In this week's episode, Autumn tackles a challenge that every pig parent in colder climates faces: winter. Cold temperatures, snow, rain, and icy ground can make even the most well-trained pig slam on the brakes at the door. But keeping your pig indoors all winter leads to boredom, destructive behaviors, potty accidents, and increased irritability.

Autumn breaks down a practical, compassionate approach to winter pig care with two major goals:

1. Motivating your pig to go outside despite the weather, and

2. Keeping them mentally and physically enriched indoors.

Listeners will learn why forcing a pig outside backfires, and how positive experiences—like feeding outdoors, strategic treat use, early desensitization to jackets or capes, and creating safe, walkable outdoor paths—help pigs stay confident and willing to venture out.

Autumn also shares her top indoor enrichment ideas to curb boredom and prevent behavior issues during long winter days. From heat sources and rooting boxes to treat-dispensing toys, licky mats, agility practice, cardboard destruction, and even tarps for sensory play, these activities keep pigs stimulated, happy, and calm when outside time is limited.

Whether you're preparing for your first winter with a pig or looking to make this season smoother than years past, this episode offers inspiration, actionable steps, and reassurance that with the right preparation, winter truly can be manageable for both you and your pig.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/8-lessons-i-learned-from-temple-grandin

In this deeply insightful episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shares the lessons that have shaped her understanding of pig behavior, pig emotions, and what it truly means to care for them well—through the lens of pioneering animal behaviorist Temple Grandin.
Drawing from Grandin's influential work in animal welfare and livestock handling, Autumn breaks down eight powerful principles that every pig parent can apply at home. These lessons reveal how pigs think, how they perceive the world, and how small changes in their environment and handling can dramatically improve their confidence, comfort, and behavior.

Listeners will learn:

• Why pigs "think in pictures," and how sensory details—shadows, reflections, dangling objects—can startle or overwhelm them.

• How understanding the flight zone and point of balance can reduce stress and build trust during interactions or training.

• The importance of eliminating visual distractions and creating calm, predictable environments.

• How gradual acclimation can transform fearful behaviors into confident exploration (including Autumn's personal ramp-training breakthrough!).

• Why the caretaker's attitude, consistency, and presence are the core of good pig welfare.

• How genetics and temperament play a meaningful role in a pig's behavior and stress response.

• Why enrichment isn't optional—pigs require rooting, exploring, and mental stimulation to truly thrive.

• And finally, how empathy, patience, and understanding a pig's inner world are essential to building a strong, healthy relationship.
Autumn also reflects on the difference between livestock and pets, emphasizing that ethical treatment is a universal responsibility. No matter a pig's role, their emotional experience matters. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to better understand their pig, improve training success, reduce fear-based behaviors, and deepen their bond.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://www.piggear.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/piggear

https://joyofpigs.co/porcine-home/

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Harness-Metal-Front-Buckle/dp/B071J9GPX8

In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn answers a very common question pig parents have—how do I leash train my pig! Walking your pig can be one of the most rewarding (and sometimes frustrating) parts of pig ownership, and Autumn breaks it all down step by step.

You'll learn the difference between harness training and leash training, how to choose the right harness, and what to expect when your pig experiences that strange new feeling of being on a leash for the first time. Autumn also shares her favorite harness brands, tips for introducing your pig to the leash slowly and positively, and a simple reward-based method to build confidence and trust.

Whether you're starting with a young piglet or helping an older pig get used to walking, this episode will give you the tools and patience to turn leash time into one of your pig's favorite activities.

Key takeaways:

• Don't rush the process—comfort comes before control.

• Always use positive reinforcement (treats like Cheerios work wonders!).

• Make every training session a positive experience for your pig.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie

In this heartwarming episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn speaks with Mary from Burren Nature Sanctuary ( Kinvara, Co Galway, Ireland). Mary shares her inspiring journey from growing up in London to running a 50-acre conservation farm on Ireland's west coast — a place where people reconnect with nature through joyful experiences with animals, especially pigs.

