The Pet Pig Podcast

Autumn Whitacre
  • 4.9 (34)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

What is it really like having a pet pig? What is the best way to prepare of a new piglet? How can I be sure a pet pig is for me? How can I care for my pet pig with confidence? What mistakes should I avoid and how do I do that? And the biggest question of all, can I really be successful with a pet pig? Whether your childhood dream is to have a pet pig, you are preparing for a pet pig, or you have had a pet pig and would like to learn why they act the way they do, this show is for you. The Pet Pig Podcast is a live - workshop style education podcast packed with actionable step by step tips that are helping thousands understand and enjoy their pet pig so much more. You can dig in, do the work and train your pig like an expert. Host Autumn Whitacre brings you two decades of experience and expertise with pet pigs. She shares everything she has learned from the best ways to prepare for a piglet to her tips to untrain bad habits and enable your pig to live a fulfilled life. Along with her best kept secrets to understanding pig behavior, she interviews pig experts and families from all over the country. With this new endeavor, she has a deep passion for supporting the pig community and bringing awareness to important issues that face pet pig families.

  1. 2D AGO

    5 Essential Trainings Your Pig Should Know

    In this episode, Autumn of Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs explores the foundational training and behaviors every pet pig should know to create a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable life for both pigs and their families.           Autumn introduces her "pig training blueprint," focusing on five key areas that help prevent common behavioral challenges that can lead to frustration, stress, and even rehoming. She begins with the importance of reliable recall, teaching pigs to come when called using consistent "magic words" paired with positive reinforcement and food rewards. This builds trust, communication, and critical safety response in everyday life and emergencies.           Next, she discusses the importance of teaching pigs to remain calm before meals, emphasizing that pigs must learn emotional regulation rather than reacting in panic or demand-based behavior. Autumn explains how consistency and timing help pigs understand that calm behavior earns food, not chaos.           Building on that concept, she introduces the idea of pigs working for their food. Simple training behaviors like "touch" and "spin" are used to encourage focus, impulse control, and respect for guidance while reinforcing the human-pig relationship in a positive and structured way.           Autumn also highlights cooperative care—helping pigs become more comfortable with handling, grooming, and basic medical checks through regular, low-stress practice. This early desensitization can make essential care tasks significantly easier and less stressful over time.           Throughout the episode, Autumn emphasizes consistency, leadership, and clear communication as the foundation of successful pig ownership. Her approach focuses on building trust and structure so pigs can thrive emotionally and behaviorally in a home environment. 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

    30 min

  2. APR 28

    From Lost in the Mountains to a Miracle at Home: Alana's Pig Story

    https://www.facebook.com/reel/1936685963728239/      In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn sits down with Alana, a first-time pig owner whose unexpected journey into pig ownership quickly turned into a full-fledged learning experience—and ultimately, a passion.           Alana shares how what started as a simple plan to add a single mini pig to her homestead turned into adopting two adult pigs—one of whom was unknowingly pregnant. From there, her story takes a dramatic turn, including a two-month search for her escaped sow, Bonnie, who gave birth to her piglets while living in the wild. Alana recounts the challenges of tracking, capturing, and eventually reuniting the entire pig family, offering a raw and honest look at the realities of pig ownership.            Throughout the conversation, Alana and Autumn discuss the steep learning curve that comes with pigs—from their strength and intelligence to their unique emotional needs and social behaviors. Alana reflects on the importance of research, proper fencing, building trust, and establishing leadership as the "top hog."           Despite the challenges, Alana also shares the deeply rewarding side of pig ownership, describing the strong bonds she's formed—especially with her affectionate boar, Enzo—and how pigs have completely changed her perspective.            This episode is filled with real-life lessons, practical advice, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-listen for anyone considering bringing a pig into their life or wanting to better understand these intelligent, complex animals. 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

