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Advanced Learning
Teaching desired behaviors such as tricks can be fun but time consuming. Hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs are capable of learning several simple tricks. They won't, however, learn as quickly as dogs and cats so
the right amount of patience and persistence is critical.
Set up for Success
It can be frustrating if it seems your guinea pig isn't learning a trick right away so set your Pet up for success. Choose an appropriate trick. Guinea pigs do not have good depth perception so avoid tricks where this could be an issue. Guinea Pigs cannot jump, so do not expect them to. Choose a motivator! The best incentive you can provide your Pet is a food treat your Pet LOVES. Praise can be helpful but food is often a stronger motivator for guinea pigs. Start small! Break the whole trick down into baby steps. When you break each trick down into smaller, more easily manageable steps, the Pet learns much quicker. Take your time and stay positive. A positive environment will help your Pet learn faster than a negative environment.
Using Food as a Reward
Using treats is an easy way to tell your Pet they've done something you like. Stay away from nuts or fatty treats, these should only be used for special occasions instead of as a training treat. Your guinea pig will prefer bites of veggies and fruits for training sessions. Try holding a baby carrot for them to nibble off a bite. Lure your Pet into the desired behavior (trick) using a treat and reward each baby step. Once you can get your Pet to consistently repeat the desired behavior add the word you will say for that trick.
Do It Again, And Again, And Again………
Remember, teaching your guinea pig to do tricks takes time. Multiple 5 minute sessions per day will be better for your guinea pig than one 30 minute session each day. Short sessions will help keep the attention of your guinea pig. Consistency is key! Once you have added a word use the same word each time and keep the tone of your voice stable, but upbeat, throughout your training session.
Tricks to Try
- Circling Teach your guinea pig to circle through the use of treats. Slowly use a treat to coax your guinea pig into a circle. Upon completion, provide the treat.
- Sit-Up for treat Your guinea pig can learn to stand on his back legs if you offer a treat above eye level. Raise the treat slowly in air. A baby step here would be to provide the treat when the front legs leave the ground. Add the word "Up" once your Pet is in the final position you desire.
- Come Teach your guinea pig to come by sitting a few feet away, stating your Pet's name, and offering a treat. Move farther and farther away from your guinea pig until they come on their own when you call their name.
Pet Shows
Small Pet or 4-H shows can be a fun experience for both guinea pig and owner. Whether you are a spectator or experienced guinea pig owner, there is a lot of information to be gained from fellow guinea pig owners that are all present together and passionate about their Pets. Check your local area for dates and times.
Once your Pet has mastered the tricks above be inventive and teach the following to "show-off"
at the show or to your friends: add your word after 6 consecutive successes.
- Teeter Totter
Try a large hardback book set on top of a pencil for a starter Teeter Totter. Make it larger as your Pet gains confidence.
- Hurdle
This should be a "step over" not jump over. Try building something with PVC pipes or popsicle sticks.
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Tunnel Use an empty oatmeal box with the bottom cut out and turned on its side for an open tunnel. Lure your Pet through with treats.
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Balance Beam Try a 2x4 widest side down.
Community Service
Once your guinea pig is accustomed to handling and traveling in a kennel you may be interested in community services. Visiting nursing homes (with prior approval) can be a wonderful way to give something back to your community. Many residents of nursing homes enjoy the time they spend with a Pet. Guinea pigs are typically calm and quiet and do not usually overwhelm the residents who are happy to have a visitor. Giving the opportunity to both people and guinea pigs to enjoy time together can be beneficial for all!
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Helping All Pets become Happy, Lifetime Learners.