The Pet Pig Podcast

https://mikkoschoice.com/ mabel_theminipig paytonmoran—              In this heartfelt episode, Autumn welcomes Payton from Alabama, to share the story of her pig, Mabel, and the winding, emotional path that led her to becoming a confident and dedicated pig parent.           Payton opens up about her love for pigs and how her first pig ownership experience didn't go as planned. After bringing home her first pig during a difficult time in her life, she quickly realized she wasn't fully prepared, and her life circumstances made proper care nearly impossible. Making the responsible decision to re-home that pig was heartbreaking—but it also reshaped her understanding of what pigs truly need and prepared her to do things right in the future.           Years later, with stable housing, a supportive husband, and a clearer understanding of pig behavior, Payton felt ready to try again. That's when Mabel entered her life. Payton shares how she researched carefully, prepared her home, and committed to doing everything with intention—this time making sure her new pig would have the environment, enrichment, structure, and family she deserved.          Listeners will hear about Mabel's sassy personality, the joy she brings to Payton's home, and how the slow, thoughtful bonding process helped build a deep, trusting relationship.          This episode is a beautiful reminder that being a good pig parent sometimes means learning hard lessons, trying again with more knowledge, and giving a pig a loving forever home when the time is truly right. 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

          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