Introduction to Bearded Dragon Training

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that make great pets. They are friendly, easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. One thing that sets them apart from other pets is their ability to be trained. Yes, you heard that right! You can train your bearded dragon to do all sorts of things, from coming to you on command to doing tricks like jumping or even playing dead. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about bearded dragon training, from the basics to the advanced techniques.

What is Bearded Dragon Training?

Bearded dragon training is a process of teaching your pet bearded dragon certain behaviors or tricks to follow using positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency. It involves making your bearded dragon respond to specific cues or commands in a desirable manner, rewarding good behavior, and redirecting or correcting unwanted behavior.

Why Train Your Bearded Dragon?

Training your bearded dragon gives you an opportunity to bond with your pet, increase its mental stimulation, and teach it new behaviors that can make its life better. It can also help in handling and caring for them. For instance, a trained bearded dragon will be comfortable with being handled, visiting the vet, or living with other pets or humans in the house. Additionally, training your bearded dragon helps in avoiding certain undesirable behaviors that they might naturally show without proper training, such as biting, scratching, or escaping from their enclosure.

Bearded Dragon Training Tips for Beginners

Before starting any training, you need to ensure that your bearded dragon is healthy, well-fed, and comfortable in its surroundings. The following are some other tips to consider when training your bearded dragon:

1. Start with Basic Commands

The first step in training your bearded dragon is to start with basic commands such as getting it to come to you when you call its name or getting it to eat from your hand. Always use the same cue when giving a command to avoid confusing your bearded dragon. Patience and consistency are crucial during this stage, as it might take several weeks or months for your bearded dragon to respond to commands promptly.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Bearded dragons respond well to positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding good behavior with treats, verbal praise or petting, and more playtime. This enables them to associate good behavior with positive outcomes and encourages them to repeat it. However, avoid punishing your bearded dragon or using negative reinforcement, such as screaming or yelling, as this might scare or stress them.

3. Keep Training Sessions Short and Frequent

Bearded dragons have a short attention span, so it’s essential to keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes) and frequent, preferably every day or every other day. This way, your bearded dragon won’t get bored or tired, and it will be easier for them to retain what they learned.

4. Understand Your Bearded Dragon’s Body Language

Bearded dragons communicate through body language, and understanding their cues or signs can help you avoid undesirable behavior or situations. For instance, if your bearded dragon starts displaying black color on its beard or puffs up, it’s a sign of aggression or defense, and you should avoid handling or disturbing it.

5. Use Clicker Training

Clicker training is a proven technique used to train various animals, including bearded dragons. It involves using a clicker or any sound-making device to signal a desirable behavior then rewarding your bearded dragon for producing that behavior. This technique helps fasten the learning process and increases your bearded dragon’s accuracy in performing the desired behavior.

Advanced Bearded Dragon Training Techniques

If your bearded dragon has mastered the basics, you can try out some advanced techniques such as:

1. Jumping through Hoops

Training your bearded dragon to jump through hoops is not only impressive but also a fun activity for them. You can start by using a pencil or anything with the size of the hoop and luring your bearded dragon to follow it. Once your bearded dragon has mastered following the lure, you can upgrade to an actual hoop and lure it with treats to jump through it.

2. Playing Dead

Training your bearded dragon to play dead is an interesting trick that might take some time but is worth the effort. You can start by teaching your bearded dragon to lie still on its back, reward it with treats, then gradually increase the duration of lying still. However, ensure that your bearded dragon is comfortable, and don’t force it to remain in that position for an extended period.

3. Walking on a Leash

Bearded dragons are not like dogs that you can take for a walk around the block, but they can be trained to walk on a leash. You can start by introducing the leash gradually, letting your bearded dragon get used to the weight and feel of it, then guiding it to follow you on walks. However, ensure that you supervise your bearded dragon at all times and avoid exposing them to extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion

Bearded dragon training is a fun and rewarding activity for any pet owner. It requires patience, consistency, and creativity to come up with different training techniques. Remember to start with the basics, use positive reinforcement, keep training sessions short and frequent, understand your bearded dragon’s body language, and have fun while training. With the techniques, we’ve provided in this guide, your bearded dragon will be a well-behaved and trained pet in no time. Happy training!