How to Train Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are very intelligent and can be trained to follow simple commands and do tricks.^{[1]XResearch source} To ensure the training goes smoothly and properly, make sure you take good care of your guinea pig and meet all of her daily needs. Keep mind each guinea pig is unique and it may take time for her to catch on to your commands during training sessions. Be patient and use positive reinforcement with your guinea pig; over time, she should be able to follow basic and advanced commands.

Things You Should Know

You can train your guinea pig to stand up, turn in a circle, come to you when called, and even jump through hoops.
Use treats to motivate your guinea pig.
Train your guinea pig every day. Consistency is key!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Teaching Your Guinea Pig Basic Commands

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1
Train them to come to you when they are called. Like most pets, guinea pigs can learn to come to you when called with a little practice and motivation in the form a treat. Make sure you use your guinea pig’s name often and address them by name when you feed them and give them treats.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can also practice getting them to come to you when called by taking them out of their cage and placing them a few feet away from you (this may scare them if they are emotionally attached to you). Call them by name and hold out one of their favorite treats.
- Your guinea pig should be motivated to run to you. When they do so, give them a treat as a reward. Practice this at least once a day and over time they should come to you when called by name outside their cage and inside their cage.
2
Practice the stand-up command. This is another simple command you can teach your guinea pig using a treat.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Hold a treat above your guinea pig’s head so they have to stand on their back legs to get to it. Say the command “Stand up” and then let them have the treat once they are on their back legs.
- Repeat this command once a day consistently. Over time, your guinea pig will stand up when you command them, even when you are not holding a treat.
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3
Do the turn in a circle command. You can practice this command with your guinea pig when they are in their cage or outside of their cage.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Hold a treat in your hand and let your guinea pig approach you. When they are in front of you, move your hand so you make a circle, and say the command “Circle”.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Your guinea pig should follow the motion of your hand, with the treat, and make a circle. Once they make a circle, give them the treat. Repeat this once a day until they can circle on command, without the treat.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Teaching Your Guinea Pig Advanced Commands

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1
Train your guinea pig to push a ball. Use a ball that is not too heavy and not too big, like a tennis ball, so your guinea pig can maneuver it easily. You will also need a treat that is long and flat, like a carrot stick.
- Place the carrot stick on the ground and then put the tennis ball on top of the carrot stick.
- Encourage your guinea pig to try to push the ball off the treat so she can access the treat and say “Push the ball.”
- Repeat these steps and over time you should be able to remove the treat so she learns to push the ball on her own, without the treat.
2
Teach her to jump through a hoop. You will need a hoop that is about 6” - 10” in diameter, or you can use pipe cleaners to form a hoop that is close to that size. The top of an ice cream tub or a tennis racket without the strings would also work. Make sure that whatever you use as a hoop, there are no sharp edges or anything your guinea pig can get stuck on as she learns to jump.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Begin by holding the hoop so it touches the ground or the bottom of your guinea pig’s cage. Hold a treat on one side of the hoop, or have someone help you by holding the treat as you hold the hoop.
- Call your guinea pig’s name and make sure she can see the treat on the other side of the hoop. Say the command: “Through the hoop”. You may need to give your guinea pig a nudge or a gentle push to convince her to jump through the hoop. Over time, she will be motivated enough by the treat to jump through the hoop and get it.
- Praise her and give her the treat when she goes through the hoop. Repeat these steps until your guinea pig starts to go through the hoop on her own, without the motivation of the treat.
3
Practice litter box training. Many guinea pig owners teach their pets to go to the bathroom in a litter box. However, this takes a lot of patience and practice. When you are first litter box training your guinea pig, be prepared for some accidents and do not scold or punish your guinea pig if this happens. Your guinea pig will respond more to positive reinforcement and acknowledgment.^{[7]XResearch source}
- To litter train your guinea pig, place a litter box in the spot in her cage where she goes to the bathroom often. Place a handful of hay in the box and a few fecal pellets.
- When you notice your guinea pig using the litter box, give her a treat as praise. Over time, she will understand that using the litter box is a good thing that leads to treats and she will start to use it regularly.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I earn the trust of a very nervous guinea pig?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
The guinea pig first has to feel safe in his immediate environment. Make sure his cage is somewhere quiet, but also in a place where he is part of family life. Provide everything he needs, including food, water, toys, and a shelter. Let him settle for a few days to orientate himself. Then, get into the habit of talking to him each time you pass the cage. Then, start dropping in tasty treats and chatting, so he associates you with good things.
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Question
Is using a harness and leash bad for a guinea pig?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
The use of harnesses is controversial. However, when used correctly, a harness provides a great way to get your guinea pig some fresh air. Choose an 'H' shaped harness that fits correctly. Let him wander and use the leash purely to keep track of where he is, rather than forcing him to walk with you. Sudden jerks on the leash or harness could damage his back.
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Question
What are the best treats to use when training a guinea pig?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Commercial treats are available, but these are often high sugar and not great for your guinea pig in the long term. Instead, try offering small cubes of fresh succulent goodies such as a corn kernel, apple, cucumber, melon, strawberry, dandelion, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, or carrot tops. Give just a taste, as you don't want the guinea pig to spend ages chewing or fill himself up with the first treat!
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