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         In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shines a spotlight on one of the most critical yet often overlooked parts of pig parenting: pig proofing your home and yard. Many new pig parents underestimate just how curious, determined, and strong pigs are, which can quickly turn everyday household items into serious hazards. Autumn explains why pig proofing matters by comparing pigs to toddlers with hooves—they explore with their snouts, can open cabinets, and will chew or swallow things you’d never expect.

          Inside the home, she walks listeners through the most common dangers, from medications, supplements, and toxic foods (like xylitol and salt-heavy pet foods), to houseplants, electrical cords, rugs, carpets, baseboards, cleaning chemicals, and small choking hazards like batteries, coins, and toys. Outside, she covers fencing that’s truly pig-proof, toxic landscaping plants, lawn chemicals, standing water, and how to balance safe mud wallows with avoiding stagnant puddles that harbor parasites and bacteria.

         Autumn also shares practical strategies for setting up a safe space—whether that’s a pig-proofed room in your house, a gated area, or a secure outdoor pen with shade and shelter. She discusses flooring options, enrichment ideas, and why supervision is so important in those early weeks.

         This episode is full of practical tips, real-world examples, and straightforward advice to help pig parents keep their homes safe without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re preparing for your very first piglet or improving the environment for the pig you already love, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, protect your pig from preventable dangers, and give you peace of mind knowing your home and yard are truly safe.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

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Facebook: 

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        In this powerful and heartwarming episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn welcomes Kevin to share the remarkable journey of his beloved pig, Piggy. Kevin’s love for animals began in childhood, but severe allergies to cats and dogs made it nearly impossible for him to have a traditional pet. After years of searching for the right companion — and even navigating the need for a doctor’s prescription to keep a pig within city limits — Kevin’s path led him to Piggy, a Juliana pig who would forever change his life.

         Piggy came into Kevin’s world at just over a year old, underweight and in need of a stable home. What began as a learning curve filled with feeding challenges, litter box struggles, and the trials of raising a headstrong young pig eventually became a story of deep friendship and healing. Over the past decade, Piggy has been more than a pet — he has been Kevin’s source of comfort through severe PTSD, a motivator for daily walks and adventures, and a loyal companion who brought Kevin off heavy medications and back into the rhythm of life.

         Kevin shares the playful, stubborn, and incredibly intelligent personality traits that make Piggy so special, from his love of routine (and weekly popcorn!) to his ability to communicate through body language and problem-solving. He also sheds light on the common misconceptions around “teacup” pigs, reminding listeners that pigs grow for several years, can vary greatly in size, and require patience, commitment, and love to thrive.

         Now ten and a half years old, Piggy has settled into a joyful routine of long naps, park walks, and plenty of affection. His story is a testament to the resilience of pigs, the unique bond they form with their humans, and the life-changing impact they can have.

         This episode is a celebration of healing, friendship, and hope — and a reminder that when we open our hearts to animals, they often give back more than we could ever imagine.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

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Facebook: 

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Free Community:

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         Why does my pig scream when I touch them? If you’ve ever brought home a piglet or even an older pig, you may have been surprised (or alarmed!) by how dramatic they can be when handled.

          In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explains why pigs squeal, what they’re really trying to communicate, and how you can gently build trust through patience, consistency, and positive experiences. From understanding prey animal instincts to practical tips like starting with less sensitive areas, pairing touch with treats, and using calm energy, this episode will help you navigate those first interactions with confidence.

           Whether you’re a new pig parent or just want to strengthen your bond, you’ll learn how to move through this common phase and set the foundation for a trusting relationship.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

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Facebook: 

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Piggy Health and Nutrition Kit https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/autumnacresminipetpigs_funnel_426011

          In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives into one of the most important parts of being a great pig parent—understanding your pig’s body language. Pigs are incredible communicators, but they don’t use words like we do. Instead, they communicate through posture, eye contact, energy, and subtle cues.

          Autumn breaks down the most common signals—like tail movement, head position, eyes, body posture, and even ear placement—so you can recognize when your pig is relaxed, curious, stressed, or on guard. By learning to “speak pig,” you’ll avoid misunderstandings, prevent aggression, and build a deeper, more respectful bond with your pig.

