Have you ever wondered why your pig runs to the refrigerator every time you open it, begs while you're cooking, or tries to steal food from your plate? In this episode, Autumn explains why these behaviors develop and, more importantly, how to prevent them.

Pigs are naturally driven by food, and because they are incredibly intelligent, they quickly learn associations between people, places, sounds, and rewards. Something as simple as handing your pig a strawberry from the refrigerator or sharing a snack while sitting on the couch can teach them that those places—and your food—belong to them.

Autumn discusses how these seemingly harmless habits can lead to demanding behaviors such as begging, rooting at your legs, guarding the kitchen, stealing food, and even food-related aggression. She explains why consistency and clear boundaries are essential for raising a respectful, well-mannered pig.

Listeners will learn:

Why pigs become so persistent around human food.

How pigs form lasting associations with kitchens, refrigerators, counters, and dining areas.

The importance of never feeding pigs in places where people prepare or eat food.

Why asking your pig to perform a simple behavior before meals or treats helps reinforce healthy boundaries.

How structure and consistency reduce frustration, prevent aggression, and strengthen the bond between you and your pig.

Autumn also shares personal stories about her pig, Topanga, to demonstrate how early training and consistent expectations can create excellent food manners that last a lifetime.

This episode concludes with a simple challenge: evaluate where your pig receives treats and begin moving all treats and people food to your pig's designated feeding area. This small change can prevent years of unwanted behaviors and help ensure your pig remains a happy, respectful member of the family.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

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Move Your Pig Outside Checklist

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/the-complete-pet-pig-resource-library

Is your house pig becoming destructive, territorial, or simply outgrowing indoor life? If you're considering moving your pig outdoors, you may be struggling with feelings of guilt or wondering if you're making the right decision. In this episode, Autumn from Autumn Acres explains why transitioning a pet pig to outdoor living can be one of the healthiest and happiest choices for both you and your pig.

You'll learn why outdoor living doesn't mean you've failed as a pig parent, how to prepare a safe and secure outdoor space, what kind of fencing works best, and how to help your pig adjust emotionally during the transition. Autumn also shares a real-life story of a pig that thrived after moving outdoors and explains why many pigs become healthier, happier, and more fulfilled when they're able to live the way pigs were naturally designed to.

Whether you're planning a gradual transition or need to move your pig outside more quickly, this episode offers practical guidance, encouragement, and reassurance to help you make the change with confidence—and without guilt.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why moving a pig outdoors is often a loving, responsible decision.

How to choose secure fencing and create a safe outdoor enclosure.

What your pig needs to feel comfortable and enriched outside.

How to ease the emotional transition for both you and your pig.

Common mistakes to avoid when introducing outdoor living.

Ways to continue building a strong bond with your pig after the move.

If you're facing this decision or simply want to give your pig the happiest life possible, this episode is full of practical tips and compassionate advice to help you every step of the way.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

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Thinking about adding another pig to your family? Or are your pigs suddenly fighting after years of living together peacefully? In this episode, Autumn breaks down the fascinating social dynamics of multi-pig households and explains why conflict between pigs is often completely normal.

Learn why pigs don't instantly become friends, how hierarchy shapes their behavior, and why food competition can become a serious problem if it's not managed correctly. Autumn shares practical tips for introducing a new pig safely, including slow introductions, scent swapping, supervised interactions, and setting up your environment to help pigs succeed.

She also explains why pigs that have lived together for years may suddenly begin fighting, what role fear and scent changes can play after veterinary visits or hoof trims, and how to help rebuild their relationship without making the situation worse.

Whether you're introducing a rescue pig, managing an established herd, or simply trying to better understand pig behavior, this episode will help you set realistic expectations and create a safer, more peaceful home for everyone.

Remember, success doesn't always mean your pigs become inseparable best friends. Sometimes peaceful coexistence is the greatest victory of all.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

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https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

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Free Community:

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https://mikkoschoice.com/

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/the-complete-pet-pig-resource-library

Finding quality veterinary care for a pet pig can be one of the biggest challenges pig owners face. In this episode, Autumn discusses why it can be difficult to find veterinarians who are experienced and comfortable treating pet pigs, and what pig parents can do to prepare.

Autumn explains how pet pigs often fall into a unique category between livestock and pets, leaving many veterinary professionals with limited training and experience in pig-specific care. She shares practical tips for finding and evaluating a veterinarian, including important questions to ask, how to assess a clinic's comfort level with pigs, and why building a relationship with a veterinarian before an emergency occurs is so important.

Whether you're a new pig parent or have shared your life with pigs for years, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you advocate for your pig's health, build a strong veterinary partnership, and feel more confident when unexpected situations arise.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

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Stan Store:

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In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shares five important things pig owners should do to prepare their pigs for summer weather and prevent heat-related problems.

She explains that pigs struggle with heat because they cannot sweat efficiently, making shade and cooling areas essential. Autumn recommends checking pig areas throughout the day to ensure shade remains available as the sun moves, and suggests options like trees, tarps, shade cloths, lean-tos, and covered porches.

