How to Potty Train a Pot-Bellied Pig

Pot-bellied pigs are very intelligent.

Potty training a pot-bellied pig is easier than training a dog. Pigs tend to housebreak themselves, according to the Northwest Miniature Pig Association (NWMPA) and they're the fourth most intelligent animal on our planet. You can easily train your pot-bellied pig to take care of business outdoors, but it helps to have a litter box inside for cold and rainy days -- and when they're very young.

Things You'll Need

• Baby gate
• Litter box
• Newspaper or pine wood chips
• No-slip mat

Instructions

1. 

   Use baby gates to confine your pig until it's six months old.

   Confine your pig to a small area. You shouldn't let your pig roam free in the house until it is at least six months old, reports NWMPA. Place bedding in one part of the area and the litter box in the other. Pot-bellied pigs will not soil their bedding or contaminate their food with their leavings.

2. 

   Most cat litter boxes are too steep and too small.

   Choose your litter box. The sides of most cat litter boxes are too steep for pot-bellied pigs to manage and won't accommodate your pig as it grows larger. Find a large, shallow box, or cut down the entrance level. The box should be large enough for your pig to turn around in. Place a no-slip mat in the bottom of the box.

3. 

   Take your pig to the litter box every hour when it's awake.

   Take your pig to the litter box every hour or so, when your pig is awake and very young, during initial potty training. Take it to the litter box as soon as it awakens and right after it eats or drinks.

4. 

   Pigs won't eliminate in their beds.

   Catch your pig eliminating in the wrong areas. Take it to the litter box immediately and praise the pig there. It may help to place the pig's feces in the litter box, so that it associates the box with its elimination.

5. 

   Pigs react well to praise.

   Clean mistake areas very well because pot-bellied pigs tend to use the same spots for elimination, determined by odor. You may want to move a piece of furniture over the spot or place the pig's food dish there.

6. 

   Keep indoor and outdoor toileting areas clean or your pig will change spots.

   Take your pot-bellied pig outside for potty training. According to PotbellyPigs.com, pigs prefer defecating outdoors. Choose a specific area for toileting and praise your pig whenever it eliminates there.

References

• Northwest Miniature Pig Association: About Potbellied Pigs
• Potbellied Pigs Just the Facts, Please!
• Pig O' My Heart Potbellies Pig Care & Training