Cavy Chronicle 4

Tonight when we brought the guinea pig into the bathroom for his outing, he scurried around the room, making that cute  little "chut" sound, meaning he was exploring.  Little sister had her turn to hold him on her lap, but he quickly escaped and explored the pile of wood blocks she was building for him. Later I herded him onto big sister's lap where he happily settled in and enjoyed a piece of green pepper.  He readily purrs for big sis, stretching out his neck to be scratched.

Cavy Chronicle 3

Little sister loved the guinea pig somewhat too exuberantly and the next time we tried to take him out of his cage, he adamantly refused, kicking and nipping. Li'l sis was put on restriction for a few days until he came to tolerate handling again. Tonight she built an obstacle course for him on the bathroom floor with a carrot in the middle. She was busy enough to resist the urge to grab him around the middle. He was confident enough to climb around the blocks and find the carrot. :)

Cavy Chronicle 1

What a nice dynamic this pet has made. Both girls and I were somehow restful after a session with him  on the bathroom floor. Our minds were exercised and we all enjoy the petting. He learned quickly which hands to trust. Rather than chasing him around the bedroom and under the bed, which only serves to irritate everyone, we all sit calmly (the 3-year-old not so calmly) on the floor observing and maximizing the positive interactions. This is habit training. Note to self: maximize on positive interactions, not nagging...

After one week, our piggy is vocalizing for us. He squealed when he received a treat and later, during exercise time in the bathroom (great set up!), he purred when stroked under his chin. He knows his main caregiver.  :) Little sister certainly isn't trusted as well as big sis. He likes to walk circles around the room and explore any new boxes, tunnels, paper, etc, on the floor. His favorite hiding spot is behind the toilet, so we keep newspaper there to catch most of the "mess." I'd like to think he gets the idea and goes there when he needs to. Friends were here yesterday for a sleepover. He did well as the object of so much attention.