Bearded dragons make great pets for reptile lovers. With their docile nature, amusing behaviors, and manageable size, it’s no wonder bearded dragons are so popular. However, building a bond based on trust with these lizards takes time and patience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key signs that indicate your bearded dragon feels safe and comfortable with you. Let´s learn how to tell if your Bearded dragon trusts you!
What Does Trust Look Like With a Bearded Dragon?
A bearded dragon that trusts you will demonstrate relaxed and content behaviors in your presence. Specific signs include:
- Sitting calmly on you for handling without trying to run away
- Allowing gentle petting and rubbing along their head and back
- Taking food you offer directly from your fingers
- Generally relaxing rather than acting scared when you approach
- Voluntarily climbing onto you to sit or sleep
Building enough trust to see these behaviors can take weeks or months depending on your dragon’s unique personality. But the effort pays off with a bearded dragon companion who seeks out interactions with you!
Early Subtle Signs of Gaining Their Trust
At first, you may only see subtle clues suggesting your bearded dragon is getting more comfortable:
- Not immediately running and hiding when you come up to their tank
- Tolerating gentle handling without squirming to escape
- Taking food from your fingers (even if quickly)
- Staying still while being lightly petted
- Closing their eyes while very near you
These are positive early signs the trust-building process is working. With gradually increased positive interactions over time, your bearded dragon’s confidence in you will continue to grow.
Subtle signs your bearded dragon is starting to trust you:
- Not instantly running away
- Tolerating some handling
- Taking food from fingers
- Staying still when petted
- Closing eyes near youRecognizing Clear Signals They Trust You
Once your bearded dragon fully trusts you, the behavioral indicators will be unmistakable:
- Climbing onto you voluntarily without prompting
- Leaning into you, nuzzling or rubbing their head against you affectionately
- Pancaking out flat across your hands/lap during handling
- Falling asleep on or very near you
- Allowing prolonged gentle petting without signs of stress
These behaviors demonstrate your bearded dragon feels completely safe and secure with you. A mix of innate personality and your effort in building positive experiences leads to this level of trust.
| Clear Signs of Full Trust | Description |
|---|---|
| Climbing onto you | Seeking you out for their own comfort and security |
| Nuzzling/rubbing you | Showing affection towards you as their trusted caretaker |
| Pancaking | Flattening body across you or your hand showing ultimate relaxation |
| Falling asleep on/near you | Demonstrating vulnerability and comfort in your presence |
| Allowing extended petting | Feeling relaxed rather than threatened by sustained touch |
Tips for Strengthening the Bond With Your Bearded Dragon
To help a timid or shy bearded dragon become more trusting over time, try these tips:
- Hand feed them favorite treats to build positive associations
- Gently scoop/support them during handling to create safe experiences
- Give them supervised floor time to bond while free roaming together
- Avoid sudden loud noises or movements that may startle them
- Pet gently along their back in the same direction as their scales lay
- Use praise and treats to reward docile behavior
Building trust requires patience on your part and the feeling of safety on theirs. Move at their pace and avoid forcing interactions they don’t seem ready for yet.
Common Mistakes That Can Undermine Trust
Some common mistakes can inadvertently undermine the trust you’re aiming to build:
- Picking up or restricting them in ways that lead to feeling scared
- Startling them intentionally with sudden sounds or touches
- Stressing them by pushing contact before they are comfortable
- Putting them in risky situations where fearful reactions could occur
You want your bearded dragon to view you as a source of good things and security. Avoid triggering their self-preservation instincts at all costs.
Recognizing the Signs Your Bearded Dragon Trusts You
Gaining your bearded dragon’s trust allows an incredible opportunity to bond with these personable reptiles. Pay attention for small indicators they see you as safe at first. Eventually, clear trusting behaviors will emerge like climbing onto you voluntarily or pancaking out across your lap.
Trust Can Take Time With Some Bearded Dragons
Trust may come quickly for some dragons, while shy dragons may take weeks or months to fully trust you. Every bearded dragon has a unique personality and background that influences their ability to trust.
For instance, a dragon that was handled frequently since hatching will typically become trusting faster than one adopted from a situation with little human interaction. But even dragons with unknown histories can become trusting pets with time and patience.
Giving Them No Reason to Fear Is Key
Regardless of your dragon’s unique personality, the key is giving them no reason to see you as scary or threatening. Avoid sudden movements, loud noises, and restricted positions that could seem scary. With repeated gentle handling and time to observe you, even shy dragons realize your intentions are friendly.
Positive reinforcement also helps shy dragons associate you with good outcomes. Offer favorite treats by hand and praise calm behavior. You’ll notice their trust in you strengthen over time as they become receptive to petting, hand-feeding and climbing onto you.
In Conclusion: Recognizing Your Bearded Dragon’s Trust
Gaining your bearded dragon’s trust allows an incredible and rewarding opportunity to bond with these personable reptiles. Pay attention for small indicators they see you as safe at first. With time, clear trusting behaviors will emerge as they seek you out for affection and security.
Trust may come quickly for some dragons but take months for shy ones. Have realistic expectations and let their comfort level be your guide. Avoid scaring them and provide only positive interactions. In time, your bearded dragon will demonstrate trusting behaviors as your patience and effort pays off in this special friendship.