Mary introduces listeners to Amelia, her beloved Juliana pig who leads woodland walks that have become one of Ireland's most unique and beloved eco-tourism experiences. Amelia has even been featured on the news, earned hundreds of 5-star Airbnb reviews, and helped countless visitors — including children overcoming fears — discover the healing magic of pigs and nature.

Together, Autumn and Mary discuss the emotional and therapeutic power of spending time with pigs, how animals help people relax and reconnect, and the importance of teaching healthy boundaries through animal interactions. Listeners will also hear touching rescue stories!

This conversation is filled with laughter, learning, and shared passion for conservation, enrichment, and the joy pigs bring into people's lives. It's a celebration of nature, compassion, and connection!

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Welcome back to The Pet Pig Podcast! In this week's episode Autumn tackles a big topic that so many pig families struggle with — Spoiled Pig Syndrome, or SPS. This is when your sweet, cuddly pig suddenly starts acting bossy, demanding, or even aggressive. They may bite, charge, scream for attention, steal food, or destroy things around the house. It can feel discouraging, but as Autumn explains, it's not your fault — and it's absolutely fixable.

Spoiled Pig Syndrome happens when a pig believes they're the leader of the herd. In their mind, they're in charge — and pigs don't make gentle leaders! Autumn breaks down exactly why this happens, how pigs learn patterns of control, and how you can calmly take back your leadership role to restore peace at home.

Learn practical steps to help you reset your relationship with your pig:

-Don't react to bad behavior. Stay calm, don't yell, and don't give in. The moment your pig realizes their squealing or charging doesn't control you anymore, they'll start to change.

- Reward the good, ignore the bad. When your pig is calm or relaxed, that's the time to praise and reward them. Attention should come from good behavior, not bad.

- Make them work for every bite of food. Leadership starts with controlling resources. By asking your pig to perform simple commands like "spin," "sit," or "back up" before eating, you're building focus, respect, and patience.

- Use helpful tools. For pigs with deep food anxiety, an automatic feeder can take you out of the equation and show your pig that food isn't controlled by their behavior.

- Move the pig daily. Gently asking your pig to move out of your way reinforces that you're the leader — not them. It's simple, but powerful.

- Teach obedience skills. Commands like "come," "stay," or "leave it" help your pig learn self-control and strengthen your bond.

- Keep a predictable routine. Pigs feel safest when they know what to expect. A consistent schedule lowers anxiety and helps them relax under your leadership.

Autumn also shares a personal story about a young piglet she trained out of food aggression by making her work for every meal — and how that transformed her from a biting, nervous pig into a calm, respectful companion.

This episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice. Autumn reminds us that your pig isn't bad — they're just confused about who's in charge. With consistency, confidence, and clear leadership, you can absolutely turn things around.

So whether your pig is just starting to show some pushy behavior, or you're already living with a little boss hog, this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and confidence to bring calm and balance back to your home.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://mikkoschoice.com/

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

Welcome back to The Pet Pig Podcast! In this episode of a two-part series, Autumn dives into one of the most common challenges pig families face — Spoiled Pig Syndrome, or SPS. Don't let the name fool you — SPS isn't a hopeless situation or a sign that you've failed as a pig parent. It's a natural result of unclear boundaries and leadership, and the good news is that it's 100% preventable and fixable.

Autumn explains how pigs view the world through hierarchy and body language, not words, and why stepping confidently into the leader role is the key to raising a respectful, relaxed, and happy pig. You'll learn the foundations of leadership, including:

• Understanding pig hierarchy and how pigs communicate respect

• How to use the "Move the Pig" technique to earn respect through calm, confident movement

• What to do if your pig challenges your authority — without fear, anger, or yelling

• Why making your pig "work for food" builds trust, patience, and self-control

• How to stop the screaming habit by breaking the reward cycle

This episode will help you understand your pig's behavior on a deeper level and give you the tools to build a strong, trusting relationship through leadership — not force.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

This week on The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn takes on one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in the pig world: Can you support both rescues and ethical breeders? For many people, the words "breeder" and "rescue" feel like opposing sides of a battle, but Autumn makes the case that both are not only important—they are absolutely necessary for the future of pet pigs.

