Dominance questions

[Barryonhere]

Is it possible to make my pig see me as the alpha? My dog had no problem accepting me as the dominant one but my single male pig just seems absolutely terrified of me. I used to yell and physically redirect him but that didn’t work so i gave up. I know they’re supposed to have a cage mate but I don’t wanna have them fighting for dominance as I’m supposed to be dominant. I don’t know how much more of this ingrateful little rodent i can take. I’m seriously considering euthanasia

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m going to assume this post is genuine for the sake of advice.

He isn’t ungrateful and it is very wrong to consider euthanasia - you have completely misunderstood the needs of guinea pigs.

If you are keeping him single so you can be dominant over him then you do need to do some more research on owning guinea pigs, their needs, behaviour and society. They are nothing like dogs - he isn’t going to be submissive to you just because he is kept single. He is actually just going to be terrified and not live a fulfilled life. Piggies are prey animals who need to be with their own kind and they are meant to have a hierarchy between themselves.

A single piggy is a scared and lonely piggy. He has no companion to speak the same language as him (which is primarily through body language and scent so not something a human can ever recreate), his default is going to be fear particularly if you have been yelling at him.

Please get him a character compatible friend so he can have the interaction and companionship from his own species. There is going to be normal dominance between them because that is what is supposed to happen. Fighting only happens if you get the wrong friend.

The Herd, the Group and I: Investigating Guinea Pig Identity and Society
Guinea Pig Facts - An Overview
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours