Pigs are smart, intelligent and complex creatures. Learning how to understand your pig is the first step to the next 15-20 years you will spend together. Pigs have a language of their own and they make at least 14 different sounds. Pigs can bark when they are frightened or excited. They oink, grunt, squeal, whine, and more. They greet other animals and people by breathing heavily in their faces saying "ha ha ha." Mother pigs have many other sounds that they use to communicate with their young.
Let's talk about family structure....
Pigs are herd animals, and they need to know what their rank is in their new herd, aka your family. It's so easy to say yes to those cute little faces, but remember it won't be so cute when they start hollering at you and demanding to get their way!
So, what does it mean to be the leader or a pig herd? For one, make sure they follow directions. Pigs are extremely smart, so if you want them to something, make sure they complete the task you required fully before they are rewarded.
Training is also a very important part of you having a happy piglet. The more you work with and train your piglet, the more he or she will understand his or her place in the herd. As you train your pig, make sure that all of the members of your household follow by the same rules.
Make your piggy work for his or her treats, and you will see the pig gain your respect. A well-trained pig is a happy pig. There is a difference between a "pampered pig" and a "spoiled pig". A spoiled pig is not happy, and you won't be happy either!
If your pig shows a problem with dominance, the best solution is to push them backwards. This is called MTP (MOVE THE PIG) By making them reverse they start to understand that you are the boss. You may have to do this quite a few times to get your message across. Often you have to push them with a bit of force. Never hurt your pig, but hold your ground and let them know you are the boss. *There are great videos on YouTube on MTP
If your pig nips or bites, it is another way of them showing dominance. Never permit biting. You can tap them on the snout and say, "No" firmly or you can hold their mouth closed and say, "No" firmly. Be very consistent and wait them out until they allow you to do what you were doing without them biting you. If you are consistent and gentle, they will learn that biting does not get them anything good.