“Pigs can also behave aggressively towards dogs, especially when food is involved.” Interactions between the two should always be supervised. Though pigs may not get along with other pets, they are very social animals and should be housed with other pigs.
There is no pig big enough to hold their own against a dog's jaws. Pigs have also been known to maim or kill small dogs and puppies during these conflicts though. It is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.
Dogs are a natural predator of pigs. Therefore, pigs have instinctive fear of dogs. The handler must also be aware of this relationship between pigs and dogs. Even if the pig does well with other animals, the wrong situation might activate primal fears.
Pigs are incredibly intelligent
Pigs are actually considered the fifith most intelligent animal in the world. They outsmart dogs any day and are even capable of playing simple computer games. They have excellent memories and can remember where they have hidden food even weeks later.
By nature they are driven to challenge herd mates in order to make sure the strongest herd member is leading them and keeping them safe. The pig can continually challenge the dog as a fellow herd mate. A pigs challenge is viewed as aggression by the dog and the dog can react aggressively.
Pigs are not as forgiving or as patient as dogs. Teach the dog to be quiet and calm around the pig. Toys are for playing, pigs are for relaxing. To introduce the pig and the new puppy, it is best to ensure they each have their own safe areas inside or outside, wherever they are mingling.
Family pigs prefer their owner's company as dogs do, but they might not like strangers.
Pigs love human company and enjoy attention, tummy rubs and scratching. In general, they are very friendly animals, but they can become territorial, so keep an eye on territorial behaviour and discourage this while the pigs are young. Pigs can be easily trained in much the same way as dogs.
Potbellied pig shelter
A large pen equipped with a structure—such as a large dog house—to provide a sleeping, feeding, and watering area makes a suitable outdoor home. You should allow at least 50 square feet per pig. Pigs will instinctively eat and sleep in one area and defecate and urinate in another.
Avoid eye contact with an upset pig, and if necessary, find a way to put something between the two of you, be it a tree, a wagon, or even other pigs. For this reason, it's also good practice to keep a pig board nearby if spending a lot of time in close proximity to pigs.
Pigs and other pets
It's possible for pigs to get along with other animals — including dogs, cats, horses and goats — but they do best hanging out with their own species. Allowing dogs and pigs to interact can be especially risky, because dogs are predators and pigs are prey animals.
Local councils do have the power to prohibit the keeping of pigs in suburban areas. Always check with council before you purchase your pet pig. Under Section 124 Local Government Act 1993 a council may issue an order to restrict the keeping of pigs, particularly if the area is a sensitive area such as a catchment area.
When unfamiliar pigs are grouped together they fight to establish dominance relationships. This natural behaviour can, under farm conditions, escalate to the extent where health and productivity are affected. Aggression increases stress, causes skin lesions and can result in injury and reduced immunity and growth.
Kissing. When a pig presses its snout against you or another pig, it's a sign of endearment! Pigs give snout kisses to those they love, and you're certainly encouraged to give a kiss right back if you'd like. A kiss can also signify a desire for attention, so go ahead and give your pig some pats too if it feels right.
Dogs are pack animals, formed with a strict social order and communication. Pigs, however, are herd animals. In herds, the animals are always competing to get to the top of the social order. Because of this pigs, can act competitively around dogs, and often times will be the ones to start a confrontation.
Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." - Winston Churchill.
“Pigs are intelligent and affectionate animals that can thrive as pets, but they require patience and time, just like an active dog,” Mackay said. “They definitely develop strong bonds, and often prefer their main caretaker to other household members or strangers. They can even be protective of their owners.”
Grunting is a common sign of a happy dog. Whether enjoying a belly rub, a tickle behind the ears or scratching that persistent itch, dogs may rhythmically grunt to show enjoyment. They can also do so at other happy times, such as greeting their owner or waiting for food.
Aggressive acts from a pig may include head swiping, biting, nipping, teeth chomping, humping, jumping, charging, nudging, head butting, or grabbing the human's clothes.
Rooting is a natural behavior for pigs where the pig uses his snout to push or nudge into something repeatedly. Pigs root in different ways for different reasons: for comfort, to communicate, to cool off, or to search for food.
A pig will usually grunt, bark, or squeal when angry. A pig has wide-angle vision that allows it to see behind itself without turning its heads.
Many pigs like brushing, belly rubs, going on walks, and snuggling close to humans, but they still require pig companions and need to spend lots of time outdoors. They need caregivers who are knowledgeable about their care and behavior, and are committed to providing them with tender loving care and mental stimulation.