One misconception that\u2019s become particularly widespread has to do with whether they enjoy being held by their human caretakers. Let\u2019s explore this question in depth to make sure we provide the best care possible to our reptilian companions.<\/p>\n
Do Bearded Dragons Really Enjoy Being Handled?<\/h2>\n
It is widely debated among reptile keepers whether lizards can feel affection or attachment for their humans. A common belief among some people is that reptiles are emotionally cold and unfeeling, leading to the expression \u2018cold-blooded\u2019 being used to refer to humans who don\u2019t show their emotions.<\/p>\n
This idea is partly based on a theory proposed in 1957 that divides the human brain into three sections \u2013 the modern neocortex, responsible for reasoning, language and abstract thought, the older limbic system, that controls emotions, and the deeper brain-stem and basal ganglia, termed the \u2018reptile brain\u2019, where basic survival impulses are regulated.<\/p>\n
Called the triune brain theory, this explanation oversimplified the complexity of evolution and failed to account for the high intelligence of other species, such as birds, who have brains very similar to those of reptiles. It became very popular however, as pop-science often does, and to this day many people still believe that since reptiles only posses a \u2018reptile brain\u2019, they\u2019re biologically limited to only feeling fear, aggression and hunger.<\/p>\n
In May of 2018 the\u00a0triune brain theory finally came crashing down<\/a>. A cutting-edge\u00a0genetic analysis\u00a0of mammalian and reptilian brain cells showed that reptile brains possess their own versions of the two \u2018higher\u2019 brain systems that they were long believed to lack, including limbic structures responsible for emotional attachment and pleasure.<\/p>\n This study supports what bearded dragon owners have known all along- bearded dragons are very friendly, gentle creatures that can bond with specific people and will enjoy being held by their humans. If trained correctly, your bearded dragons will gladly sit on your arm, shoulder or chest for long periods of time and may even choose to climb up on you themselves.<\/p>\n Bearded dragons will recognize who their owners are and feel comfortable with them, but may behave skittishly around strangers. The will also let you know if they\u2019re scared or uncomfortable, so always pay attention to your dragon\u2019s body language before trying to pick it up.<\/p>\n In order to keep your dragon healthy and safe, always wash your hands before touching or holding them. This will reduce the chances of passing any germs to your pet. If you have sensitive skin you may want to consider wearing gloves, as bearded dragon skin can be rough.<\/p>\n Like any other animal, a bearded dragon has to be approached in the correct way, otherwise it may see you as a threat and either try to run away or attack. For bearded dragons, this means not coming at them from above.<\/p>\n They have sensory cells on the top of their heads intended to sense attacks from predators and\u00a0reaching down to grab them\u00a0may trigger their fight or flight response.<\/p>\n Move your hand towards their face slowly but surely. If you\u2019re afraid of them they won\u2019t trust you and will be hesitant to let you hold them. Once you\u2019re close enough to touch them, pet your dragon gently on the head or under the chin. This will get them used to to your touch and will relax them, as they\u2019ll see you\u2019re not trying to hurt them.<\/p>\n Once your bearded dragon has closed its eyes or blinked, it is ready to be picked up. Gently scoop your hand underneath them with your palm upwards and pick them up. Make sure you\u2019re supporting all four legs, their head and their tail with one or both hands.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re holding your bearded dragon securely, you can place it on your arms, chest or back, gently petting them in the direction of their scales. Your touch will help to keep them relaxed and happy, and they may even fall asleep as you hold them. This is a great way to build a strong bond with your dragon!<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to handle your bearded dragon from a young age in order to get them used to human presence and interaction. However you should learn to\u00a0read their body language\u00a0so you leave them alone if they\u2019re stressed or upset. Don\u2019t try to handle your dragon if:<\/strong><\/p>\n Being in a house with humans is very different than living in the natural environment that bearded dragons are adapted for, that\u2019s why there are a lot of things that can stress out your lizard.<\/p>\n Each dragon will be different though, and not all of them will get stressed out over the same things. As they adjust to their new surroundings, they may even stop being scared by some of the things that used to cause them anxiety.<\/p>\n Here are a few things that might stress out your beardie:<\/p>\n These are just a few things that could stress out your lizard, so it\u2019s up to get to know what your bearded dragon does and doesn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n Bearded dragons can be very affectionate with the people they feel safe with, so it can be pretty easy to know if your beardie likes you. If it stays calm when you pick it up and hold it, it\u2019s because it trusts you. Does it close its eyes around you, and even try to snuggle closer to you when you\u2019re holding it? If so, your bearded dragon definitely likes you!<\/p>\n However, if your dragon flinches, runs away or gapes its mouth at you, it probably still sees you as a threat instead of a friend.<\/p>\n Like other friendly animals, bearded dragons will show their owners affection in their own way. Don\u2019t expect them to come lick your face like a dog though. Reptile affection is much more subtle, but it is still there. While each beardie is an individual and will do things in their own way, yours may walk up to you, follow you around and even sit on your lap, letting you know that they care.<\/p>\n If your bearded dragon is showing\u00a0signs of being stressed, don\u2019t worry! There are a few things you can do to help it calm down.<\/p>\n Bearded dragons<\/a> are gentle and friendly reptiles that make great companions. It\u2019s important to take them out of their cage and handle them<\/a> daily so they become properly socialized. Once your beardie is comfortable around you, holding it will help form a lasting bond between the two of you and ensure it will enjoy your company and your touch for the rest of its life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you interested in a Bearded Dragon (Click here to see my best Bearded Dragon Guide), or have one and want to train it you will need to know if it wants to be handled, and how and when you should consider doing this. Therefore, you need to read this, because I will be revealing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":696,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[232,234,235],"yoast_head":"\nHow Do You Handle a Bearded Dragon Correctly?<\/h2>\n
When Should You Be Handling Them?<\/h2>\n
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What Can Stress Out a Bearded Dragon?<\/h2>\n
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How To Tell If Your Bearded Dragon Likes You?<\/h2>\n
How Do Bearded Dragons Show Affection?<\/h2>\n
How To Calm a Stressed Bearded Dragon?<\/h2>\n
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