Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide for Solving Behavioral Problems in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs, Revised Edition

Everyone succumbs to the irresistible charm, activity, and sociability of an "oh so cute" baby pig. But before considering purchase, every prospective buyer needs to be aware of the challenges and problems of raising a potbelly pig, an animal whose intelligence makes it practically an equal in the inevitable battle--between pigs and between the pig and its owner--to come out "Top Pig." 95% of the impulse buyers of these adorable pets (costing between $500 and $5000) "dispose" of them within the first year. All the more reason why the owner and the pig alike would profit if at least one of them took the time to read this book, by world-renowned pet porcine expert, Priscilla Valentine.This second edition opens, sadly, with a page in memory of three irreplaceable individuals. We learn that in December 2011, Nellie, the super-star, multi-talented pig featured in the Valentine traveling pig shows (be sure to "Google" movie clips of Nellie the pig), lost her interest in life and, shortly afterwards, died at the age of 19. Shortly after the passing of Nellie, Stephen Valentine was diagnosed of pancreatic cancer and died in March. The "clincher," however, is the revelation that, just as she was looking forward to rebuilding her life, the author herself became seriously ill. Priscilla Vaentine died on March 10, 2011.It's hard to think of a greater loss to pig advocates as well as to the pigs themselves. Fortunately, Priscilla left behind a book that no doubt will remain an oft-consulted "classic" in understanding and living with animals that, according to Winston Churchill are, unlike dogs or cats, the "co-equal's" of human beings.Pigs are not only motivated by food but genetically programed to have it, and to that end they will "manipulate" their guardian, as long as their behavior--good or bad--is successful. Just one quick example:many pigs upon meeting their new owners have not been adequately socialized and, as a result, let go with deafening squealing upon being picked up. A natural, even rational, response by the startled owner might be to put the pig down on the floor, thus silencing it. And the next thing the owner might do is give the suddenly quiet pig an edible treat for being "good."As the reader of this book will soon learn, that action is precisely the wrong way to gain control of the pig. The animal has just learned a lesson, one that he or she won't forget. If piggy screams loud enough, he can count on getting some food from his well-intentioned but misguided keeper. Score a victory for the pig, who has, in effect, been "rewarded" for bad behavior! You can bet it will soon be repeated--again and again. Valentine puts a potentially complex struggle in words that any reader can understand and act upon: "Pigs not only love food; they live for food" . . . "The pig uses all of its cleverness to get food; the challenge for the owner is to keep them out of it."Simple? Not if you're a permissive parent or, worse, a punitive one. A pig will respond to "persuasive" positive reinforcement and reciprocate by doing everything in its power to please its owner; but if punished by a physical blow--even once--the pig will never forget the injury nor will it forgive the 'life-long enemy" who delivered it!Some readers will no doubt notice some repetition of much familiar information available on the internet--e.g. the importance of finding a veterinarian beforehand, the importance of neutering and spaying, the two methods of litter box training, foods that are high on nutrition and low on fat, foods that are harmful, the pig's need for space and grazing room (readers who insist on a book dealing exclusively with a 30-pound adult pig, or who subscribe to the notion that the so-called "micro mini" or "teacup nano" pig is a recognized "breed," may have less to gain from this book). The author has owned numerous potbelly pigs and, unlike other books about the breed, possesses genuine love and respect toward them. This experience not only speaks highly of her qualifications but comes through in her appreciation of these endlessly fascinating, frequently misunderstood animals.In addition to pot-bellied pigs (and professionals insist that ALL miniature pigs--including Juliana, Kune Kune, etc.--are derived from the Vietnamese pot-bellies) the overcrowded pig sanctuaries will thank you for reading this book.

Very helpful for a 1st time pig owner ...

I wish we had known about this book two years and four months ago just before we adopted our two adult rescue PB Pigs. There is next to no information available and though we looked numerous times we could never find much. We didn't see this book until a week or so ago and it is great for behavior issues. The "circus" training can be easily glossed over. The bulk of it is about pig mentality and training FOR THE HUMAN. We have been confused and we have confused them. I have known it's my fault but didn't know how to fix it. I have to start over with these guys. They are so wonderful but they don't trust me and I don't trust them. If anything does it for us it will be this book to help us turn this situation around. For anyone getting a pig, especially someone who's never had a pig before (like us), this book is essential. Pigs aren't like any other companion animals their person needs a totally different mentality when working with them. For everyone's sake (person and pig) get this book and learn how to be their person.

I got this book secondary to another one that was sorely lacking. I have a 7 month old potbelly pig who quickly became the terror of the house. It said teaching them tricks was a great way to help get them to become part of the family. I got this book because it said it explained behavior and training. Yes, it does that! Within a few days of reading and working with my pig, I was able to train him to perform nearly a dozen tricks. It's no joke, pigs are smart, and if you don't keep those brains engaged, they become trouble. I only wish there was better explanation of how some of the tricks were taught. And there was a great section on various behavior problems (some of which made my pig look like an angel!). If I read correctly, the author has since passed away--sad because it was an entertaining book to read and really helped us out. I would have bought more if she were still around. And even better would have been training videos.If you want to see some of the ticks I've taught my pig (and some of his piggy outtakes) check out my YouTube channel. Sherman is quite the ham, and I was glad I bought the book. We're better friends for it now.[ ... ]

First of all, I ADORE this book! I am a happy and proud pot-bellied pigger Momma. Ms. Priscilla Valentine has penned what we (in the community of pigger companions/rescuers/lovers) hail as the consumate Pig-Bible! There are lots of great books and websites out there, and I suggest reading and enjoying everything you can, but Ms. Valentine's book makes care and training understandable, achievable, and FUN! Ms. V. doesn't talk down to the newly realized pig family, but rather embraces us all, hooved and round-nosed, and those who love them, alike. This book has a real Chicken Soup for the Soul feel. If you don't have time for a cover-to-cover read, you can read in vignette fashion. Whether you have a PBP or are crazy for the super-intelligent little oinkers, or are just curious, this IS the best book written! FIVE STARS for Ms. Valentine. My one and only complaint, but a legitimate one.. I don't know if it's the economy or what.. but everything I have ordered by mail order lately, has taken an insane amount of time to be delivered. This book took nearly a month to arrive, and the second book I ordered is not here yet. (sigh) Worth the wait, now that it's here, but I doubt I will use Amazon again until things improve. Tentatively Hopeful.. P.A.Hamilton :)

OK

Se explica todo el proceso para tener un cerdito bien educado. Hay trucos y preguntas frecuentes muy bien respondidas. És en ingles però se lee bien con un nivel medio.

La pena es que solo esta en inglésPero los contenidos muy buenos y tiene muchas fotos de mini pigs

Great Book!

awesome book if you want or have a pig great book to have.