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Get Started In Pig Keeping: Showing pigs

by Tony York

Before showing your pig it is important to know what is required of him. Before you enter the ring there is a lot of work to be done but any effort you put in will be wasted if you have the wrong pig or if he does not meet the required breed standards.

Your starting point must be to contact the appropriate breed society or the British Pig Association and learn the very important breed standards. You can visit all the appropriate websites, learn everything about your breed and discover the showing requirements but it is better to have this officially confirmed before devoting yourself to preparation, otherwise your efforts may be wasted.

Not only must the pig you are showing be trained to walk by your side around a ring but it must also be trained to react to your commands e.g. responding to the touches you give it with your show board and paddle. Go to shows, observe and speak to those involved as they know exactly what showing is all about.

When you see a pig behaving well in the show ring you can be certain that the owner has spent many a long hour training that pig. Pigs are very intelligent animals and respond well to training provided they are encouraged by kindness, patience and the odd treat or two. This change does not happen overnight.

Equally important is how you look and behave in the ring. It may ultimately tip the scales and place your pig ahead of an equally good competitor. A spotless white show coat, clean shoes and an upright confident walk will definitely make a difference if your nearest rival is in old jeans and dirty Wellington boots. If you pig looks its best then so should you – don’t let him down.

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Get Started In Pig Keeping: Teach Yourself

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