Guinea Pig's Dashing

To stop the guinea pig's dashing about, gently edge it into a corner and place one of your hands over its shoulders. Slip your other hand underneath the body, then slide your top hand from the shoulders down to the buttocks. For security, use both hands to slowly raise the animal.

A guinea pig must always be safeguarded from falls because it cannot flip itself over in the air to land feet first the way cats do. Bruises and broken bones often result from falls.

Once lifted, there are several ways to hold the guinea pig, and your pet may show a personal preference. First, it can relax on your hand and forearm as you rest it next to your body.

Second, you can cradle the guinea pig, belly up, in the crook of your arm, much as you would an infant. Third, your guinea pig may like its head up, with its belly and chest against you. One hand needs to support the hindquarters while the other rests on the back.

 Much of the fun in having a guinea pig is being able to hug, caress, and love it. In fact, your pet will respond positively to all the attention and affection you give it.

If you have never handled small animals before, you may be some what hesitant about reaching into the cage to pick up the guinea pig. Rest assured, though, that guinea pigs very seldom bite. During these initial handling sessions your pet will be more fearful of you than you are of it!

An untame guinea pig will scamper wildly about the cage upon the intrusion of an unfamiliar hand. Be aware that a guinea pig is also one of the fastest "backer-uppers" around. Don't let this animal's skittishness intimidate you.