Guinea pigs can be trained to do simple commands using food. You can teach your small pet to come when called by saying his name and then giving him a treat or some guinea pig food. Do this repeatedly until you notice your guinea pig looks at you when you say his name before you give a treat. Next, say his name and hold out the treat from a few inches away and wait for him to come to you. Be sure to give a treat and praise your small pet. Gradually move farther and farther away when you call his name, always offering a treat once he comes to you after you have called his name.
Sit Up And Beg
Guinea pigs can also be taught to sit up and beg. Sitting up is a natural behavior for guinea pigs. Offer your small pet a treat by holding your hand above his head and when he sits up, give him the treat. Add a verbal command once he responds by sitting up consistently, and eventually, your guinea pig will sit up when you tell him to, waiting for a treat.
Litter Box Training
Guinea pigs can also be litter box trained. However, it is not always reliable. Sometimes they will use a litter box and sometimes they won’t. Place a litter box in the spot in the guinea pig cage where he goes to the bathroom most often. Put a handful of hay inside the box, along with a few fecal pellets. When you see your guinea pig use the litter box, give a treat as praise. Ignore mistakes he might make, but reward when your small pet when correctly using the litter box.
Training Tips
When training a guinea pig, always use his favorite treat. Give a reward the moment he performs the behavior you want. Ignore him when he makes a mistake or gets it wrong. Never scold or punish your guinea pig — use only positive reinforcement.
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By: Audrey Pavia
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