The most common training mistake is underestimating the brain power of our critters. Nowhere is this more apparent than in dispersing treats for tricks in the show ring.

Ideally, we train our porkies to do a feat, tell them "good pig," then "pay" them with a treat. Sounds simple? Well, there is a "wrong way" and a "right way." Never throw munchies on the floor, (or in the props) while training. Strewn treats confuse the piggy as to what he is asked to accomplish. Always, the reward should be given out after and only after the trick is completed perfectly.

If you use treats to bait, or lead your pig, these super intelligent porkers will soon learn to go slower and be sloppy to get more treats! They will back up, flounder, and appear confused - only to be rewarded with handfuls of undeserved goodies!

At the NCOPP shows, promoters and breeders are complaining that during OOTC and fun classes the participants scatter huge amounts of treats in desperation to get their oinkers to perform. The amount of scattered food distracts other pigs during conformation classes.

Ironically, the trainers that disperse the least amount of food do the best. Because our animals are so intelligent and greedy, we must never waiver from only giving a treat after the trick is satisfactorily completed.

For example, I've seen one exhibitor several times in the show ring with a piggy trained to go up a ramp to do a slide. The first time I observed the pig, he flew up the ramp and was rewarded. The second time, the porker balked a little on the way up and was "rewarded" with a treat. The last time I saw the pig, he had to be baited every six inches to go up, and then ultimately refused to go down!

Remember, you have control over the food. Hold it in your hand tightly. - Never throw a reward at your pig or on the floor. Personally, I like to reinforce my piggies verbally, then wait 5 seconds to pay them, as they're looking up at me.

Every treat must be earned. Our intelligent pets have an incredible memory. Once the dam breaks and you pay a piggy for "half doing" a trick, your authority will suffer.

Our clever "beasts" will always take the shortest route to get food. We must use restraint and not take short cuts. Insist, always, that the piggy perform up to standards and reward him only afterwards. Don't be out-smarted by a pig!

Base on the article "Food: The Secret to Training Your Pig," by Priscilla Valentine, printed in N.C.O.P.P. Network News, September, 1995, Volume 5, Number 5.   For more information about the N.C.O.P.P. call (209) 642-2450