         You’ll also hear tips for practicing these skills with your own pig!  If you want more confidence in caring for your pig and a stronger connection built on trust, this episode is for you.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

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Facebook: 

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Free Community:

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         In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn takes a deep dive into one of the most frequent questions she receives from new pig owners: “Why does my pig root so much?” Rooting—whether in the dirt, on furniture, or on you—is one of the most recognizable and instinctual behaviors pigs display. But it’s often misunderstood.

          Autumn breaks down the five main reasons pigs root: to search for food, to cool off and regulate their temperature, to build nests, to communicate and bond socially, and to explore their world for mental stimulation. She explains how this behavior is not only normal, but essential to a pig’s well-being.

         Listeners will learn how rooting is tied to survival instincts, and how even pet pigs in loving homes will still feel the strong urge to root daily. Autumn also explores how early weaning can lead to compulsive rooting, especially on people, because piglets who miss out on rooting with their mother try to satisfy those unmet needs later in life—sometimes in ways that become frustrating or even painful for their human families.

          Rooting on people may start out as cute, but it can easily become uncomfortable or even aggressive as the pig grows. Autumn discusses how to redirect this behavior early on with safe alternatives like blankets, stuffed animals, digging boxes, puzzle feeders, and outdoor rooting areas. She shares tips on using thrifted materials to build up a pig’s rooting “toolbox,” rotating enrichment items to avoid boredom, and creating safe spaces that satisfy your pig’s natural drive to dig, nudge, and nest.

         This episode is essential listening for anyone who has a pig, is considering getting one, or wants to better understand pig behavior. Rooting isn’t a behavioral issue to “fix”—it’s a message from your pig’s instincts. When we listen to that message and meet our pigs where they are, we can create healthier, safer, and happier environments for them to thrive.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook: 

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

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YouTube:

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Instagram:   pig_ture_perfect_rosey

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A short bio about Rosey’s family:

          My name is Joanna and I am married to my husband, Nathaniel. We live 10 minutes north of Boston,MA. We have one dog, one pig and two cats. When we first got Rosey (when she was 8 weeks old) we had 2 dogs and one cat, but sadly one of our dogs passed away last November.            I am a school adjustment counselor and I am a licensed mental health counselor. Luckily I have the summers off :)           My husband is in graduate school on the path to becoming a school counselor. 

          What happens when your spouse surprises you with a pig — without warning, without research, and without any idea what comes next? For Joanna, that unexpected day marked the beginning of a two-year journey with Rosey, a spirited, affectionate, and occasionally bossy pet pig. In this episode, Joanna shares the ups and downs of learning pig care on the fly: from diet and enrichment challenges to navigating pig moods and managing behavior changes.           We talk about the importance of early training (harness work, car rides, and even painting tricks!), how Rosey's relationships with other pets have evolved, and why consistency between family members is key for good pig behavior. Joanna also offers a realistic look at the joys and challenges of living with a highly intelligent animal — one who keeps her on her toes and fills her home with personality.           Whether you’re an experienced pig owner, a hopeful future pig parent, or simply curious about these amazing animals, this episode will make you laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe even rethink how you see pigs.

Highlights:

    •    How Joanna’s husband brought home a piglet without telling her

    •    Adjusting expectations from “dog-like” to “pig-realistic”

    •    Harness and ramp training a pig from a young age

    •    Managing behavior changes and avoiding “good cop, bad cop” dynamics

    •    Why cats can make great pig companions

    •    Rosey's list of tricks — including painting!

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook: 

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Free Community:

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YouTube:

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Stan Store:

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Newsletter:

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         In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn  explores one of the most common (and misunderstood) pig behaviors: their obsession with food. If your pig begs constantly, roots endlessly, or always acts hungry—there’s science behind it!

You’ll learn:

• That pigs have 15,000–20,000 taste buds and how that makes food even more rewarding for them

• How their gut-brain connection differs from ours, making them feel less full—even after eating

• How food activates the pig brain’s reward system and why begging often becomes a learned behavior

• Why pigs are natural foragers and how feeding enrichment meets their biological and psychological needs

• Practical tips for using treats strategically and making mealtimes more stimulating and less stressful

         Autumn also shares simple enrichment ideas, safe feeding tips, and how to avoid common mistakes like emotional or mindless treating. Whether you’re raising a piglet or managing a full-grown pig’s appetite, this episode will help you feed both body and brain.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook: 

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Free Community:

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          In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives into groundbreaking research from the paper Thinking Pigs: A Comparative Review of Cognition, Emotion, and Personality in Sus domesticus by Dr. Lori Marino and Christina M. The study compiles decades of scientific research and confirms what pig parents have known all along—pigs are highly intelligent, emotionally complex, and deeply individual animals.