In this heartfelt and informative episode, Autumn unpacks why breeders as a whole often carry such a negative reputation. She shares her frustration with the many bad breeders who mislead families with myths about "teacup" or "micro" pigs, starve piglets to keep them small, or breed irresponsibly without any regard for health, temperament, or quality of life. These unethical practices have fueled mistrust and left countless families heartbroken—and countless pigs surrendered to rescues.

But Autumn also highlights the vital role ethical breeders play in protecting and preserving the future of mini pigs. Ethical breeders carefully select pairings with health, size consistency, and temperament in mind. They raise piglets with intention, provide proper weaning and care, require spay and neuter contracts, and offer lifetime support to families. With only a handful of registered breeders in the United States compared to hundreds of rescues, the balance is fragile—and without ethical breeders, the genetic line of mini pigs would quickly deteriorate.

On the other side of the conversation, Autumn shines a light on rescues and the indispensable work they do. Rescues step in for pigs who have been abandoned, neglected, hoarded, or given up when families were misled about size or care needs. They provide medical care, spay and neuter surgeries, food, shelter, and love to pigs who otherwise might not survive. Yet rescues face overwhelming challenges too: financial strain, the high cost of pig feed and veterinary care, the need for strong fencing and enrichment, and in some cases, the heartbreaking reality of becoming overwhelmed or unable to provide proper care.

What Autumn challenges listeners to see is that it doesn't have to be an either/or choice. Ethical breeders and ethical rescues are not enemies—they are allies. Breeders safeguard the future of the mini pig by raising healthy, well-adjusted piglets and educating families before adoption. Rescues protect the pigs who fall through the cracks, giving them a second chance at life. When both are supported, pigs win.

If you've ever felt pressured to "pick a side" between adopting or buying from a breeder, this episode will encourage you to rethink that black-and-white perspective. It's not about choosing rescue or breeder—it's about supporting those who are doing right by pigs, no matter their role. By working together, rescues and ethical breeders can create a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate future for pigs everywhere.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://mikkoschoice.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pigtubewithchucky?igsh=MWNrNDBjMGltcHQ2Zg==

https://www.facebook.com/p/Pigtube-With-Chucky-61571322991165/

Autumn sits down with Ariana, a passionate animal lover who took the leap into pig parenting after years of curiosity and research. As an adult, she decided to bring home her first pig — a miniature Juliana named Chucky — and her life hasn't been the same since.

Ariana takes listeners through every stage of her journey — from months of careful preparation and reading to the day she finally met her pig. Despite all her research, she quickly learned that nothing can truly prepare you for the reality of living with a pig. With humor and candor, she talks about Chucky's early days: the high energy, stubbornness, and surprisingly human-like intelligence that make pigs both challenging and deeply rewarding companions.

Autumn and Ariana discuss what many new pig parents experience but rarely talk about — the messy, emotional, and wonderful learning curve of pig ownership. They touch on topics like:

🐽 Training and boundaries: Why consistency and leadership matter from day one, and how Ariana established trust and respect with Chucky.

🐽 Behavior and socialization: How pigs communicate, test limits, and form strong attachments, and why patience and understanding go a long way.

🐽 Dippity Pig Syndrome: Ariana's experience recognizing and managing this temporary but alarming condition — and how she learned to stay calm and supportive through it.

🐽 Living with multiple pets: What it's really like to integrate a pig into a household with dogs, and how Chucky learned to coexist safely and confidently.

🐽 Pig intelligence vs. manageability: Why "smart doesn't mean easy" — and how that intelligence makes pigs both delightful and demanding companions.

Through it all, Ariana's love and dedication shine through — as does Autumn's passion for educating, supporting, and connecting the pig-loving community. This episode is both educational and emotional, offering practical insights and heartfelt storytelling that every pig owner (or soon-to-be pig owner) will relate to.

Owning a pig isn't just about having a pet — it's about forming a deep, respectful relationship built on communication, trust, and understanding. With preparation, structure, and compassion, that bond can become one of the most rewarding connections you'll ever experience.

Whether you're already a pig parent, considering bringing one home, or just fascinated by these incredible animals, this episode will make you laugh, learn, and fall in love with pigs all over again.

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:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs