Smarter Than a Dog? How to Train Your Mini Pig Tricks

When people ask if mini pigs are truly intelligent, the answer might surprise you. Research suggests that pigs rank as the fourth most intelligent animal on the planet, surpassing dogs in many cognitive tests. This remarkable intelligence means that with the right approach, you can train your mini pig to perform an impressive array of tricks and commands. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to harness your pig's natural smarts to teach everything from basic obedience to show-stopping performances.

The Science Behind Pig Intelligence

Before we dive into training techniques, it's helpful to understand why pigs are such exceptional candidates for learning tricks. Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated that pigs possess cognitive abilities rivaling those of primates and dolphins in some domains.

When we first started training Oink, we were amazed at how quickly he could solve puzzle toys that stumped our clever border collie mix. His ability to manipulate objects with his snout and understand cause-and-effect relationships showed a level of intelligence we hadn't expected from a pig.

Key Findings on Pig Intelligence

According to research published in the International Journal of Comparative Psychology, pigs demonstrate:

• Excellent long-term memory (they can remember objects and locations for years)
• Complex problem-solving skills
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• The ability to understand symbolic language and manipulate joysticks in video games
• Self-awareness (they can recognize themselves in mirrors)

This cognitive sophistication means that training your mini pig isn't just possible—it's a fantastic way to engage their active minds and prevent boredom.

Preparing for Successful Pig Training

Before you begin teaching tricks, it's important to set the stage for success. Pig training requires slightly different approaches than dog training due to their unique psychology and motivations.

Essential Training Supplies

Item	Purpose	Recommendations
High-value treats	Primary motivation and reward	Small pieces of fruits, vegetables, or commercial pig treats
Target stick	Guiding movements and shaping behaviors	Retractable target stick or chopstick with colored tip
Clicker	Marker for correct behavior	Standard dog training clicker
Quiet training space	Minimize distractions	Area with non-slip flooring and few visual distractions
Patience and consistency	Most important tools	Plan for short, positive sessions

Understanding Pig Motivation

Pigs differ from dogs in their motivational structure. While dogs often work to please their owners, pigs are primarily food-motivated and pragmatic. This isn't to say they don't form strong bonds—they absolutely do—but their cooperation in training is largely based on what's in it for them.

The key to successful pig training is making yourself the source of all wonderful things. When Oink learned that responding to cues resulted in delicious treats, games, and affection, he became increasingly eager to participate in training sessions.

For more on understanding pig behavior, check out our guide to pig psychology.

Fundamental Training Techniques

These core methods form the foundation for teaching any trick to your mini pig. Mastering these approaches will make the training process smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

Clicker Training for Pigs

Clicker training is exceptionally effective with pigs because it provides clear communication about which specific behavior earned the reward.

Steps to Clicker Train Your Pig:

1. Charge the clicker: Click and immediately give a treat, repeat 10-15 times
2. Wait for your pig to offer any simple behavior (even just looking at you)
3. Click at the exact moment the behavior occurs
4. Immediately follow with a treat
5. Practice in short sessions (3-5 minutes) several times daily

Within a few sessions, most pigs make the connection that the click sound predicts an incoming treat, and they begin actively offering behaviors to make you click.

Target Training

Teaching your pig to touch a target with their nose is one of the most versatile skills you can develop. It allows you to guide them into positions and movements needed for more complex tricks.

• Present the target stick close to your pig's nose
• Click and treat any investigation of the target
• Gradually require more definite touches
• Once reliable, move the target to different positions
• Eventually add verbal cues like "touch"

Target training formed the foundation for nearly all of Oink's more complex tricks, from spinning in circles to navigating obstacle courses.

Shaping Behaviors

Shaping involves rewarding successive approximations toward a desired behavior. This technique is perfect for pigs because it engages their problem-solving abilities.

