Aggressive Pig

Question
I have a 2 year old male piggy.  He's been fixed and he lives in the house.  He have been getting progressively more aggressive over the last 3 months and he's starting to worry me.  He has charged/tried to bite a few of our house guests.  And just a moment ago, I was doing a few tricks with him and when I went to put my hand down to give him the treat he lunged, growled and tried to bite.  It scared me.  He has never acted aggressive towards me.  (he's always a big sucker for his mama)

Please help  :(    I'll do anything

Answer
Your pig is reaching the "Terrible Twos". Pigs reach emotional and mental maturity at about 2 years of age.

Pigs see the world as a ladder with every pig, or person having their own rung. Piglets are naturally on the lower rungs. When pigs reach adulthood, they instinctively want to move up that ladder. To do this, they begin to challenge the pigs, people and other pets, that are "above" them.

This is also why your pig challenged the house guests. He feels the need to put himself above them.

Single pet pigs kept indoors also tend to get SPS - Spoiled Pig Syndrome. Spoiled pigs are used to getting their own way, and can be grumpy when they don't. Angry pigs will throw temper tantrums and sometimes even destroy their beds or toys out of anger and frustration.

Your piggy needs to learn that you are, without question, in charge, and that he must behave nicely. Pigs living in a herd setting reinforce their social status by behaving in certain ways. Higher ranking pigs make lower ranking pigs step out of their way, or even get up and move out of a particular spot. They do this often, at random times, for no particular reason.

You can use this instinctive pig behavior to reinforce your status as "top hog". Never step over or walk around your pig. Instead, the pig must move out of your way. At random times throughout the day, make your pig move. We call this "Move the Pig". Do it often and for no particular reason. Just make him get up and walk a few steps.

Your pig will probably be angry and complain loudly at first, especially if he has SPS. But, ignore the grumblings and simply make him do it.

Do not give treats except as training rewards. Pigs that are used to getting random goodies and treats tend to get pushy and demanding. Giving in, even just "once in a while", only reinforces the pushiness. Instead, if you want to give your piggy a random treat just because, offer a belly rub, or some loving praise. If you MUST give him a sample of something tasty, give it to him with his meal like an appetizer, so he associates the food with meal time instead of a reward for pushiness.

If he charges or acts aggressive, make him take a step or two backwards. Remember you are in charge! If he charges at visitors, it works best if they make him step backwards. Later on in the visit, it also helps if they participate in "Move the Pig". But, if the guests can't do this, then keep a squirt bottle handy. If he behaves aggressively, a squirt might discourage him.

I highly recommend the book Pot-Bellied Pig Behavior and Training by Priscilla Valentine. Pris really understands how pigs think and why they do the things they do. She has a couple of chapters on aggression and goes into much more detail than I can here. It's available from Amazon.com or her website valentinesperformingpigs.com