lots of subtle, daily discipline and boundaries in the home, do not exhibit this
phenomena. The oinkers must be taught the word "NO" and to respect humans. Porkers need time outdoors, in a
fenced yard, secure from hostile dogs. This cuts down on household territorialism, and gives the pig something to
do. Pigs root, although this can be somewhat curtailed. They rarely get fleas, but do get mange, which is easily
treatable. All in all, pigs have the potential to be the BEST pet, or the very WORST pet. It really depends upon
the expectations and efforts of the owners.

Pigs are not small, or easily transportable, and do not belong in apartments, generally. They can be convoluted,
or even aggressive, if their caretaker does not come across as a leader. They get bored easily, and knock over
waste paper baskets and household objects. They will also do anything for food - living up to their name. As long
as you do not expect a pig to be anything other than a pig, a potbelly can be a marvelous lifetime companion.
They are adorable, loving, affectionate creatures with incredible intelligence. They have grunted their way into our
hearts and I wouldn't trade mine for anything in the world.