[AmysAnimals]

Some of you may have heard of my nipping little friend before. Oscar, my 1 year old, rescued boar has a severe biting problem. Oscar has bitten everyone in my family since the day we adopted him about 3 weeks ago. Initially, I assumed he was biting out of fear but now I am second guessing this theory.

I read on a website that pigs typically bite for two reasons--fear or dominance. I first thought Oscar was biting from fear because he is a fairly shy little guy but Im not so sure about his motives anymore. After 3 weeks of constant, daily cuddling and petting one would think some of Oscars fear would have gone away or atleast enough to lessen the frequency of his chomps. Now I am leaning more towards the dominance theory which states that some pigs will bite because they want what they want when they want it. For instance, Oscar only really bites whenever Im walking him around to get from point A to point B or when he is getting close to his cage. This behavior makes me think that he is biting because he wants down that very moment so he can do whatever it is he plans on.

For those of you who would like clarification on what I mean by biting, I will explain to you. Oscar bites hard enough to break skin and cause bleeding. If he doesnt break skin the first time, he has no problem coming after the same spot for a second try. I have numerous bites on my fingers due to this. I might be able to understand his biting if, per say, I was just caring him but when I carry him I always put him in his plushy cuddle cup so he will feel more secure. I hold him closly to my body and watch every step I take. Id like to assume he just wants down so he can run around the house,however, when he has the oppurtunity to run around he stays still and doesnt budge.

His biting had gotten so bad that I am really the only person that will pick him up in my household. Despite the various cuts I have accumulated, I still try to hold Oscar for short periods of time and then let him sit in his cuddle cup on my desk while I watch him. Everyday I keep hoping that if I show him compassion, love, and attention that his biting will stop and that other family members will feel confident enough to pick him up once agian.

When I went to the vet on Friday for his wellness check up they told me that he is nearing the end of his "baby" stage and is entering more into a teenager stage, which could be why he is biting and testing his limits. I understand this but isnt there some way to show him that biting is not exceptable? I read that giving a small puff of air to the face when your piggy is biting could break them of this habit, but I dont really know if I feel comfortable with this idea.

Can anyone offer me a way to show Oscar that biting people hurts? Is that something thats even possible or will this just be a constant behavior to expect from him? Can guinea pigs learn whats "right and wrong"? I really need some advice on this or a pair of bite-proof gloves.