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Training a Pig.
All one need do is spend a little time observing pigs and one will realize
that they are very intelligent, very ingenious and clever, and care for one
another even coming to the rescue of a friend.
Pigs learn many things on their own, by being curious and persistent, or
by observing one of thier fellows do something-like unlock a gate!
Pigs can be trained, They can be bribed and coaxed into performing
many charming behaviors. They do it for the reward, not to please you.
Pigs can NEVER be FORCED to do anything they don't want to do.
Even if you succeed once, they'll not play your fool again. You will lose
their trust. Predators can be sooo boorish you know. Force is predator-like behavior.
You can't manhandle them for restraint like you can dogs, cattle, horses,
sheep, cats.....
Pigs are compact, muscular, powerful and naturally hunkered down. It is
quite the aerobic activity trying to physically move a pig that has
decided it ain't going. I know from personal experience.
Force need never be employed. They are more than willing to cooperate
if the pay off is adequate. This usually means food. Keep in mind that
pigs will eat anything that can't run away or fight back. We had a saying
on the farm, "Don't ever pass out in a pig pen".
Because of their intelligence and social nature they REQUIRE
Intellectual stimulation, challenges, interaction and good conversation.
This is not a joke. The sows, piglets and boars would talk to me all the
time. When they were hungry and I was late, when they were contented
and happy, when they were upset, when they disagreed, when they were
ready to be introduced to the boar, when they were proud of their babies,
when they had figured out some challenging puzzle, when they
discovered a suprise, when they made their escape (because they would
be so happy and surprised), and when I turned on the sprinklers on a hot day.
I found it charming and delightful.
To have such a relationship with a pig they have to be socialized as
piglets just like dogs do when puppies, horses when foals, cats when
kittens. And, you must never betray the relationship or they will not trust
you fully again.
Many sows are obsessively maternal, and their friendship with you
might go out the door until the piglets are weaned. It may not.
Boars, once sexually mature may remain placable and cooperative, they
may not. Still the advantages of having socialized them while young can
make management and husbandry tasks go more smoothly.
Train a pig? Only if the pig agrees:P.
