Choosing the Right Pet For Your Family

Choosing a family pet should involve all members of the family. If there cannot be some kind of agreement reached, perhaps the pet idea should be put off until there is one. Pets that are well loved and well cared for will become another member of the family, but if one member of the family is not on board, there will be tension, disagreements and eventually, a battle of the wills. And, if there is any chance that someone is truly afraid or potentially allergic, that particular choice should not even be considered.

The adults should be in total agreement about the pet idea, and what kind of pet they are willing to consider, before the children even find out. Nothing is worse than squaring off against your own partner as you battle on one side or the other in the never-ending dog versus cat war. Make your opinions known to your loved one, and then present your united front to the children. Do not just announce that you will be getting "a pet" and then ask the kids what they want- you will likely hear all sorts of insane ideas, depending on their ages. Make sure that you have narrowed the choices down based on living space, time and dedication available and budget considerations. Give your child the shortened list and allow them some say in the final selections.

Once the family unit has come up with a general idea of what they would like to have as the family pet, everyone should go and start looking for likely candidates. Just as you would not bring a stranger in as a babysitter, do not just bring a pet in and expect everyone to bond with him immediately. Let the kids have at least some say in the process and they will be more likely to actually take part in the care of it.

After choosing the family pet, make sure that everyone knows what is expected in the care process, and what is expected of the pet itself. Make sure that every ones on board with the training needs of your new addition so that there is no confusion. Consistency is very important for a new pet, so if one member is allowing one behavior, and others do not, he may become confused. A care chart may keep the duties straight for the kids, and will also allow everyone to keep track of the pets routine throughout the day. Give kids duties based on their age and ability, and then make sure that they understand how important it is that they help care for their new best friend.

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Are You Ready to Take Home a Potbellied pig?

First be sure that your area is zoned to allow potbelliy pigs as pets.

Be sure you have a reliable and responsible veterinarian that understands the needs and care of pigs.

Know what you will be feeding your new pet, where it will sleep, how and when it will have access to the outdoors, and how you plan to 'childproof' your house.

Pigs love toys and love to play. Remember, a bored pig spells trouble! They love to shred paper and magazines so thats an easy thing you can leave laying around the house for them. Any toy that has food in it will be a great favorite so be sure to stoack up. Pet pig busy balls (see photo) are a good thing to have around.

Be sure you have an area for your pig to root or a rooting box inside the house.

If you also have a dog, never leave the dog and the pig unattended, even if they seem to be fast friends. Pigs are natural prey for dogs and may start a fight (usually over food or toys) injuring the dog.

When it comes to teaching your pig, keep in mind that patience and FOOD are what will win out, if you ever hit a pig they will remember it forever and never do what it is you want them to do. This approach to training does not work. Be sure you are prepared to give your pig thelove, care, time and training it needs.

Pot-Bellied Pig in Vermont

What You Need to Know to Take Care of Your Miniature Pig

Miniature pigs need all the help that they can get, because there are so many of them that are without a home, and yes they are adorable, but perhaps its their cuteness that paints an unrealistic picture of them in people's minds.

These types of animals can be high maintenance for families, while the perfect companion for others, so please do your research first. You may even hear horror stories from time to time, but its not necessarily the pet pig's fault, rather just a bad matching of human and pet.

These little guys eat a lot, and a lot of their mood revolves around this. When they become hungry, and if their appetite is not well met, then they can respond unsatisfying with their behavior. They root for instance as an instinct when looking for food. The more well-fed your miniature pig, the less likely that they will do this. On the other hand, using food as a reward is a great way to teach your pig tricks, and discipline.

They are extremely intelligent, and can become very loyal, but to the point where they are overtly protective and territorial. Many people find that they don't mix well with other pets, and there are many cases where the pig or another pet were harmed because of a bad pairing.

Exposing them to people and socializing them can help them not become so dominating of your home in most cases. Another plus of owning a miniature pig is that most people are not allergic to them, even if they have a lot of trouble with this.

