Q&A for How to Get Your Guinea Pig to Trust You

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Can you cuddle with a guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Absolutely, and most friendly guinea pigs who are used to their owner actively enjoy a cuddle. If your pig is wriggly, then take precautions such as sitting on the floor and using a towel so their claws don't scratch you. That way you're less likely to drop them if they do something unexpected.

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Question

What does it mean when a guinea pig bites you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Guinea pigs have poor eyesight and detect their food by touch and smell. It may be the guinea pig mistakenly bit your hand thinking you had food. Alternatively, a frightened or anxious guinea pig may bite if they have learned that biting makes you take your hand away.

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Question

How do you bond with your guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is all about winning their trust and helping them realize you aren't going to hurt them. You can do a lot worse than to simply sit beside the hutch and read to a guinea pig in a quiet voice. If the pig becomes curious and pops out of the shelter to investigate, praise them quietly and offer a treat. If the pig is nervous, simply drop the treat in (while speaking) or offer it on the end of a wooden spoon. Before long, the pig will link the goodie to your voice and bond with you.

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Question

How do you get a guinea pig to come to you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Take things in baby steps and first win the guinea pig's confidence so they are comfortable in your presence. Then hold a tasty treat a short distance from the pig's nose and praise them when they come for it. Gradually, increase the distance the pig has to walk to get the treat. But be aware, guinea pigs aren't like cats or dogs that can be obedience trained. The best you can hope for is a short walk.

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