Do you have a new addition to your household?These little creatures are cute and don't bite.Biting is one of their few defense mechanisms, so it can happen sometimes.guinea pigs bite to show dominance, to gain attention and to discourage unwanted attention, according to Teresa Bays's book Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles, and Small mammals.If you can do this, your pet won't bite you anymore.
Step 1: Keep yourself out of harm's way.
You don't want to stick your fingers through the bars of the cage.Your fingers will be the perfect target if your guinea pig feels threatened.Don't let it do any damage.
Step 2: You should wash your hands.
You are going to come into contact with your pig.You can wash your hands to get rid of odors that the guinea pig doesn't like.A pig's sense of smell and fear of danger are related.Since cats and dogs can pose a threat, they might react negatively to those smells.It's a good idea to wash your hands if your guinea pig has an appetite.It is important that your guinea pig does not confuse your fingers for their meal.It is possible to wear gloves until you are certain that your pig won't bite you.
Step 3: Understand why a guinea pig bites.
There are many biological and environmental reasons for biting.It is possible for pain to cause biting.There is a chance that you are hurting the guinea pig.guinea pigs will bite you when they want to eat themselves.This can be a sign of pests.If you are having a problem, contact your vet immediately for an exam.The pig may need to get down to urinate if it is chewing while you are holding it.If that is the case, put it back in the cage and watch what it does next.You have your answer if the pig urinates.neutered male guinea pigs may show dominance by biting more than females.It's a good idea to neuter your pig.There is no guarantee that neutering will stop the biting.Dominance isn't solely based on testosterone levels.It could be that the animal is lonely and wants attention if it is biting the bars of its cage.It might be calling out for attention, but not being menacing.Carefully approach.
Step 4: Other factors that cause anxiety can be reduced.
The quiet area of the house is where the guinea pig's cage should be kept.It is most likely that your pig feels threatened if it bites you.The TV needs to be turned down or off.If you have any other pets, put them in another room.You want the pig to be focused on you.Your guinea pig will associate you with a pleasant experience if you act nicely.
Step 5: The guinea pig should be allowed to explore it's space.
It will take a while for a guinea pig to get used to its new home, its cage, and the room it is in.Let the pig get used to it.Don't play with the pig right away.Allow it to investigate the opening of the cage.It is important to allow your pig to explore.It will feel more comfortable once it knows where the good hiding places are.As the pig gets more relaxed, place an exercise pen around the cage on the floor to give it time to explore.Make sure there are no loud noises or other pets around when it is quiet.Fresh greens are placed at the edge of the cage door to encourage exploration.Don't push.It will take time for every guinea pig to be the same.
Step 6: You should slowly introduce yourself to its environment.
Don't try to engage your pig at first.Next to the cage, sit.Speak quietly to the pig.parsley or dandelion greens can be placed in its space.Wait for the pig to get used to being petted.You can let it explore your scent by sticking out a finger.Don't make contact until the pig is comfortable.While the pig is used to your presence, sit and read or watch TV next to the cage.When the house is quiet and no dogs or cats are around, hang out with the guinea pig.
Step 7: Slowly you will be able to hold your pig.
For a short time, make physical contact.Don't hold your pig against its will.Once the pig accepts your hand in the cage, gently pet it for a few seconds at a time.Try touching it behind the ears and on the top of the head.Should you pick it up if it is comfortable in its setting?Lift it up from under the chest and put it back down.Get it used to being picked up.Pick up the pig with one hand and use the other to support the hindquarters.The guinea pig doesn't have to worry about being dropped.Start by sitting down.Pick it up and pet it.Keep calm.Put the pig back down if it gets agitated because it will need to defend itself with its teeth.
Step 8: Children should be taught how to properly hold a pig.
The guinea pig nibbles/bites to express itself.Tell the child to put the pig down if the animal feels uncomfortable being held.Children can sit down on the floor with a towel, a "Critter Cuddler Blanket", or a cup to hold the pig.There is a barrier between the child and the pig.The child should let the guinea pig wander away so it doesn't feel trapped.
Step 9: Treat yourself to good behavior.
Bad behavior should not be rewarded.If the guinea pig is trying to get your attention, don't reward it by giving it attention.When the pig is calm, pet it.If the pig seems calm and accepting, pet it and reward it for its behavior.It will associate biting and bad behavior with tasty treats if you try to abate it with treats.
Step 10: Your pig's personality can be learned.
You will start to notice the patterns after a few months of living together.If you want to decrease the chance of an adverse reaction to your attention, don't bother the pig when it is napping.
Step 11: Don't hit the pig!
This can hurt the pig, but it will also teach it to defend itself against you, which will lead to more biting.It's possible that you're going to lash out at a pig after it bites you.Don't give up on this instinct.The guinea pig changed its behavior by biting.Would you bite someone if they held you against your will, had to urinate, or were hungry?You don't have another way of communicating, so you would probably put your teeth in their hand as well.