Caring for your pig is an utmost priority. Please do the necessary reading before getting one, because they have needs that other animals do not. For instance, a healthy diet and proper skin care is very important. Too many people neglect this and then end up with a miserable little piggy.

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Pot Belly Pig Tricks

Pot Belly Pig

Pot Belly Pigs appear in a variety of patterns in black and white, with a large snout, sharp tusks, and durable hooves. Upright, triangle-shaped ears and a flat tail easily distinguish the Pot Bellied Pig from its distant pig breed relatives. Pot Bellied Pigs are well-known for their bottomless appetites. They are also surprisingly clean and quick to learn. Some have even been trained to use the doggy-door or litter box! Many enjoy being taken on walks using a harness and leash. Pot Bellied Pigs live an average lifespan of 4-15 years, growing from a mere ½ lb. at birth to an average of 100-125lbs. by the time they reach maturity at age 3.

Pot Bellied Pigs as Pets

Although some people would never consider sharing their home with a pig, there are many people who are charmed by intelligence and the personality of their pet pigs. There is no doubt that given the proper expectations as well as care and training, a pot bellied pig can make an interesting and much-loved addition to the home. However, many people find that pigs are demanding pets and are overwhelmed by their needs - as shown by the abundance of shelters overflowing with pigs (one such shelter, PIGS, a Sanctuary houses more than 200 abandoned pigs at times)

Before discussing the negative aspects of pigs, it must be noted that pigs have several desirable qualities. They are intelligent, readily trained, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, generally quiet, odor free, and usually non-allergenic. Many owners consider their pigs an integral part of the family and involve them in all their activities. However, there are a few things potential owners should know. PIGS neatly summarizes the pros and cons of pet pig ownership. Pigs are complex creatures and require an owner who understands their needs.

Pigs are very intelligent. This is usually a positive trait, and in fact pot bellied pigs are quite trainable, much the same as a dog (i.e. can be house trained, leash trained, and will learn a few tricks). However, their intelligence can make them a bit of a handful, too. They are curious and playful, but also head-strong and sensitive. Without appropriate stimulation, they will become easily bored, and possibly destructive.

Pigs are also unrelenting in their quest for food - and can learn to open the fridge, cupboards, pantry - wherever food may be lurking. They can become demanding, begging for food, and even getting aggressive with kids that have food. Pigs also "root," or dig/explore with their snouts - and in doing so may overturn items in the house, including wastebaskets, and can disrupt the landscaping. This is instinctual, so an area of soft dirt should be provided in the yard so they can fulfill their need to root.

Another problem some have encountered with their pigs is aggression. Pigs can be territorial and have a drive to be dominant ("top pig"). Unless shown that the humans in the household are number one, pigs can exhibit a form of aggression known as dominance aggression (also seen in dogs). Pigs need to be taught to respect their owners, but setting rules and boundaries, teaching the word "no" and using gentle but firm discipline. Pigs respond well to positive reinforcement (e.g. using praise and treats when the pig is doing something desirable), and do not do well at all with physical punishment. From day one, the owner should be setting the rules and enforcing them. Consistent rules, praise for good behavior, and correction/redirection with lots of repetition and patience will help produce a well mannered pig with a good relationship with its family.

On a more basic level, a pig will live an average of 12 -18 years, estimates range up to more than 20 years. Although often called miniature pot bellied pigs, the term miniature is relative - they are smaller than most pigs kept for food production, but they still usually weigh 125 pounds or more when fully grown. Responsibility for their care is not to be taken lightly, with respect to time or finances. Pigs should be obtained form conscientious, reputable breeders, and will need a good quality pig food, regular vaccinations, hoof and tusk trims, and will also need to be spayed or neutered. Regular access to the outdoors for exercise is a necessity as well. Pigs are social animals so needs lots of attention and interaction, and if feasible, owners should consider keeping more than one pig. Of course, as with any other exotic pet - an owner needs to check local regulations to make sure pot bellied pig ownership is permissible.

For people with appropriate expectations, a pot bellied pig will make a rewarding, entertaining, much-loved pet.

From Lianne McLeod, DVM, former About.com Guide