    49 min

  3. APR 21

    Spring with Your Pig: Mud, Parasites, Shedding, and Everything Else You Should Know

    https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/autumnacresminipetpigs_tickprotocol https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/the-complete-pet-pig-resource-library           Spring is finally here—and while the warmer weather and green grass are exciting, this season also brings a whole new set of challenges for pig parents.           In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn from Autumn Acres walks you through everything you need to know to confidently care for your pig during the spring months. From muddy paddocks and messy hooves to parasites, ticks, and sudden diet changes, this is your complete guide to navigating the season without stress.           You'll learn practical, real-life strategies to manage mud (without losing your sanity), how to prevent and handle common spring parasites, and what to watch for when ticks start appearing. Autumn also breaks down how spring grass can impact your pig's weight and digestion—and how to safely transition into grazing.           Plus, she covers seasonal changes like coat blowing, hydration needs, and temperature swings so you can keep your pig comfortable, healthy, and thriving.           Whether you're a new pig parent or have years of experience, this episode will help you stay prepared, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of springtime with your pig.   ⸻   🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:     •    How to manage mud and keep your home cleaner     •    Simple and effective parasite awareness and prevention tips     •    What to do about ticks (and how to stay calm about them)     •    How spring grass affects your pig's health and weight     •    Seasonal changes like shedding, temperature regulation, and hydration 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

    31 min

  4. APR 7

    Can Pigs Sense Our Emotions?

    In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explores the powerful and often overlooked connection between pigs and human emotions. Blending scientific insight with real-life experience, she explains how pigs are incredibly sensitive animals that can pick up on subtle cues such as scent, body language, tone of voice, and even physiological changes linked to stress.           Autumn walks listeners through emerging research that suggests pigs may detect emotional states in both humans and other animals, and how their own behavior and stress levels can shift in response. She shares how this sensitivity can sometimes lead to confusion or reactivity—especially when pigs are interacting with humans who feel anxious, fearful, or unpredictable.           Through personal stories and practical examples, Autumn highlights a common pattern she's observed: pigs often respond differently depending on the emotional energy of the person interacting with them. She explains how calm, confident, and consistent behavior can help pigs feel safe and secure, while tension or uncertainty can unintentionally trigger defensive responses.           Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how their own emotional state plays a role in their pig's behavior, along with simple, actionable strategies to create more positive, predictable interactions. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that pigs are not only intelligent, but deeply perceptive—and that building trust starts with the energy we bring into the 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: 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

    23 min

  5. MAR 31

    Why Smaller Isn't Better When It Comes to Pigs

    In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn  addresses a very concerning topic in the pig community: the desire for pigs to stay "tiny." While the idea of a teacup-sized pig may sound appealing, Autumn explains why this concept is often rooted in misinformation and unethical breeding practices.           She breaks down the truth behind so-called "teacup pigs," clarifying that they are not a legitimate breed, and shares how extreme measures like inbreeding and underfeeding are sometimes used to artificially limit a pig's size—often at the expense of the animal's health and well-being. Drawing from personal experience with her first pig, Oscar, Autumn offers a heartfelt perspective on the long-term consequences these practices can have.           Listeners will also gain a clearer understanding of what the term "mini pig" means, how genetics and proper nutrition influence a pig's growth, and why healthy development should always be the priority. Autumn emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding, realistic expectations, and ethical care—encouraging current and future pig owners to focus less on size and more on raising well-adjusted, healthy companions.            This episode is an important reminder that when it comes to pigs, smaller is not better—and that informed, compassionate care makes all the difference. 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

    23 min

  6. MAR 17

    Why So Many Pigs Are Rehomed (And What We Can Do Instead)

    In this heartfelt episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn talks about a difficult but important topic in the pig community: how often pet pigs are rehomed. If you spend any time in pig groups online, you see it constantly—families looking for a new home for a pig they can no longer keep. While life circumstances can change, Autumn shares that after more than two decades of working with pigs and pig owners, she has noticed several common patterns behind these situations.           Autumn discusses some of the most frequent reasons pigs end up needing new homes, including divorce or relationship changes, aging owners who can no longer manage daily care, and behavior challenges that families don't know how to address.  Autumn shares the story of a pig who after being separated from the only home and people he had ever known, the pig struggled deeply with the transition and ultimately passed away shortly after. The experience was a powerful reminder of how deeply pigs bond with their families and how difficult rehoming can be for them.           Throughout the episode, the importance of education before bringing a pig home is emphasized. Pigs are incredibly intelligent animals that require structure, training, and a real understanding of their behavior. Too often, people fall in love with the idea of a cute piglet without realizing the long-term commitment that pigs require—often 15 to 20 years of care.           Autumn encourages anyone considering a pig to spend time visiting rescues, sanctuaries, or responsible breeders, interacting with adult pigs, and asking lots of questions before making the decision. She also shares alternatives that may help pigs stay with their families when challenges arise, such as temporary boarding, transitioning pigs to outdoor living spaces, or providing companionship with another pig.           This episode is not about judging or shaming anyone. Instead, it's about helping pig owners and future pig families better understand these incredible animals so that fewer pigs have to lose the only home they've ever known. If you love pigs, have a pig, or are thinking about bringing one into your life, this conversation is an important one to hear. 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

