how do you stop a pig from running away from you???

Question

because i am in 4-H and we only have 3 weeks to go and it keeps running away from me when i try to get close to it and that is not allowed in showmanship

NO FUNNY BUSINESS!!! well unless its really funny lol

i need help not dating tips

All the serious answers are the most helpful so i wont choose the best answer

BTW My pig weighs 240lbs and it is a yorkshire. I've been away at summer school so thats where most of my time has gone but luckily my mom went out there to feed and wash on hot days

Answer 1

Break it's kneecap

Answer 2

Sounds like you may have waited too long to even start working with the pig. But if you have quite a bit of time on your hands until your show there are some things you can do. Pigs are very smart, and very food motivated. First thing to do is arrange it so that you and the pig are in a reatively small area, like a corral or a stall; if you are trying to approach thepig in a pasture be prepared for a long walk!

Get some treats that have a nice aroma, beleive it or not, bacon works nicely! Throw a few freebies to the pig and just tand in one spot. After the pig eats them only take one step towards the pig and throw another treat. The pieces don't have to be very large - just tastey. IF the pig backs away when you step forward, stop - don't ever chase the pig! That only scares them more. IF the corral is clean enough sit down and toss the treats. Let the pig come to you. Or step slowly and treat him when he stands still.

Talk quietly and in a normal voice (no high pitched baby talk). SOmetimes smacking your own lips will encourage the pig to investigate the treats. You are attempting to let the pig know you are friendly, so be friendly.

If you do this right and have enough treatsyou should be able to easily get the pig eating from your hand in less than an hour! When this happens, slowly exit the corral. do the same thing again a few hours later and a couple more times the next day. After the pig is coming up to you freely and looking for treats, then you can start touching him.

They like to be rubbed all over especially their backs, bellies and butts! Some really like their chins scratched. You'll know the pig has accepted your friendship when he flops over as if dead when you are scratching his most special itchy spot.

Your 4-H leader ought to be able to coach you on how to best present your pig in showmanship. You'll need to learn how to use a pig board and a show stick. How to position the pig for the judge and how to get the pig to stand properly.

The more time you spend on getting your pig to be at ease around people, the better your chances will be in the show ring. A stiff bristle brush for grooming, and batheing the pig will help too!

Never ever loose your temper or your patience with the pig - they never forget anything!

Good luck! You have a lot of work to do!

Answer 3

Sounds like you waited too long to start trainig your pig, but don't give up. Hope is not lost.

Having the pig used to you giving it treats is a descent idea and so is the small lot. I used to show pigs in 4-H. You want to stay up by the pig's head when you walk. This is where you have leverage on the pig and can turn the pig. You can either use a small whip or a cane with a hook. Some people even use black plastic tubing for electrical wire. ALWAYS, use light taps. Move the pig slowly. Pigs do have a great memory and they will remember if you hit it hard. Part of it has to do with breeding too. Some pigs are just less contrary. Never use a white pig. They tend to show marks easily. Black pigs aren't good either, they get hot and contrary. Work with your pig when it is cool and try keeping it as cool as possible. The best pig showman I ever saw used very light taps and was a very low-key person. I think he even practiced guiding his pigs through orange cones. Always remember to guide the hot towards the judge. If he walks away from the group. Slowly guide your pig to him then start circling him. He wants to see who will bring the hog too him. Know your hot facts, gestation period (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days), size/weight of the different cuts of meat, weights for selling them, when it was born, disease treatments, vaccinations, etc. They pick the top contenders on how they handle their pig, but they pick the top person on their knowledge and handling.

I normally like a Duroc, a cross-breed, Poland China, York, or Hamp for showing. They tend to be the best demeanored pigs. Chester Whites are horrible for showmanship, so are Tamworths.

Canes usually leave less marks than whips do since they are more blunt and it is sometimes good for the pig to have a full stomach. They won't run quite so much on a full stomach. So give them some slop to weight them down, although you don't want to do that when they are judging your pigs since it will make them look slightly pot-bellied.

Answer 4

As a fellow hog showman I know exactly where you're coming from! Just be out there with the pig regularly. Mine ran around a lot at home when I'd move up close to it, but show actually settled him down & I got 3rd. All you can do is be out there, let the pig get used to you and what you want it to do. Good luck!

Answer 5

I would advise next year you make sure you work with it starting from the time you get it if you did not do that this year. You can use feed or some kind of "treat" to get them closer to you. You may try cereal or something sweet like fruit. You just have to keep working with them and make sure they get used to you. Anything you can do to come into contact and work with your pig helps. Washing, walking, and just practicing showing with help your pig get used to you. When I was in 4-H we walked out pigs for exercise twice a day. They not only got exercise, but got used to being around us. Good luck!

Also: Please don't use bacon to feed your hogs. They are not meant to eat meat, especially not pork. For training your pig I have found that a cane works well because you can get more control with it. A pipe works well also. Use a PBC pipe for this.

Also, if you bought your hog from a breeder ask them to come and help you work with your hog. Most breeders want to see their hogs do well and will be willing to help you. Other people that can help you are one of your 4-H advisors or older members in your 4-H club.

Answer 6

Make sure you read the answer from forgewizard.

The key is time, patience, time and more time. Sitting on a bucket and talking to your pig (cow, goat, wild horse, unfriendly cat) without making any move towards them allows them to learn you are not a threat. You can not raise your voice or act aggressively towards them or you loose what you gain.

I can go out in the pasture, even at night, and talking soothingly, can walk around my horses and cows. I have several cows that will allow me to pet them. How did they get this tame, lots of time.

With all of this, remember, some animals will be wilder and harder to tame than others.

Answer 7

1) Quit eating bacon before you approach it.
2) If it's a male pig, try rubbing your hand on a female pig's ummm fun bits.
3) Offer to take her to McDonald's and tell her she can supersize.

Answer 8

Oh my God, great question! That's like the mother of all riddles! How the hell do we stop the pigs from running away from us? C'mon President Bush get on it! forget immigation reform, forget terrorism and Isreal....how do we stop the damn porks from running?

Answer 9

How about throwing him a snack.Like when you train a dog.Keep the snacks in your pocket so he stays near you & give him one now & then.I hear that pigs are really smart animals.Good Luck.

Answer 10

Always have a treat for her so she associates you with food. Either that or quit trying to put lipstick on her.