{"id":694,"date":"2019-03-01T07:37:52","date_gmt":"2019-03-01T07:37:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/?p=694"},"modified":"2023-11-15T07:50:43","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T07:50:43","slug":"do-bearded-dragons-like-to-be-handled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/do-bearded-dragons-like-to-be-handled\/","title":{"rendered":"Do bearded dragons like to be handled? (You Need to Know the Truth)"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you interested in a Bearded Dragon (Click here to see my best Bearded Dragon Guide)<\/a>, 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 all of this now.<\/div>\n
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Do Bearded Dragons Like to Be Handled? Not naturally, but in captivity as pets they can be trained and conditioned to tolerate or even appreciate being handled. They prefer familiar faces, such you as their owner, but may fear strangers.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Understanding if they enjoy being handled, is just one part of the equation, you need to know signs they give you when they do not want to be handled, what things may stress them out and how to avoid this, and more. Keep reading for this.<\/p>\n

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Origins and Misconceptions of Bearded Dragons<\/h2>\n

For an animal that shares its name with the fabled, fire-breathing beasts of antiquity, bearded dragons are actually very docile, gentle creatures that can make great pets. Originating in Australia, bearded dragons were introduced to the US in the 1990s.<\/p>\n

Since then, they have exploded in popularity as companion animals and have been bred in a variety of colors, patterns and varieties. These days, bearded dragons can be found for sale in almost every pet store around the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

With so many bearded dragons being kept as pets, there is an equally large amount of misinformation circulating about the care and behavior of these exotic creatures.<\/div>\n
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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

How Do You Handle a Bearded Dragon Correctly?<\/h2>\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

When Should You Be Handling Them?<\/h2>\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