Learn how to teach Kunekune pigs simple tricks and commands using food rewards, patience, repetition, and gentle handling.

Teaching Kunekune pigs tricks can be a useful way to build handling skills and provide enrichment. Pigs can learn cued behaviors through reward-based training, and veterinary behavior guidance recommends reinforcing desired behavior rather than using punishment or aversive handling. Keep sessions short enough that the pig stays engaged, use secure footing, and stop before either you or the pig becomes frustrated. [1] [2]

1. Set Up for Success

Tan Kunekune sow and piglet together in a fenced paddock, a calm setting for short training sessions.
  • Environment:
    • Quiet, distraction-free area
    • Non-slippery flooring (no tile or polished concrete)
    • Short sessions (5-10 minutes each)
  • Supplies:
    • Tasty Treats: apples, cheerios, unsalted popcorn, special pig treats
    • Clicker or Marker Word (like "yes!")
    • Patience and consistency!

2. Basics of Pig Training

Black Kunekune standing calmly in a fenced pen during routine handling.
  • Use positive reinforcement—food rewards, praise, or another valued reward—to mark and strengthen the behavior you want. [2]
  • They learn best when rewarded instantly for correct behavior.

Start With Target Training

  1. Show the target (hand or stick).
  2. When the pig touches it, click or say "yes!" and reward.
  3. Repeat until your pig follows the target.
  4. Add a cue word ("touch") just before they touch the target.
  5. Move the target so your pig learns to follow it.

3. Teaching Basic Tricks

A. Sit

  1. Hold a treat just above the pig’s nose.
  2. Move it slightly backward—their rump should lower as they look up.
  3. As soon as they sit, mark and reward instantly.
  4. Repeat, then add the word "sit" before you lure.
  5. Gradually reduce the motion until only the word is needed.

B. Spin

  1. Hold a treat at nose level and move it in a large circle.
  2. Pig follows—mark and treat when they complete the turn.
  3. Add the cue "spin" before the motion as they get the idea.
  4. Gradually rely less on the lure.

C. Come When Called

  1. Use their name plus “come!” in a happy tone.
  2. Reward generously every time they come to you.
  3. Never call for negative things.

4. Advanced Tricks & Enrichment

  • Shake/High Five: Present your hand, gently tap their leg to encourage hoof lifting, mark and reward.
  • Go Around/Through: Teach them to navigate around objects or through tunnels.
  • Fetch: Shape by rewarding picking up and returning objects.

Break each advanced trick into tiny steps and reward each progress point (shaping).

5. Tips For Best Success

  • Stay patient and consistent — repeat steps as needed.
  • End sessions with a trick your pig knows well.
  • If frustrated, stop and try again later.
  • Use very small treats, especially for longer sessions.
  • Gradually introduce distractions like people or new spaces.

6. Common Problems & Solutions

Chart showing common Kunekune trick-training problems, possible causes, and suggested solutions.

7. Enrichment and Extra Training Ideas

Two Kunekune pigs grazing together on pasture as everyday outdoor enrichment.
  • Puzzle feeders — hide treats in boxes or toys for pigs to find
  • Low agility tunnels or jumps (supervised)
  • Mix up trick sequences to keep sessions fresh

Training-treat note: Keep rewards very small and count them as part of the pig's daily intake. Veterinary nutrition guidance recommends limiting high-energy treats and specifically notes that fruit can be reserved for training or reinforcing desired behavior. [3]

 🐷 Happy Pig Training! 

© 2025 BF Farm Kunekune Pigs

Sources & References

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual: Management of Miniature Pet Pigs
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: Herd Behaviors and Moving Herd Animals
  3. Merck Veterinary Manual: Feeding and Nutrition of Miniature Pet Pigs

About the Author

Teaching tricks is less important than what the process reveals about timing, motivation, and the individual pig. Mark Bengtson's farm perspective here is on calm, useful handling; the broader learning claims remain tied to the cited behavior research.