Do you have a bearded dragon and wonder if they trust you?

Unlike cats and dogs, bearded dragons exhibit subtle signs of affection and trust. This blog post will guide you in recognizing these nuanced behaviors to determine if your scaly friend trusts you.

Let’s dip into the fascinating world of bearded dragon behavior together!

Key Takeaways: How To Tell If Your Bearded Dragon Trusts You?

• Recognizing signs of trust in your bearded dragon includes remaining relaxed when picked up, sitting still with you, showing no aggression, coming to you willingly, and exhibiting other behaviors indicating trust.
• Arm waving, head bobbing, hissing, and nipping are misleading behaviors that should not be confused with trust in bearded dragons.
• To build trust with your bearded dragon, spend time handling them, pet them gently, allow them to walk on you, feed them yourself, and give them treats as rewards.

Signs that Your Bearded Dragon Trusts You

Your bearded dragon trusts you if it remains relaxed when picked up, sits still, shows no signs of aggression, comes to you willingly, and exhibits other behaviors indicating trust.

Remaining relaxed when picked up

Your bearded dragon shows trust by staying calm in your arms. This means they know you won’t harm them. They keep their eyes open, looking out for any danger. Trust is shown by how relaxed they feel when you handle them.

Sitting still

A bearded dragon that sits still is a happy pet. This shows trust in you. Our lizard friends often try to run away if they feel unsafe. But when your bearded dragon stays calm and relaxed, it means he trusts you.

This sitting-still behavior is key to knowing if your reptile feels secure around you. It tells us that the bond between you two is strong. So next time, take note of how often your bearded dragon sits still during playtime or handling sessions!

No signs of aggression

Bearded dragons show trust in a calm way. This means they do not act mean or angry to you. They are docile and gentle animals when they feel safe. If your dragon does not show any signs of being mad, it trusts you.

It feels at home with you and sees no reason to fight or protect itself. Instead, it acts relaxed and peaceful around you because it has learned that you are a friend, not a foe.

Coming to you

To tell if your bearded dragon trusts you, one of the clear signs is when they come towards you. When a bearded dragon voluntarily approaches its owner, it shows that they like and trust them.

This behavior indicates an emotional connection and a positive bond between the owner and pet reptile. It’s important to note that this behavior is not common among all reptiles, so when your bearded dragon comes to you, it’s a special sign of their affection and attachment towards you as their owner.

Other behaviors indicating trust

Bearded dragons show trust through various behaviors. One of these is closing their eyes and resting when they are being handled. This indicates that they feel safe and comfortable with their owner.

Another sign of trust is when a bearded dragon remains calm and relaxed while being picked up. They do not exhibit any signs of aggression or discomfort, showing that they trust their owner to handle them gently.

Additionally, bearded dragons may display signs of affection towards their owners, such as coming to them willingly or showing excitement when they see them. These behaviors indicate a deep level of trust and an emotional connection between the bearded dragon and its owner.

Misleading Behaviors Not to Be Confused with Trust

Misleading behaviors not to be confused with trust include arm waving, head bobbing, hissing, and nipping or light biting.

Arm waving

Arm waving is a behavior that some bearded dragons display, especially hatchlings and juveniles. It is important to note that arm waving is not a sign of trust from your bearded dragon.

Instead, it is a form of submissive behavior where the dragon acknowledges your dominance as their owner and fears displeasing you. It’s their way of showing submission and subservience.

Be aware that arm waving can also occur when your bearded dragon recognizes another bearded dragon in its presence. So, if you see your beardie waving its arms, remember that it’s not an indication of trust but rather a display of submission or the acknowledgement of another dragon nearby.

Head bobbing

Head bobbing in bearded dragons is not a cute behavior; it’s actually an aggressive posture. When bearded dragons feel threatened by a foreign presence, they will bob their heads as a display of dominance over their domain.

This behavior can also occur when male bearded dragons want to show females that they are ready to mate or when they want to assert dominance toward other males. However, some types of head bobbing may indicate unhappiness or danger in the bearded dragon.

It’s important to understand that head bobbing is often associated with aggressive and misleading behaviors in these reptiles.

Hissing

Hissing is a behavior that bearded dragons display when they feel scared, threatened, or stressed. It’s important to understand that hissing is not a sign of trust or contentment. Instead, it serves as a warning sign for these reptiles to communicate their discomfort or fear.

Hissing can be considered an aggressive behavior and may indicate that the bearded dragon feels angry. They may hiss if they perceive a potential threat in their surroundings or if they are feeling threatened themselves.

To ensure your bearded dragon feels comfortable and stress-free, it’s important to pay attention to their hissing behavior and create a safe environment for them.

