How to tell Panda, NO!

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Panda's Mom

Hello-
My piglet Panda has always been good about sitting and getting petted on my lap... but lately she has been digging into and biting my clothes- the digging I don't mind, but she has sharp chompers, and as we are a registered therapy team, I don't want her to get into the habit of biting. What I am wondering is, how can I best communicate to her NO? Should I put her back in her cage when she gets bitey (I have heard yes, and I have also heard no because she might learn that biting gets her whatever she wants)- I pick her up and tell her "Panda, NO!" to her face, which she doesn't care about, I have tried giving a sharp breath in her face but I have also heard that is not a good idea. What is a good way to get her attention and tell her thats not allowed?
Thanks!
 
i tap my piggies noses! not really hard though, they look at me gone out!
 
I have found telling three times seems to do the trick when they're naughty and a firm voice works better than a cross / shouting one. but sometimes the reason they chew your clothes is so they can go back in george does it when he needs a poo or wee or has had enough. If it has been 10/15 mins it might not be naughty just them telling you they want a wee / poo.
 
frank said:
Telling my pig no works for me.... if its a real problem try a squirt bottle like for cats and dogs
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And that will achieve what? Nothing. Guinea pigs can't associate deed with punishment (which is that that is) like cats and dogs can so basically all you'd be doing is giving them a fright for no reason. Same for any sort of "punishment" or negative reinforcement.

When Panda is settled on your lap, give her something nice to eat. If she starts to bite, put her back in her cage. Reinforce what you want her to do rather than punishing what you don't want her to do.
 
I have also wondered about this. I've done almost everything you guys have mentioned here hehe. They dont always work though. And btw this is a good post. :)
 
I have always wondered this as well - I have four pigs here who will nibble when you pick them up/hold them in uncomfortable ways (Which to humbug, is all ways). I've never done anything apart from carry on doing what I'm doing. The three babies (Humbugs kids no less) only nip when uncomfortable/fed up. Humbug just does it all the time and I've been assuming that he doesn't like being handled. He's always been a slightly "wild" pig, and it's just the way he is.

Perhaps, if she's mouthy, Panda shouldn't be used in therapy? Sometimes we just need to accept pigs for "who they are."
 
At first, many guinea pigs tend to accept cuddles etc. as much as you want, because they're a bit frightened. But after a while they get used to it and will tell you what they like and dislike and when they've had enough.

This is just Panda's way of telling you that's it, really!

Shouting won't work. I say "uh-uh" firmly for "no!" and "good girl/good boy" for encouragement. And accept when they've had their fill.

I have been gnashing my teeth at Dizzy for her umpteenth assault on the carpet fringes after all the above mentioned things in the other posts had failed. That worked for a few days. But as it is quite aggressive, don't use it if you can help it!
 
daftscotslass said:
And that will achieve what? Nothing. Guinea pigs can't associate deed with punishment (which is that that is) like cats and dogs can so basically all you'd be doing is giving them a fright for no reason. Same for any sort of "punishment" or negative reinforcement.

When Panda is settled on your lap, give her something nice to eat. If she starts to bite, put her back in her cage. Reinforce what you want her to do rather than punishing what you don't want her to do.
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i agree
this sounds incredably cruel, tbh, and i'd never consider squirting any of my pigs with anything.

because guinea pigs are grazing animals, they like to chew. anything is a possible new snack for them, including their owners. i've been cuddling my pigs many times when they've decided to see what my arm/hand tastes like, and had books/college work/clothes/bed covers/tableclothes chomped on. it's natural for them to view their world through taste, and you can't punish them for it.
i would suggest that every time they go to chew something you don't want them to, distract them and offer them something tastier. most things i've found they will only take a quick nibble of and then get bored when they realise it's not veggies, but if they continue to do it the best way is distraction, as there's obviously nothing better around for them to eat.
 
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