If you’ve decided to adopt a bearded dragon, there are a few things you should know about how to train a bearded dragon. This will help you ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. You will also be able to learn how to identify common behaviors in a bearded dragon so you can begin the training process.
Leash training
Leash training a bearded dragon can be very beneficial for owners of the reptiles. Bearded dragons are usually calm, affectionate creatures, making them easy to handle. However, leash training requires a lot of patience and motivation. Choosing the right beardie to leash train can be tricky, especially if the beardie has a shy or aggressive temperament.
Before beginning, choose a bearded dragon that is comfortable with handling. Some beardies can become stressed from loud noises and predators, so you should avoid these areas.
Once you have your bearded dragon at home, you should take the animal out for a short period of time. This will help the bearded dragon adjust to the outside world. If you can’t go outside, you can use a soft carrier to take the pet out.
Using a harness instead of a collar is the recommended method for a bearded dragon to leash train. Collars tend to dig into the skin, and can irritate the animal. Harnesses are more effective, as they keep the lizard safely by your side.
Use positive reinforcement when training a bearded dragon to leash walk. This means giving treats as rewards when the beardie walks on the leash. You should also pay close attention to the lizard’s behavior when walking. For example, you may notice that the beardie opens his mouth wide when he gets stressed.
When taking your bearded dragon out on the leash, always make sure to hold the leash and not tug on it. Beardies may pull on the leash if they are not happy with the leash or are afraid. To prevent this, tighten the leash slightly.
It may take weeks or even months before your beardie is completely comfortable with a leash. However, bearded dragons are usually easier to leash train than other lizard species.
Exercise routines
If you are considering adopting a bearded dragon, you may want to consider the benefits of an exercise routine. These reptiles can live up to 15 years, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Having a regular exercise routine will help you bond with your bearded dragon. There are a few different things you can do, such as teaching your bearded dragon to fetch. This is a fun and beneficial activity.
Bearded Dragons have a high metabolism when they are young. In order to ensure that your bearded dragon lives long and healthy, you need to provide it with a proper diet. It’s also important to give it plenty of fresh water.
Using a harness is a great way to keep your bearded dragon by your side. Harnesses are also less irritating to the lizard.
You can also try a few basic yoga poses at home. Some of the poses are easy to learn, such as the downward dog and the bridge.
To get your bearded dragon used to going outside, you should start slowly. Keep your pet close by and offer him a small treat. Whenever he comes, call out his name. Eventually, he’ll associate the sound of his name with food.
You can also use a leash to walk your dragon. If your dragon is afraid of cars or predators, this may not be a good idea. However, if you are comfortable with your lizard, you can try taking him out for a walk.
Make sure you are aware of any dangers in the area. Aside from cars, you should also be aware of anything that might hurt your dragon. For example, coins and toys could be hazardous.
Treats
Providing your Bearded Dragon with a nutritious diet is essential for healthy living. However, it can be hard to know what to feed your pet. Fortunately, there are a variety of options.
Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, bearded dragons also enjoy insects. You can either raise your own insects or purchase them. For a more balanced diet, you may also want to consider providing your pet with a calcium supplement.
Feeding your dragon live insects can be a great way to provide your pet with a balanced diet. However, you should keep in mind that some insects can be a bit smelly and loud.
There are also a variety of freeze dried foods. These foods can be a convenient alternative to live foods, but they must be used as extras and not as the main source of nutrition.
Bearded Dragons can be stubborn at first, so you should be patient when training them. Introducing new foods slowly is always a good idea.
Ideally, you should try to offer your bearded dragon a 50/50 diet. This means that half of your pet’s meal should consist of live foods.
The other half should include a vitamin rich meal that includes fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients for your pet. Ideally, you should try to give your Bearded Dragon at least one small fruit as a treat.
As your bearded dragon grows, you can gradually introduce more and more vegetables to its diet. Keep in mind that your pet will need a calcium supplement twice a week.
A variety of colorful fruits and veggies will also be attractive to your bearded dragon. Blueberries, strawberries, and butternut squash are all good choices.
Observing body language and behavior
When you are training a bearded dragon, it is important to know the behaviors and body language of your pet. This will give you the ability to recognize your animal’s moods, feelings, and physical condition.
Bearded dragons exhibit body language that can be quite strange and even confusing to humans. The reason is that the behavior is based on the social hierarchy of the animal.
It is important to know the dominant and submissive traits of your bearded dragon. This will allow you to know the appropriate response to different situations.
You may see your bearded dragon making small leaps when it is excited. Or, it may do slow bobs. These actions are a way of reassuring and defending itself from potential danger. They are also an indication that the bearded dragon is feeling territorial.
It is also important to understand that bearded dragons display aggression when they are threatened. If you notice a bearded dragon biting or nipping you, this is a clear indicator that the animal is trying to defend itself.
Often, you will see a bearded dragon hissing as a warning signal. When the bearded dragon hisses, it means that it is in danger of being hurt. Typically, this warning sign occurs when it feels threatened, frightened, or a little unsure of itself.
Another common bearded dragon behavior is to curl its tail. This is a response to a warm environment. Some bearded dragons show a vertical stance, which is a sign of alertness.
A bearded dragon might also hiss when it feels threatened. This behavior is particularly noticeable when larger animals are nearby.
Other signs of stress include dark lines on the belly. This indicates that the bearded dragon has some physical problems.
Researching the species before buying one
Before buying a bearded dragon, research the species to ensure it will be compatible with your lifestyle. A good breeder will be able to provide information about the animal’s needs. This will help to ensure that the dragon will be healthy and will not suffer from any health problems.
Bearded dragons are a great pet for children. They are docile, tame and fun to care for. These animals can live for many years. However, they are very expensive to care for. You must make sure that you have the proper equipment and habitat to care for your new pet.
When choosing a habitat, you should look for one that is large enough to accommodate your bearded dragon. Some owners choose to use old newspaper or natural non-silica sand.
You should also choose a habitat that is well maintained. This includes providing a good amount of heat and lighting. You should also avoid a habitat that is too overcrowded. An overcrowded habitat will cause your dragon to suffer from stress.
When researching the species, you can also ask reputable Australian Bearded Dragon groups for information. The information you obtain will help you to determine whether the animal is healthy and will be compatible with your lifestyle.
Bearded dragons have a variety of morphs. One of the most popular morphs is the translucent morph. It has clear scales with blue bellies. Translucent morphs can cost anywhere from $100 to $450.
If you want to purchase a morph that is less expensive, you may want to consider a silkback. Silkbacks are a controversial species that require environmental adaptations.
Whether you decide to purchase a bearded dragon from a pet store or from a breeder, you will need to provide a secure habitat. Ensure that the habitat is clean and that the floor is covered with a layer of substrate.