She also stresses the importance of reliable water access, noting that pigs often flip or spill water bowls. Dehydration can become dangerous quickly in hot weather and may contribute to salt toxicity, so owners should make sure pigs always have access to cool, shaded water.

Another major topic is mud and cooling zones. Autumn explains that pigs use mud to regulate body temperature, protect their skin from the sun, repel bugs, and satisfy natural instincts. She shares ideas such as kiddie pools, shallow bins, sprinklers, gentle hose spraying, and homemade mud areas to help pigs stay cool.

The episode also covers spring and summer grazing. While pigs enjoy grass, especially sugary spring grass, too much grazing can lead to rapid weight gain. Autumn explains how she carefully manages grazing access and adjusts pellet feeding to maintain healthy body condition and reduce the risk of overheating.

Finally, she discusses enrichment during hot weather. Since pigs tend to become less active outside in extreme heat, boredom can lead to destructive behavior indoors. She recommends enrichment activities like rooting boxes, treat hunts, frozen snacks, snuffle mats, cardboard boxes, and blankets to keep pigs mentally stimulated and happy.

The episode closes with important heat safety reminders, including warning signs of overheating such as panting, lethargy, weakness, and refusing food. Autumn also explains the dangers of salt toxicity and emphasizes that overheated or dehydrated pigs should be cooled and rehydrated slowly, not all at once.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

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Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

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https://mikkoschoice.com/

In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives deep into one of the most important aspects of pig care: enrichment.

This conversation goes beyond simply "keeping your pig busy" and explores how true mental and physical stimulation directly impacts a pig's behavior, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Autumn breaks down what enrichment really means, highlighting how it allows pigs to express natural behaviors like rooting, foraging, exploring, and problem-solving.

Backed by research, she explains how enrichment reduces stress, improves learning ability, and prevents destructive and aggressive behaviors—while the lack of it can lead to frustration, anxiety, and behavioral issues.

You'll also walk away with a wide range of practical, easy-to-implement ideas, including:

Indoor enrichment setups like rooting boxes, snuffle mats, ball pits, paper activities, and blanket piles

Outdoor enrichment like walks, tarp play, straw bales, and dedicated rooting areas

Simple strategies like rotating toys and environments to keep your pig's world engaging without overwhelming them

Autumn also connects the dots between enrichment and common behavior problems, explaining how a mentally fulfilled pig is calmer, less destructive, and easier to live with.

If you want a happier, healthier pig—and a more peaceful home—this episode is packed with real-life insight and actionable ideas to help your pig truly thrive.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

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In this episode, Autumn of Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs explores the foundational training and behaviors every pet pig should know to create a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable life for both pigs and their families.

Autumn introduces her "pig training blueprint," focusing on five key areas that help prevent common behavioral challenges that can lead to frustration, stress, and even rehoming. She begins with the importance of reliable recall, teaching pigs to come when called using consistent "magic words" paired with positive reinforcement and food rewards. This builds trust, communication, and critical safety response in everyday life and emergencies.

Next, she discusses the importance of teaching pigs to remain calm before meals, emphasizing that pigs must learn emotional regulation rather than reacting in panic or demand-based behavior. Autumn explains how consistency and timing help pigs understand that calm behavior earns food, not chaos.

Building on that concept, she introduces the idea of pigs working for their food. Simple training behaviors like "touch" and "spin" are used to encourage focus, impulse control, and respect for guidance while reinforcing the human-pig relationship in a positive and structured way.

Autumn also highlights cooperative care—helping pigs become more comfortable with handling, grooming, and basic medical checks through regular, low-stress practice. This early desensitization can make essential care tasks significantly easier and less stressful over time.

Throughout the episode, Autumn emphasizes consistency, leadership, and clear communication as the foundation of successful pig ownership. Her approach focuses on building trust and structure so pigs can thrive emotionally and behaviorally in a home environment.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

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In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn sits down with Alana, a first-time pig owner whose unexpected journey into pig ownership quickly turned into a full-fledged learning experience—and ultimately, a passion.

Alana shares how what started as a simple plan to add a single mini pig to her homestead turned into adopting two adult pigs—one of whom was unknowingly pregnant. From there, her story takes a dramatic turn, including a two-month search for her escaped sow, Bonnie, who gave birth to her piglets while living in the wild. Alana recounts the challenges of tracking, capturing, and eventually reuniting the entire pig family, offering a raw and honest look at the realities of pig ownership.

Throughout the conversation, Alana and Autumn discuss the steep learning curve that comes with pigs—from their strength and intelligence to their unique emotional needs and social behaviors. Alana reflects on the importance of research, proper fencing, building trust, and establishing leadership as the "top hog."

Despite the challenges, Alana also shares the deeply rewarding side of pig ownership, describing the strong bonds she's formed—especially with her affectionate boar, Enzo—and how pigs have completely changed her perspective.

This episode is filled with real-life lessons, practical advice, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-listen for anyone considering bringing a pig into their life or wanting to better understand these intelligent, complex animals.

Autumn's Links:

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook:

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs