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.
I had forgotten about the earlier post when I read about your "pig." I was thinking what a fun experiment to keep a real pig as a pet! Still, I suppose guinea pigs are more exotic than our Gray House Cats. So cute!
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