An Abyssinian guinea pig named Rick accepts handshakes with his left front paw but refuses to do so with his right [1, 2].
The behavior illustrates the sensitivity of small mammals to physical touch and the importance of acclimation in animal training.
Rick's owner, Akihiro Suzuki, shared the guinea pig's specific preference in a video released on May 5 [1]. The footage demonstrates Rick's willingness to engage with his left paw while actively rejecting the same gesture with his right paw. This distinction in behavior has drawn attention to the specific needs and boundaries of pet rodents.
Suzuki said the difference in response is tied to how much the animal is used to being handled. He said that whether the animal is used to being touched is a major point, noting that Rick is only accustomed to having his left side touched [1].
According to Suzuki, the paws are critical areas for guinea pigs. He said that because the legs are a sensitive spot for the animal, the fact that Rick can shake even one paw is valuable [1].
The footage was originally broadcast on May 4 [1, 3]. The contrast between the "divine response" of the left paw and the "salty response" of the right paw has become a point of interest for viewers observing the animal's distinct preferences [2].
Because Rick's right leg is not accustomed to being touched, the animal perceives the attempt as an intrusion rather than a social interaction [1, 2]. This reaction is typical for prey animals that remain vigilant about their physical boundaries.
“"Rick is only accustomed to having his left side touched."”
This behavior underscores the biological reality of guinea pigs as prey animals, where sensitivity to touch on specific limbs can be a defensive instinct. It demonstrates that animal 'training' is often less about command and more about the gradual development of trust and tactile desensitization.
