Have you ever watched Babe and wished you could have a cute little pig as a pet? Well, if you already have a dog, that might not be the best idea. Dogs and pigs don’t always get along as well as you might expect. While they may both be fun-loving and adorable, their behavior is influenced by their natural instincts. If you do decide to have both animals, it’s important to never leave them unsupervised together. There have been many instances where this has ended badly. Read on to learn more about this issue.
Signs Your Dog and Pig Don’t Get Along
Your dog and pig may seem to get along perfectly fine, but one day your dog might suddenly attack your beloved pig. Signs of aggression in the moment can include salivating, baring teeth, and growling. Look for regular signs of aggression as well as any signs that the pig is provoking the dog. Pigs often tilt their heads down and butt heads with their opponent or aggressively charge at them. This can quickly escalate and result in tragedy. If you notice any of these signs, intervene immediately. Keep them in separate areas and never let them be together again. It’s not worth risking your pig’s life to force a relationship that isn’t naturally meant to be.
Body Language
Here are some signs that your dog is not getting along with your pig:
– Growling
– Barking
– Hair on edge
– Snapping
– Stalking
Other Signs
Other signs that indicate your dog is turning on your pig include:
– Crouching
– Salivating
– Attacking
– Anxious behavior
History Behind the Dog-Pig Relationship
Dogs have an instinctive prey drive towards pigs due to their evolutionary history. Dogs, originally wolves, used to hunt wild boar. This predator-prey relationship has carried over to our domesticated dogs. As a result, dogs see pigs as potential prey. There have been many cases where this instinct has led to injured or dead pigs. Even if your dog and pig have been getting along for years, there are countless stories of dogs suddenly attacking their pig companion.
Apart from their natural predatory instinct, dogs and pigs have different social hierarchies. Dogs are pack animals with a strict social order, while pigs are herd animals that compete for dominance. Pigs can be competitive around dogs, often initiating confrontations. Unfortunately, dogs are usually the ones to finish these conflicts.
Based on historical evidence, it is crucial to never leave your dog and pig alone together.
The Science of Dogs and Pigs
Due to centuries of hunting pigs in the wild, dogs have a natural instinct to view pigs as prey. Some dog breeds, like the Great Dane, were even bred specifically for hunting boar. This means that no matter how much you want them to be friends, dogs and pigs are not naturally compatible.
They also have significantly different behaviors that can trigger negative reactions in each other. While dogs can learn to get along with cows or horses, dogs and pigs are too similar in size yet too different in nature.
Can You Train Your Dog and Pig to Live Together Peacefully?
Honestly, it’s unlikely. The problem with training a dog to get along with a pig is that even if it seems to work for a while, there’s always a chance that instinct will take over and your dog will lose control. This has happened with dogs of all breeds because every dog has evolved from wolves and has this predatory nature ingrained in them to some extent.
If you absolutely must have both a dog and a pig, the best thing you can do is provide them with completely separate living spaces where they feel comfortable. Both animals are intelligent and can feel jealous if they perceive one is receiving preferential treatment. Make an effort to spend quality time with each pet every day, or consider a different combination of pets.
“The primal instincts of dogs and pigs cannot be trained away – it’s best to keep them separate to ensure their safety.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Never leave your dog and pig alone unsupervised: Dogs and pigs have natural instincts that can lead to aggression, so it’s important to always keep an eye on them when they are together to prevent any potential harm.
2️⃣ Watch for signs of aggression: Look out for signs such as growling, baring teeth, snapping, and stalking. If you witness any of these behaviors, immediately separate the animals and do not let them interact again.
3️⃣ Dogs and pigs have different social hierarchies: Dogs are pack animals while pigs are herd animals, which can lead to competition and confrontations between them. Recognize that their differences in behavior and instincts make it difficult for them to live together peacefully, and it’s best to provide separate living spaces for each animal.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs and pigs live peacefully together?
No, dogs and pigs cannot co-habituate peacefully due to their differing behaviors and natural instincts.
2. What are the signs that your dog and pig do not get along?
Signs include growling, barking, raised back hair, snapping, stalking, crouching, salivating, attacking, and anxious behavior.
3. Why do dogs see pigs as prey?
Dogs have a natural instinct to hunt pigs, dating back to their ancestral days when dogs were wolves. Pigs trigger their primal predatory instinct.
4. What is the historical evidence of dogs and pigs not mixing well together?
There have been many instances of dogs attacking and injuring pigs, even after years of getting along. Dogs and pigs have different social hierarchies, which can lead to confrontations.
5. Can you train a dog and pig to live together peacefully?
It is not recommended to train a dog to get along with a pig because even if it works for a while, there is always a chance that the dog’s instinct will take over and it will lose control. It is best to provide separate living spaces for each animal.