For example, to teach a pig to turn off a light switch:

1. Reward looking toward the switch
2. Then reward moving toward the switch
3. Then reward touching the switch with their nose
4. Finally, reward only when they apply enough pressure to flip the switch

The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes that positive reinforcement methods like shaping are most effective for pig training.

Step-by-Step Trick Tutorials

Now let's dive into specific tricks you can teach your mini pig. Start with simpler tricks and gradually progress to more complex behaviors as your pig gains confidence and skills.

BeginnerSpin in a Circle

This classic trick is usually one of the easiest to teach and helps build confidence.

Training Steps:

1. Hold a treat near your pig's nose
2. Slowly move the treat in a circle around their head
3. As they follow the treat, they'll naturally turn in a circle
4. As they complete the turn, say "spin" and give them the treat
5. Practice both directions separately
6. Gradually reduce the lure motion until they respond to just the verbal cue

Most pigs learn this trick within 2-3 short training sessions. If your pig struggles, break the circle into smaller segments and reward partial turns initially.

BeginnerSit Pretty (Beg)

While pigs don't naturally sit like dogs, they can learn to beg on their hind legs.

Training Steps:

1. Hold a treat above your pig's head while they're standing
2. As they look up and raise their head, click and treat
3. Gradually require more upward movement before clicking
4. Eventually wait until they lift their front feet off the ground
5. Add the verbal cue "beg" as they perform the behavior
6. Keep sessions short to avoid straining their back

This trick requires core strength, so build duration gradually over multiple sessions. Never force your pig into position or reward if they seem uncomfortable.

IntermediateFetch an Item

With their natural rooting instincts, pigs can learn to retrieve specific objects.

Training Steps:

1. Start with an object your pig shows interest in
2. When they touch it with their nose, click and treat
3. Progress to requiring them to put their mouth on it
4. Then shape them to pick it up
5. Once they'll hold it, place the object closer to you each time
6. Finally, require them to bring it to you before rewarding
7. Add a verbal cue like "fetch" or the object's name

This trick leverages pigs' natural carrying instinct. Oink particularly enjoys fetching his small stuffed toys and will proudly parade around with them before bringing them to us.

AdvancedIdentify Objects by Name

Pigs' advanced cognitive abilities allow them to learn the names of multiple objects.

Training Steps:

1. Start with two distinctly different objects
2. Place both objects in front of your pig
3. Ask for one by name ("touch the ball")
4. If they touch the correct object, click and reward enthusiastically
5. If they choose wrong, simply try again without correction
6. Practice with one object until they're consistently correct
7. Add more objects gradually, always returning to easier pairs for review

Research from the Journal of Animal Cognition shows that pigs can learn multiple object names and remember them for years. Oink currently knows 12 different toy names and can retrieve the correct one about 80% of the time.

For more trick ideas and detailed tutorials, explore our training and fun section.

Troubleshooting Common Training Challenges

Even with the best techniques, you may encounter obstacles in your training journey. Here's how to address common issues.

My Pig Loses Interest Quickly

Pigs, while intelligent, aren't always as handler-focused as dogs. If your pig loses interest:

• Shorten sessions to 2-3 minutes maximum
• Use higher-value treats (try small pieces of fruit if vegetables aren't working)
• End each session on a success, even if you need to make the criteria easier
• Make training part of their meal routine by using their regular food as rewards
• Ensure training occurs when your pig is naturally active (often morning and evening)

My Pig Seems Stubborn or resistant

What appears as stubbornness is often confusion, distraction, or competing motivations:

• Go back to a simpler step where your pig can succeed
• Check that your training environment is free from distractions
• Ensure your pig isn't hungry, thirsty, or needing to eliminate
• Consider whether physical issues might be making the behavior difficult
• Try training at a different time of day when your pig is more receptive

My Pig Performs Tricks at Home But Not Elsewhere

Difficulty generalizing behaviors to new environments is common with pigs:

Generalization Strategies:

• Practice tricks in different rooms of your house
• Gradually add mild distractions during training
• Take training outside to a familiar, secure area
• Ask for behavior