Personal, Customized Training for All Pig Breeds
So, You Bought a Pig. Now What?
Let’s be honest: you didn't get a pig because you wanted a quiet life. You got a pig because you wanted a genius-level companion with the curiosity of a toddler and the snout of a bulldozer. But without a little guidance, your "sweet little piglet" will eventually become a 150-pound interior decorator who thinks your drywall is a snack.
We’re here to help you turn that agent of chaos into a highly-functioning housemate.
Why Train Your Pig?
Beyond the very real desire to keep your furniture in one piece, training is essential for a happy home. Pigs are incredibly smart - ranking right up there with primates and dolphins. If you don’t give them a job, they’ll invent one (usually involving the contents of your pantry).
Housebreaking: Because a "pig pen" belongs in the backyard, not your living room.
Socialization: Stop the "stranger danger." We’ll help you manage their territorial instincts so your bossy snout becomes a polite host instead of a four-legged bouncer.
Leash & Harness Training: Swap the "squealing fish on a line" routine for a confident stroll. We’ll teach your pig to embrace the harness and walk by your side without the constant roadside negotiations.
Training Anywhere, Any Way
Whether your pig is currently redecorating your kitchen or just needs to learn some manners, I provide expert guidance regardless of where you live.
In-Person Sessions: Hands-on coaching for local owners and their brilliant, snack-motivated house hippos who have essentially outsmarted the child-locks.
Worldwide Virtual Training: Comprehensive sessions via the web to help owners across the globe master the art of living with a genius-level animal who knows exactly where you hide the treats.
Ready to start the transformation? Don't wait until they figure out how to open the fridge. Let's get to work!
How It Works
If you’re ready to have a happier, healthier, better-behaved pig, it’s quick and simple to get started:
We will choose a day and time for the appointment and Laura will send a history form to fill out. This saves time gathering information during the session.
During the initial 90-minute appointment, Laura will assess your pig’s behavior and teach you and your pig skills to help you reach your goals.
After each appointment, you will receive an email with detailed written instructions for the exercises covered, relevant graphics, and videos demonstrating the exercises when available.
All web-based sessions are recorded and you will have access to the video after the session for future reference.
You are not required to commit to a certain number of training sessions or purchase a package. If the issue is simple, one session may be all that is necessary. Laura is focused on you, your pig, and what you need to be successful.
Laura does not charge extra for multiple pigs.
In Southern California: Private, in-home training for you and your pig, travel fees may apply. Or, via Zoom: One-on-one interactive consultations from the comfort of your own home.
Teach Your Mini Pig to Hold Still
I've put together this introductory video to help you teach your pig to hold still. Holding still not only aids in putting on a harness but also serves as the foundation for cooperative care during vet visits. It's the cornerstone of all cooperative training.
We want your pig to understand what's about to happen and to signal their readiness by performing a specific behavior. In the video, you'll see an example of how holding still can be used during a vet exam.
Toward the end of the video, you'll observe Fidget calmly responding to a needle. He knows what it is and indicates his readiness by remaining still. Having a cooperative pig reduces stress for both you and them. By empowering your pig to choose what happens to them, they're more likely to cooperate willingly. This is how zookeepers get animals to lean into a needle for a shot, hold still for a blood draw, and cooperate during other medical procedures.
The most significant reinforcer for any animal, including humans, is knowing what comes next. Instead of restraining or tricking our pigs into unwanted behaviors, we empower them to make choices about their care.
Happy training!
“We had our first Zoom meeting training session with Laura this week. We are new pig parents and proper training is important to us as well as learning more about her behavior. Working with Laura was a great experience. She was patient with us and explained everything very well in ways easy for us to understand. We are already seeing an improvement in our pig's behavior. Thank you Laura for a great first time and one on one experience. We're excited to be working with you.”
—Michael Cicale
