trying to bite

Question
Mrs.Helen You have he;helped me alot in the past so I hope you can help me now. Pierre is 1 1/2 and I have read about them wanting to be the "Top PIG" but he is getting where when we have people over he is showing his dominates. And children are a definitely concur. What can I do to stop him from challenging everyone.  He has tried snapping at me now and I am the one he is always with. The treat giver, the walker, the everything. When he snaps at me I just say NO in a strict voice and push his head. I don't want to try using my quest as a training tool. I really don't want people to be scared of him.  Having a pbp is neat to everyone so they may want to see how much hes grown or how is looks but I'm so scared when they come in they are going be challenged. Thanks for any info you have.
Pamela

Answer
Pierre is reaching the age where he feels the need to "move up" in the herd. He needs to understand that people are always in charge.

Start by eliminating all treats except during training. And, try to work on training daily, even if it's just for a few minutes. Have your children make him do a trick or two.

Make him do a simple trick, like sit or turn, before giving him his meals.

Also, several times during the day, at random times, make him get up and move. He doesn't have to go to any particular place, or go very far, but he does have to stand up and take a few steps. This is how pigs in a herd establish and keep their place over lower pigs - they make the lower pigs get up and move. Make your children do the same.

When guests come, put Pierre on a harness. Have him do a trick or two for you, then have your guests make him do a trick or two. Put his lead on his harness and keep him next to you. If he starts to get too pushy, let him go to his safe space for part of the visit. I know it's wonderful to have your pbp their with you when visitors come, but the important thing here is to NOT give him a chance to challenge guests. Guests are almost never prepared for a piggy challenge, so he will almost certainly "win" in his mind, easily, and that's bad. So it's smart to take the steps to prevent that. The harness, lead, and tricks will remind him to behave.

Two year old pigs are at the "terrible twos". It may seem like he is constantly challenging you! Pigs with SPS, or Spoiled Pig Syndrome, are more likely to challenge more and harder. Once he reaches age 4 or 5 he'll start to mellow out again.