How Can I Get My Guinea Pig To Get Used To My Dogs Barking All The Time

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Mia825

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I have a few questions.
1. I'm planning to get a Guinea pig sometime soon. When I was researching about them most people said Guinea pigs are herd animals and should always have a partner. Well my parents won't allow 2, they will only let me have one. But my friend is also getting one and we were planning to have play dates like 5 days a week. Is that ok? Or do I have to get 2 Guinea pigs for it to be happy.
2. My second question is I have two dogs. Little small pomerainiams around 6-7 pounds each. They bark everytime a car or someone goes by. And they also bark when we come home. Will the barking make the Guinea pig really stresses out? The dogs usually sleeps in my room and I was planning to keep the Guinea pig in my room too. Will that stress it out to much? When I put them together I will supervise them even though the dogs don't really get too excited they really just sniff things.
Do you think I should still get one while still being able to keep it be happy?
 
I can't answer about the dogs as I have no experience ... But Guinea pigs should live in pairs to be happy. Your guinea pig might not get on with your friends guinea pig ... you need to have some serious conversations with your parents before you make a decision.. Good luck
 
Unfortunately guinea pigs don't do well with play dates.. once they are introduced they will start to bond and work out a hierarchy, if you constantly separate and re- introduce them this bonding and hierarchy will have to be worked through again each time.. which would be stressful for them.

They are herd animals, and it would be in their best interest to have at least 2 together.They need the company of other guinea pigs for mental stimulation, no matter how much time you could spend with him/her, it's just not the same as another piggy and it would be very lonely for them to be on their own long term.

As for the dogs, I imagine it would be very stressful for them to be around continuous barking. Guinea pigs are pretty animals and they could be terrified of the presence of the dogs, as well as the barking. I know some people do have piggies and dogs in their home, but it all depends on the dogs nature and if the piggies could get used to it or not.
 
I agree, play dates aren't a substitution for a cage mate. They need the socialisation of their own kind and they will find comfort in each other.

I don't think having a piggy around dogs who constantly bark is a good idea, it stresses me out to be around them so I dread to think how a piggy would react. They prefer a quieter environment as stress can cause them health problems and ultimately they could suffer.

I recommend looking up everything there is to know about guinea pigs, for example cage size, they need a lot of space regardless of their size. They need run time (which will probably not be the best idea around your dogs) etc. It's a big responsibility taking on another life, so if your parents won't let you have two I would personally stay away from the idea as they'll be even more stressed on their own.

Happy researching!
 
The others have made some very good points.

Although the idea of guinea pigs might sound appealing, it is good that you are doing your research now so you can work out if you are actually able to offer them a good home.

The fact that your parents aren't keen on you have two indicates that maybe they aren't fully on board with this plan, and it might be better to put off getting guinea pigs until you can do some more research and explain to your parents why you would need two together plus a very large cage to keep them in.

As far as the dogs go I don't think it would be safe or fair to keep your guinea pigs in the same room as a dog.
 
My pigs are in a totally separate room from my three dogs with a gate on the door and mine very rarely bark.They are in big c&c cages so don't need run time.The only time they are in the same room us if we are holding them, the dogs aren't even allowed to sniff them.I have two lone pigs at the moment and my herd is so much happier.It gives them confidence Please wait until you have your own place and loads of space
 
I've been talking to my parents today and they might be willing to let me get two Guinea pigs. But I'm still worried about my dogs barking all the time. If I do let the Guinea pigs out I'll keep the dogs out of my room.
 
That's great news! I would definitely get two as everyone else has already said. As for your dogs I would definitely keep them away from the piggies, the barking thing I think would terrify the piggies at first but give them plenty of hideys dotted around the cage so they have got somewhere to dart too when they get freaked, eventually I think they will get used to the noise my lads can tell the time of day by the radio and tv noise now :D

Make sure you do a lot of research and that your 100% sure you can give piggies a great home they are complex little creatures but very rewarding too! Good luck xx
 
How big does the cage have to be for 2 Guinea pigs?
 
4 feet x 2 feet for 2 female guinea pigs (sows), or for 2 males (boars) it needs to be at least 5 feet x 2 feet. The larger the cage, the better, guinea pigs love space.
 
Ok thx. What kind of food would you guys recommend.
 
I meant what brand? Lol. And also what brand of bedding and treats. I want my Guinea pig to be really happy so I'm just trying to get the best for them.
 
Mia825 said:
I meant what brand? Lol. And also what brand of bedding and treats. I want my Guinea pig to be really happy so I'm just trying to get the best for them.
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I personally get burgess nuggets but science selective is better but mine got bored of it and wouldn't eat it. Make sure you get nuggets.
Guinea pigs are great pets, we have a dog and although she doesn't bark they had to get used to her looking in on them and although it took a fair few weeks now they aren't bothered.
 
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