Nipping/light biting

Nipping or light biting in bearded dragons is a behavior that may occur during mating. Sometimes, it can be mistaken for “love nips” or a sign of trust. However, it’s important to know that nipping or light biting should not be confused with trust-related behaviors in bearded dragons.

This behavior is usually associated with misleading behaviors and does not indicate trust. So, if your bearded dragon nibbles or bites you lightly, it doesn’t mean they trust you more than before.

It’s essential to remember that aggressive behavior, dominance displays, territorial behaviors, courtship rituals, and mating aggression are all part of the natural behavioral repertoire of bearded dragons.

How to Build Trust with Your Bearded Dragon

To build trust with your bearded dragon, spend time handling them, pet them gently, and allow them to walk on you. Feed them yourself and give them treats as rewards. These actions will help establish a bond and create a comfortable environment for your beardie.

Read more to learn how to establish a trusting relationship with your reptile friend.

Spend time handling them

To build trust with your bearded dragon, spend time handling them. Regular interaction is key to developing a bond and gaining their trust. Here are some tips on how to spend quality time with your pet:

1. Gently pick them up and hold them in your hands.
2. Allow them to explore different surfaces while supervised.
3. Take them out of their enclosure for supervised playtime.
4. Let them crawl on you while you sit or lie down.
5. Stroke their back gently with your fingers.
6. Talk to them in a calm and soothing voice.

Pet your bearded dragon

Petting your bearded dragon is one way to build trust with them.

• Stroke their back gently using slow and smooth motions.
• Avoid touching their tail, as it may startle them.
• Pay attention to their body language and stop if they show signs of discomfort.
• Gradually increase the duration of petting sessions as they become more comfortable.
• Regularly petting your bearded dragon can help strengthen the emotional connection between you.

Have your beardie walk on you

Having your bearded dragon walk on you is a great way to build trust and strengthen your bond with them. This behavior shows that they feel comfortable and safe with you. When your bearded dragon willingly walks on you, it indicates that they like and trust you. It is an affectionate gesture that they display towards their trusted human companions.

Feed them yourself

• Feeding your bearded dragon yourself is an important way to build trust.
• By personally providing their food, you show that you are a source of nourishment and care.
• This action helps them associate you with positive experiences and builds a bond between you.
• Through feeding, your bearded dragon learns to trust that you will take care of their needs.
• It is recommended to offer a variety of healthy foods to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
• By consistently feeding them yourself, you can strengthen the trust and connection with your bearded dragon.

Give them treats

Giving treats to your bearded dragon can help build trust and strengthen your bond with them. Here are some ways you can use treats to nurture trust with your bearded dragon:

1. Hand-feed them treats: Holding a treat in your hand, gently offer it to your bearded dragon. This allows them to associate your presence with something positive and enjoyable.
2. Offer treats throughout the day: By rewarding your bearded dragon with treats at different times, you create opportunities for interaction and reinforce their trust in you.
3. Use a variety of treats: Bearded dragons have preferences when it comes to food. Experiment with different treats, such as small insects or pieces of fruit, to find what they enjoy most.
4. Be patient and gentle: When giving them treats, make sure to approach slowly and avoid sudden movements that could startle or frighten them. Treat time should be a calm and pleasant experience for both of you.
5. Pay attention to their body language: Observe how your bearded dragon reacts when receiving treats. If they eagerly approach you or show signs of relaxation while eating from your hand, it’s a positive indication that trust is being built.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by observing the behaviors of your bearded dragon, you can tell if it trusts you. If it remains relaxed when picked up, sits still with you, shows no aggression, comes to you willingly, and displays other signs of trust like licking or following you around, then congratulations! Your bearded dragon trusts you and enjoys your company.

Remember to spend quality time with your beardie and build that bond for a happy and trusting relationship.

FAQs

1. How can I tell if my bearded dragon trusts me?

You can tell if your bearded dragon trusts you by observing signs such as relaxed body posture, willingness to eat from your hand, and calm behavior when being handled.

2. Can I build trust with my bearded dragon?

Yes, you can build trust with your bearded dragon by spending time with them, handling them gently, providing a comfortable habitat, and offering regular feeding.

3. How long does it take for a bearded dragon to trust its owner?

The time it takes for a bearded dragon to trust its owner may vary, but with consistent interaction and positive experiences, it is possible to build trust within a few weeks or months.

4. What should I do if my bearded dragon shows signs of fear or aggression?

If your bearded dragon shows signs of fear or aggression towards you, give it space and avoid forcing interactions. Gradually introduce positive experiences like offering food or gentle petting to help alleviate their fears.

5. Can training sessions help improve the bond between me and my bearded dragon?

Yes, training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques can not only enhance the bond between you and your beardie but also provide mental stimulation for them.