| Re: Introducing dog to pigs? Dogs have hunting instinct. That could be why he is hyper. I wouldn't rush for the introduction. Maybe not until you dog completely loose interest in the pigs first. Possibly, your dog wouldn't understand why you won't let him hunt the prey anyway, or even worse, he would believe it is an invitation to hunt and bite the pig from your own hand.
I have real sweet and obedient female cairn terrier.
When I brought my pigs home, my cairn terrier was very hyper too, just as you described. It appeared to me as just curiosity, playfulness, and having fun. But I knew that "having fun" includes biting from own experience.
I locked doors of cage tight, and reinforced cable ties on my cage so it would be impossible for my dog to break in by force when humans are not in home.
I also put the dog in the back yard or locked him in a room while petting pigs, for over one month.
Over time, my dog was accustomed with sound, smell, and sight of the pigs. It became not so hyper anymore. So now I would let her stay in house and watch me petting pigs. However, I still do not allow her to come near me while doing it.
Why am I so nervous? Because my previous hamster broke out her exercise ball and immediately killed by my dog in a fraction of second, in front of my eyes. It was after they lived with me over a year.
Often dogs and cats accept specific prey animals and suppress their hunting instinct. But that can't be taken granted, especially if they didn't meet at very young age. I wouldn't bet pigs life on the table.
I think your dog will calm down and your pigs will realize that they are safe, over a short period time, without dangerous introductions. |