Most pigs do not like the feel of water, except when it is very hot and they use it to cool off. They also don’t like wet and slippery bathroom tiles as they can easily lose their balance. Getting in and out is quite a difficult process too if you have small, chubby legs!

To get your pig used to being bathed, gradually begin to accustom him to being in the bathroom without negative experiences. Cover the bathroom floor with non-slip rugs so you don’t lose your balance. Even if you have to fill your pig with food to do so, take him to the bathroom and get him used to being there. When he’s in the bathroom, congratulate him and give him a special treat. You can also have her perform a few simple tricks like sitting up or spinning to show her that bathrooms can be fun places too. Repeat this process every few days until your pig is happy to go to the bathroom without too much trouble.

When you’re at this point, you can start turning on the taps, just to get used to hearing the water running. Give him a treat when the water is running and turn it on and off a few times and each time you turn it back on, give your pig another treat. This conditions the piglet to understand that turning on the water is a good thing and not something to fear.

Although you can use a bathtub to bathe your pig, it is easier to do it in a shower as it will not feel as confined. The next step in the process is to start getting him used to going to the shower. This may take a while, but you can get it there slowly by using a line of grapes on the floor and a small pile at the end of the line. Once you are happy to enter the barn, gradually add a small amount of standing water to the barn and increase the water depth with each training session. Make sure the temperature is perfect (use the same method as to check the water temperature for a baby) as if it is too hot or too cold your little pig will not like it. Whenever your pig gets its hooves wet, reinforce it with the voice command “Bath.”

When your piglet is in the barn, begin to introduce him to the water slowly by massaging his back with your wet hands. Use very little pressure. When you want to introduce the baby shampoo (make sure it is mild), let it smell it first. Of course, while this is happening, you must continually feed and reassure your pig so that it does not panic. It is usually best to have a second person perform this task as it is too much for one person.

When you’re done, you can pat your piglet dry with hot towels straight from the dryer to give it a massage. They like the feel of the warm towel and it will reinforce bath time as a relaxing and enjoyable time for your piglet.

You can also use a bath, but it would be worth putting it in the bath when it is dry a few times to get it used to the bath. If he tries to jump, order him to sit. You should also cover the bottom of the tub with towels so it doesn’t panic and lose traction.

If you can learn to associate bath time with a good experience for your pig, you will make the whole process that much easier, and over time your pig will learn to love you.