Autumn breaks down the most powerful findings from the review, exploring:

• Cognition: Pigs are strategic thinkers who can understand symbols, solve multi-step problems, plan ahead, and remember locations and experiences—sometimes better than primates.

• Numerosity: Pigs can recognize differences in quantity and make decisions based on past outcomes. They even sense fairness in food and attention distribution.

• Emotion: Pigs anticipate events, mirror the emotions of others, and experience judgment bias—pessimistic or optimistic responses depending on their environment. Their ability to feel stress, joy, boredom, and empathy is backed by science.

• Personality: Just like people, pigs have stable personality traits that influence how they interact, learn, and respond to training. Knowing your pig as an individual is key to building a strong bond.

         This episode is a call to action for all pig families to recognize and respect their pigs not just as pets, but as emotional, thinking beings. It’s a science-backed reminder that pigs deserve compassionate, informed care—and that understanding their minds makes us better pig parents.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook: 

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

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YouTube:

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Stan Store:

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Newsletter:

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          In this insightful and entertaining episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn  explores the many ways that pet pigs behave like toddlers—and why understanding these behaviors is crucial for any current or future pig parent. Drawing from her two decades of experience, Autumn breaks down common pig traits like tantrums, selective eating, curiosity, and emotional expression, highlighting their parallels to young children.

          Listeners will learn why pigs need supervision, structure, routine, and social interaction just like toddlers, and why pig-proofing a home is as important as childproofing. Autumn emphasizes the importance of patience, consistency, and education in raising a happy, healthy pig. She also reminds prospective owners that while toddlers grow up, pigs remain in this toddler-like state for life—making pig ownership a long-term commitment.

          Whether you already have a pig, are thinking about getting one, or just love learning more about these amazing animals, this episode offers valuable insights into the daily realities of life with a pet pig.

Key Topics Covered:

    •    Tantrums and emotional expression

    •    Curiosity, mischief, and boundary testing

    •    The importance of routine and supervision

    •    Social needs and separation anxiety

    •    Intelligence, learning, and mental stimulation

    •    Lifelong commitment and realistic expectations

Adopting a pig means making a promise—for life. This episode helps you decide if you’re truly ready for that responsibility.

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

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Facebook: 

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Free Community:

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          In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn highlights the life-or-death importance of keeping pigs cool and hydrated during hot summer months. Whether a pig lives indoors or outside, summer heat poses real dangers—especially since pigs don’t sweat and can’t regulate their body temperature like humans.          -Hydration is essential: Fresh, clean water is non-negotiable. Cold water helps cool pigs internally, but it must be paired with external cooling methods.

         -Cooling methods: Reliable shade (not just patches that move with the sun)/ Mud wallows (cooling and protective against sunburn and bugs) / Kiddie pools (kept clean and refilled) / Fans, especially in humid climates where water evaporation isn't effective.

         -Water Bowl Solutions: Heavy-duty rubber or concrete bowls / Fence-mounted or anchored buckets / Automatic livestock waterers / Frozen water bottles or ice blocks to keep water cooler longer.

          Warning Signs of Heat Stress or Dehydration: Panting (an emergency sign), Lethargy, confusion, or staggering/ Hot skin, especially behind ears / Refusal to eat or drink / Vomiting or diarrhea.

           Emergency Actions: Move the pig to a shaded, cool area / offer cold water, and cool them gradually with a damp cloth—not ice-cold water / Contact a vet immediately if symptoms are present.

          Quick Checklist: Always offer cool, clean water / Refresh water at least 3x/day /  Ensure shade and/or cooling areas /  Use fans in humid environments / Check on pigs frequently / Have backup water in case of outages!

         Summer heat can be deadly for pigs if not properly managed. Proactive hydration and cooling strategies are key to keeping them healthy and safe!

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

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Facebook: 

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Free Community:

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Stan Store:

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