Depending on your pig’s breed, size or body type, you may need different types of harnesses. Harnesses can be made in several ways and we will also add in some easy ways to find yourself the perfect harness for pigs!
Reminder, making harnesses may require some technical skills and sewing knowledge. So, ready your tools and sewing kits!
First, what good do harnesses do for pigs?
Long usage of harnesses may not be good and make your pig uncomfortable but harnesses are excellent for walking.
Collars will be impossible to use for pigs due to their wide necks and they will be easily choked if we force it on them which is why using a harness is the only way to control pigs when walking them.
Making a harness is one thing so we added in creative harness ideas for your pigs to help you decide better.
1. Recycling dog harnesses
Pigs are a lot similar to dogs in terms of sizes and behavior. You can simply use a dog harness for your pig so long as it fits if you are trying to save some budget and not buy new ones.
Dog harnesses are usually sturdy and comfortable enough for pigs to use.
You can also always look up a “Do It Yourself” video on YouTube how to make dog harnesses since it is not that much different from what pigs can use.
One of the easiest ways to “recycle” an old dog harness is just by modifying it to suit your pig’s preference. Since everything is already made for you, all you have to do is double check if it is ready for use.
First, make sure you measure your pig and see if the base of the harness fits your pig.
Second, patch up areas that need to be remade to make sure it does not break loose when your pig uses the harness.
Third, determine if your pig is comfortable with the harness and make sure it is clean.
2. The right material to use for pig harnesses
What kind of material do you need to use for your pig’s harness? Before proceeding to sewing, you should know what the right material for your pig is.
If your pig has thick hair that may get tangled with a harness, you can use any soft fabric to make the harness so it does not get easily tangled with the hair.
It is also advisable to avoid leather if your pig has thick hair because it will only make them feel warmer during hot weather. Only use leather made harnesses if it is cold season.
If your pig is strong and can drag you around by force, harnesses should be made with sturdy materials that will not tear or break off easily when a pig starts to resist.
Calm the pig down when using the harness before they the harness can potentially give them wounds around the area it covers.
3. Sew an unused toddler vest to make a new pig harness
Pigs can often grow into toddler sized pets but some may grow even bigger. You can make harnesses out of unused vests by using it as the base.
It is basically going to be an “outfit harness” for your pig! Outfit harnesses can really make your pet look cuter than they already are especially if you decide to use dressy ones on your female pigs.
These types of harnesses are perfect for a calm stroll down the streets or a relaxing walk in the park.
All you need to do is buy the leash and make a “ring” on the back of the vest preferably near the nape area for better control of the pig.
4. Install a GoPro for your pig’s harness
If you’re looking for a fun idea when making your pig’s harness, you can try installing a GoPro cam! For pigs, GoPro cams are better setup on their backs more than beneath their chins.
Pigs are often looking down and rooting the ground which is why the camera will possibly record nothing but the floor itself.
By placing it on their backs, you can get a sneak peek of how the world looks like from the point of view of your pig!
They are curious animals and they will love to explore every corner that they can reach. You will be surprised to find your pig in places you don’t expect them to even pay attention to.
5. LED / Reflective harnesses can protect your pig
Just in case you want to take your pig out at night and you have to walk, using a LED type harness will keep them glowing in the dark enough for other people and even animals to see.
It can also help pigs themselves as they have poor eyesight. Though they can rely on their smell, a little source of light would be appreciated by a pig.
Add a GPS tracker in the harness
This is VERY helpful especially if the pig is known to run away or escape by accident. You can do this by adding a GPS collar to the harness which costs approximately $100.
Pigs tend to escape from their houses or could possibly break free from the leash itself. A GPS tracker can easily locate your pig before anything bad happens to them!
What is a “WALKING LICENSE”?
Most countries or specific areas require pig owners to become registered pig keepers and register their pigs. This is because of the Disease Prevention Act reinforced by the government.
Pigs, unfortunately, became one of the sources of previous virus outbreaks in the past which pushed the government to make a move by becoming stricter in raising pigs.
That said, after registering yourself as an owner and your pig to your local animal welfare officers, you can finally apply for the PIG WALKING LICENSE if your area requires the special permission.
You can verify this by visiting any of your local animal welfare centers or giving them a quick phone call.
After sending out your application, you will need to wait for it be approved as they will determine several factors for you and your pig first.
They will require you to submit the walking routine and see if it is safe for a pig or not.
For more details about the walking license, you can read: “Can You Take Pigs for a Walk?” and “Registering your Pig” for more.
Related Questions
- Do pigs like to walk?
Yes, pigs like to walk! They are curious animals and they enjoy exploring places however they may not like continuously walking. They will make a lot of stops to examine objects that capture their interest!
Walking your pig has a lot of benefits which is why pigs like it too.
When talking them out for walks, they get plenty of exercise that they usually do not get when they only stay in their living enclosure and laze around the whole day.
They can also get a decent amount of sunlight that will give them vitamins for stronger bones.
Aside from that, it can also boost the mental health of your pig because they love going outdoors!
- Can pigs run fast?
Yes, domestic pigs can run as fast as 17 km/h while wild pigs can reach a speed of 30 km/h.
Despite a pig’s large appearance and heavy weight, they can still be flexible enough to run fast anywhere you put them.
In general, pigs are swift enough to outrun some humans.
Fleeing is actually one of a pig’s prioritized skills especially in the wild. They can run fast enough to lose predators in order to save themselves.
Domesticated pigs can only outrun a few certain animals apart from what will be further discussed below. They can outrun rats, chickens and other slow animals.
But for wild pigs, they can outrun elephants, grizzly bears, black mamba snakes, race runner lizards, wild turkeys, cats, dogs and squirrels.
Can pigs be disciplined?
Yes, pigs can be disciplined and it can be done through simple verbal communication.
Depending on your tone of voice together with small physical gestures, your mini pig can get the message.
A sharp tone of voice saying “NO” or “BAD” will be remembered by your mini pig. They are intelligent animals and can comprehend emotions the same level as a two year old child.
Physical disciplining methods are deeply discouraged as it usually leaves a negative impact instead. Think of it as a certain type of child, the more you become strict the more they become rebellious.
This can be applied to mini pigs which is why verbal disciplining is proven to be the most recommended and effective way for mini pigs.
For first time owners, it’s natural to be scared or uncertain of what to do to discipline your mini pig. However, now that you have the idea, you must show firm resolve and confidence when reinforcing the disciplining.
Even when you use a sharp tone, show an angry facial expression and warning gestures, it may not be effective if you go easy on them afterwards or turn it into a laughing matter.
Read about: “How to Discipline a Pig” to learn more.