    21 min

  7. MAR 3

    Why Pigs Shouldn't Eat Acorns (Especially Small Pigs)

    https://mikkoschoice.com/           In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives into a topic that creates a lot of confusion for pig owners every year: acorns and their potential danger to pet pigs. While the issue comes up most often in the fall, Autumn explains why it's important to understand the risks before pigs are exposed and misinformation starts circulating.           Autumn breaks down why acorns and oak leaves can be harmful, explaining how tannins—natural plant compounds—affect a pig's digestive system and kidneys. She discusses why toxicity depends on the amount eaten relative to a pig's size, making piglets, young pigs, and smaller mini pigs especially vulnerable. The episode also explains the difference between green (immature) and brown (mature) acorns and why green acorns and fresh oak leaves pose a higher risk.           Listeners learn what happens inside a pig's body after consuming too many acorns, why symptoms may be delayed, and how pigs often hide signs of illness. Autumn walks through the warning signs of acorn toxicity, including changes in appetite, behavior, stool, urine color, and overall demeanor, helping owners know what to watch for.           The episode also provides practical guidance on what to do if a pig has access to acorns, when removal and monitoring may be enough, and when it's important to contact a veterinarian. Autumn addresses the common belief that "my pig eats acorns and is fine," explaining why tolerance varies and why lack of immediate symptoms doesn't always mean there's no harm.           Throughout the episode, Autumn emphasizes education over fear, encouraging pig owners to make informed, confident decisions to protect their pigs' long-term health. This episode is a valuable resource for pig owners who want to stay ahead of seasonal hazards and better understand how to keep their pigs 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: 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

    19 min

  8. FEB 24

    Biosecurity - What Every Pet Pig Owner Needs to Understand

    In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explores the importance of biosecurity for pet pigs—a topic that is rarely discussed but critically important for keeping pigs healthy and safe.           Autumn explains what biosecurity is and why it applies to pet pigs just as much as it does to farm animals. She shares how simple, everyday choices—such as footwear, visitor management, and exposure to public spaces—can significantly impact a pig's health. Drawing from real-life practices on her own homestead, Autumn discusses how she handles boarding, training, and introducing pigs from different environments to reduce the risk of disease, parasites, and bacterial exposure.           The episode also highlights often-overlooked risks found in public spaces, including dog parks, farm stores, and parks where pigs may be exposed to harmful bacteria, parasites, or toxic substances. Autumn emphasizes that biosecurity is not about fear, but about prevention and responsible pig ownership.           This episode encourages pig owners to be more intentional about where their pigs go, what they're exposed to, and how to create a safer, more controlled environment—helping ensure a long, healthy life for the pigs they love. 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

    20 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

What is it really like having a pet pig? What is the best way to prepare of a new piglet? How can I be sure a pet pig is for me? How can I care for my pet pig with confidence? What mistakes should I avoid and how do I do that? And the biggest question of all, can I really be successful with a pet pig? Whether your childhood dream is to have a pet pig, you are preparing for a pet pig, or you have had a pet pig and would like to learn why they act the way they do, this show is for you. The Pet Pig Podcast is a live - workshop style education podcast packed with actionable step by step tips that are helping thousands understand and enjoy their pet pig so much more. You can dig in, do the work and train your pig like an expert. Host Autumn Whitacre brings you two decades of experience and expertise with pet pigs. She shares everything she has learned from the best ways to prepare for a piglet to her tips to untrain bad habits and enable your pig to live a fulfilled life. Along with her best kept secrets to understanding pig behavior, she interviews pig experts and families from all over the country. With this new endeavor, she has a deep passion for supporting the pig community and bringing awareness to important issues that face pet pig families.

Information

  • Creator
    Autumn Whitacre
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Pet Pig Podcast

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