Introduction

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that many people choose to keep as pets. Their small size, docile nature and long lifespans make them the perfect choice for those seeking a companion animal. However, despite their docile nature, it is important to properly train your bearded dragon for their safety and your own. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to train a bearded dragon for beginners.

Step 1: Create a comfortable environment

The first step in training your bearded dragon is to create a comfortable environment for them. This means providing a suitable habitat that includes the necessary equipment and supplies such as an appropriately-sized tank, lighting, and a heat source. This will help to ensure your beardie has a comfortable living space which will allow them to feel relaxed and safe.

Step 2: Bond with your bearded dragon

It is important to bond with your bearded dragon to establish trust and respect. Spend time with your pet, handle them gently and talk to them softly. Offer your hand for them to climb onto and give them food from your hand as a treat. This will help your bearded dragon associate you with positive experiences and will promote a bond between you and your pet.

Step 3: Teach obedience commands

Teaching obedience commands is an important part of training your bearded dragon. Start with simple commands such as ‘come’ or ‘stay’. Use a consistent tone and reward your dragon with a treat or a gentle pat on the head when they perform the desired behavior. Gradually increase the complexity of commands as your dragon becomes more comfortable with the training process.

Step 4: Teach house-training

House-training your bearded dragon can be a challenging process, but it is important to establish boundaries and ensure your pet is using the proper area for waste elimination. To begin, observe your dragon’s habits and try to anticipate when they may need to eliminate. Place your dragon in the designated area, and use a consistent cue command to help train your dragon to eliminate in the correct location. Reward your dragon with praise and a treat when they eliminate in the correct location.

Step 5: Leash-training

Leash-training your bearded dragon can provide them with safe, supervised outdoor exploration opportunities. Purchase a harness and leash that is specifically designed for lizards and gradually introduce wearing it to your dragon. Start with short periods of time and gradually increase the amount of time your dragon is wearing the harness as they become more comfortable. This step requires patience and a gentle approach, so be sure to go slowly and speak calmly to your pet throughout the process.

Conclusion

Successfully training a bearded dragon requires patience and dedication, but the time and effort are well worth it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to having a well-behaved, happy and healthy bearded dragon as a companion. Happy training!