I Need Help! - Settling And Making Friends

[RawrOWolf]

I need help taming my pigs! Neither of my pigs trust me too much yet (after 5 months). i am a new slave to guinea pigs and My cavies run to their hut when i enter but if I'm in the room after a minute or two they will come out. if i take a piece of food and lure them out of the hut while speaking in soft tones does that help? i am not in the room they live in for most of the day but that will change once i move in 3-5 weeks. I am homeschooled and they will be where i work! also is it ok that i hold them and my dogs are out? the dogs jump up to sniff when i stand but i was sitting once and my former breeder female tried to nurse them. They lick the sides of their faces lightly sometimes.

 

[RawrOWolf]

Nugget <3 (female) (from petstore)

 

[RawrOWolf]

Pandora <3 (from a friend who bought two pregnant females, held since day 5) (female)

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

You have got a cute lot!

Please be patient; guinea pigs are prey animals with prey animal instincts. They are not animated cuddly toys by nature. Trust is a tender plant that needs time to grow, but once it has taken root, it will grow all the faster for that.

Take the time to learn understand guinea pig behaviours, prey animal instincts and how avoid predatory behaviours. Then you can use their own interactive behaviours to make friends with them in terms that they instinctively understand. It is quicker if you speak to them in ways they can understand than expecting them to learn to understand you.

Our new owners guide collection has got a whole section on how to settle in skittish piggies by avoiding triggering their instincts, learning about prey animal instincts and social behaviours and some tips on how to use piggy body language to make friends with them (guinea pig whispering). You should find this very helpful.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

As Wiekbe has mentioned it does take time with pigs, they're so frightened as they're defenseless being prey animals.

I'd personally keep any dogs away when handling as they're predators and may scare the pigs more. I've known people with lovely dogs who have still tried to hunt piggies too so it's worth keeping them apart to keep everyone happy, relaxed and safe

You've got some beauties there!

 

[Merab]

Hello and welcome to you and those lovely piggies.
I have a 3 year old who sometimes lets me stroke her and sometimes still dives for cover when I come near.
As has been said guinea pigs need time and patience.
As you get to know their personalities you will learn what they like and slowly they will respond to your love.
It’s good that you are trying to do your best for them.
You will have to post more pics though do we can all enjoy your beauties

 

[RawrOWolf]

Thank you to everyone that replied! and i will go and check that out!