How to Teach Your Guinea Pig to Come when Called

Guinea pigs are intelligent pets that are quite capable of learning a variety of different tricks. A tame and co-operative guinea pig can easily be taught how to come when called. To begin, teach your guinea pig their name using reward-based training. This wikiHow article will show you how with the following steps. [1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Building Your Guinea Pig's Trust

  1. 7.5 square feet (0.70 m 2 ) of floor space is required for 1-2 guinea pigs, however, 10.5 square feet (0.98 m 2 ) is desirable for comfort. Midwest and C & C cages are popular choices for first-time owners. Place your guinea pig's cage in a quiet room distanced from small children and additional household pets.
    • Place a plastic igloo inside their cage for your guinea pig to hide if they feel scared.
    • Layer the bottom of the cage with absorbent bedding, such as wood shavings (aspen or kiln-dried pine), fleece or paper bedding.
  2. Hay makes up 80% of your guinea pigs diet, with vegetables making up 15%, and pellets 5%. It's essential to provide an abundance of fresh hay and grass each day.
    • Guinea pigs require a variety of fresh vegetables each day, amounting to one full cup per pig. Bell peppers can be fed daily, with other vegetables being limited to 2-4 times a week, depending on its nutrient content.
    • Some different vegetables that guinea pigs can eat are; tomatoes, celery, romaine lettuce, cucumber, carrots, parsley, kale, spinach, and corn.
    • Fruits should be offered sparingly, as they contain large amounts of sugar.
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  3. Animals react well to an established feeding schedule. This will also benefit in training your guinea pig, as they will recognise you as the food giver .
    • Feed your guinea pig at the same time every day. This will help you determine when they are most hungry. For example; you can feed your guinea pig in the morning, midday or afternoon.
  4. Guinea pigs are capable of recognising voices and even vocalise back. Speak in hushed tones and greet your guinea pig each time you enter the room.
    • Do not yell. Guinea pigs are sensitive to noise and loud sounds can scare them.
  5. Slowly place your hand in your guinea pig's cage and gently reach towards your guinea pig. If he's feeling adventurous he may come up and sniff your hand. Stay as still as possible to avoid being seen as a threat. If your guinea pig is still very timid, try again another day. The worst thing you can do is chase your guinea pig around when they're still unsure.
  6. Despite belief, most guinea pigs do not enjoy being held. They are prey animals and feel vulnerable when grabbed from above. By suddenly grabbing your guinea pig without warning, you may damage the bond you share and break their trust. Allow your guinea pig to walk to you. If you sit on the floor and place some treats on your lap, your guinea pig may even climb onto your lap on their own.
  7. Guinea pig's establish a strong connection with humans that provide them food. They recognise that you are the source of their treats, so they are likely to come to you when hungry. Reward-based training is one of the most successful training tools that guinea pigs respond well to. It's important to establish this food connection early on to use in your advantage.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Finding a Treat Your Guinea Pigs Enjoy

  1. Each guinea pig has a different preference. For example; while one guinea pig may go crazy over tomatoes, another might like carrots instead. A few popular choices are carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, apples, celery, corn, parsley, lettuce, and bell peppers.
    • Cut fruits and vegetables into small bite-size cubes to feed as a reward-based treat during training.
  2. Some guinea pigs enjoy eating commercial treats, such as pea flakes, fruit drops, and forage mix. Purchase a quality brand from your pet store or online.
    • Yogurt drops are not ideal, as guinea pig's are strict herbivores that struggle digesting dairy. Seeds and nuts are also not recommended.
  3. While vegetables and commercial foods make great treats, some guinea pig's prefer plain pellets as opposed to the fancy stuff. Oxbow plain pellets are a popular choice. Steer clear of pellet brands that contain grains, seeds and colourful pieces. These aren't good for guinea pigs.
  4. Once your guinea pig has explored each option, they will likely stick to the food they enjoy most.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Training Your Guinea Pig

  1. Guinea pigs have a small attention span. They become bored quite easily. While sessions should be consistent, keep them limited to 10-15 minutes a day in short bursts. You will likely achieve a better outcome by keeping sessions brief.
  2. Guinea pigs are more attentive in a space where they feel safe and calm. Choose a quiet room free from distractions, such as children, other animals, loud noises or food. The ideal time to begin your training session would be when your guinea pig is most hungry; such as in the morning or afternoon, depending on what time you feed them.
    • Set up a large playpen in a room to stop your guinea pig from running off. If your guinea pig seems quite stressed or scared, add a plastic igloo for your guinea pig to escape to.
  3. Guinea pigs do not respond well to aggression and can sense when you are frustrated. Negative emotions and training do not mix. The key to an effective training session is to begin with a happy and patient mindset.
    • Never get angry at your guinea pig. If training isn't going how you planned, do not become frustrated. This will only make things worse, and, your guinea pig will be reluctant to learn. A lot of patience and commitment is required.
  4. Remain at your guinea pig's eye level and stay in a stationary position. Do not hunch over your guinea pig, as this will scare him away.
    • Give your guinea pig some time to get use to you. He or she may begin to walk around and explore if they are feeling confident.
  5. Keep bite-sized treats in your pocket or in a bowl out of your guinea pig's reach. With your hand, reach out a treat and repeat the command. Once your guinea pig turns toward you, give them the treat. Repeat this process each time your guinea pig turns away.
  6. Create a distance up to one metre between you and your guinea pig. Repeat the step above by holding a treat out and calling your guinea pig's name. Reward your guinea pig once they approach you.
  7. Keep practising this trick and increasing the distance with each training session. Continue using the same verbal cue each time, for example; your guinea pig's name, here , or come . Switching between words can confuse your guinea pig.
    • If you have more then one guinea pig, use a word both guinea pig's can differentiate between to avoid confusion.
  8. Alternatively, you can train your guinea pig by creating a trail of treats leading up to you, with the last reward being placed in your hand. Otherwise, clicking training also works.
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  • Question
    Where on my guinea pig's body do I pick him up?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Scoop your guinea pig up under the chest with one hand, and support his rump with your remaining hand. Hold him close to your chest.
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  • Question
    Can you do this trick at any age, or does it have to be when you get the guinea pigs.
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Tricks can be taught to guinea pigs of any age. Generally, the friendlier the guinea pig, the easier they are to train.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.guineapigtricks.com/come-when-called.html

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