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How can I get my guinea pig to trust me and be less scared of me?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed

how to make my guinea pigs like me and not be scared of me?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2017

The more you interact with your guinea pigs the more comfortable they will become with you.

Start by leaving the cage door open (under your supervision of course) and leaving some treats outside the cage. Let them come out on their own so they don't feel threatened.

Every time you open the cage or need to handle them give them a special treat, something they love and only get when you are with them. Hold off on doing any baths or anything like that if you can for now. Make every interaction with you a positive one for them. This is called positive reinforcement and they will respond to this tactic more quickly than anything else

As you can tell, treats are a big part of training them. So reserve any special food items for when you are there. They will start to associate you with the treats and begins to start trusting you more and more.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2018
Don’t worry, this is very normal behavior for guinea pig in a new environment. It will take a few weeks or maybe even a couple of months until George is fully comfortable in his new place.

You can try to encourage him to interact with you by making sure you play with him throughout the day, and offer him his favorite treats and toys whenever he is playing with you, and leave his cage door open to allow him to roam and explore when you are in the room with him. Encourage him to interact with you more by offering him his favorite treats and toys while he’s out with you. Just continue to be patient with him and keep the environment he is in his calm and quiet as possible and he will warm up to you soon.

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 18th, 2017
The more time you spend around him the better. Try just sitting quietly next to his cage several times a day, without trying to touch him so he gets used to your presence. Once he seems to be more calm with you sitting near him, start sitting with your hand in his cage but just set it there and leave it- don't try to reach for him. You can put treats like carrots near your hand so he can gradually become more comfortable with your hand being in his cage- gradually work up to hand feeding him treats, then petting. Patience and persistence is key.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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