Pigs hate the cold.  Many refuse to step foot outside if the temperatures are below 40 or it is raining.  This behavior makes it very difficult to get them to go outside for potty breaks.  What can we do to motivate our hot weather loving pigs to go outside long enough to go potty on cold, rainy days?

What Not to Do

Over the years, I have had many pigs that hate the cold and absolutely refuse to go outside.  This increases the likely hood that they will have an accident in the house.  No one wants their pig to regress on their potty training during winter months.

I have learned the hard way that forcing a pig to do something doesn’t work.  It only makes them even more afraid of whatever it is your trying to get them to do.  As prey animals, a pig will never learn to love something they are forced to do.  Instead, a pig needs to be motivated to do scary things out of curiosity or reward.

How can we Do This

Think ahead.  Be proactive.  While it is warm outside, take your pig out to go potty so they can see what it is all about.  Make sure they know they will get lots of treats outside.  If going outside is already a good, fun thing to do, they are much more likely to go out when its cold.

Another option is to feed your pig it’s meals outside.  This is my secret weapon with my pigs.  They are all highly motivated to always go outside no matter the weather because they know there could be food in their bowl.  This really works but you have to move their bowl out way before that cold weather hits.

Pigs make such a mess with their water bowls.  Many of mine tip it just for fun.  I have solved this problem by moving Topanga’s bowl outside.  She goes out several times a day and I always make sure it is full.

A Few More Tips

Everyone knows that pigs are extremely food motivated.  So don’t hesitate to give lots of treats to bribe them out the door.  I always throw a small handful of food (Cheerios, pig food, dried fruit, Oinkbox treats, etc.) out onto the porch and Topanga always walks right out.  I also give her a treat after she goes potty.

Consider buying your pig a jacket, cape or sweater so that going outside is a little more bearable.  Don’t forget to start putting clothes on your pig way before this so that they are used to it and not afraid.  It is also a good idea to shovel a path for them so they don’t have to walk through the snow.

In Conclusion

The most important thing you can do to get your pig to go outside in cold weather is to be proactive.  Teach them that outside is full of fun and food.  Feed them outside, get them some warm clothes and keep their path shoveled.

It’s not too hard to teach your pig to go out in the cold if you prepare ahead and use some good bribing techniques.

For a video discussing this topic, check out my YouTube Channel.