The trick mark is where your pig puts his/her front feet on a small box and nose in the air.
The mark box itself need not be very big or tall. A box that is too tall will frighten your pig when you first begin teaching this trick. If you wish to use a higher platform begin with a lower one and once your pig learns the trick you may introduce a higher one. As for size it only needs to be big enough to place both feet on the box comfortably with no chance of slipping off. The top of the box should have a non-skid surface such as indoor/outdoor carpet.
To begin teaching this trick you should have your pig in front of you facing each other with the mark box on the floor between you. Show your pig the treat and use it to lead your pig toward you forcing him/her to place their feet upon the box. As soon as your pig places both feet upon the box raise the treat slightly so the head is up say "Mark" and give the treat along with verbal praise such as "Good Pig". Once done get your pig to step off the box and repeat the training. Once your pig understands what is necessary in order to receive the treat you should step away for the box or to the side. Say "Mark" and wait for your pig to step upon the box. Remember that you wand to only use positive reinforcement. If your pig dose not perform the desired trick return to the beginning and stand in front of the box and lead your pig up once again.
If you pig keeps trying to walk around the box instead of putting his/her feet on the box, you may have made the box to high, just and inch or two is find. Other wise try training this trick in a small hallway where your pig can not go around the box but must step on it.
Once your pig will perform this trick without hesitation give him/her the treat only every third or fourth time but always give the verbal "Good Pig" reward. You want your pig to be working for the verbal reward not the treat, the treat should only be a reinforcement to the verbal "Good Pig", in this way you will not have an animal that will only do things for food.
