Although a small set of people pet a bearded dragon, questions on how to train one to sit on your shoulder are a lot!
Well, the process is quite simple. You can offer food to your beardie such that they come onto your lap. Next, allow them to climb on your shoulders. The key here is to ensure that your beardie feels comfortable with you.
If you want to know the detailed method, follow the steps thoroughly and your pet will feel comfortable around you in no time.
Can a Bearded Dragon be Trained to Sit on Your Shoulder?
Did you know that Bearded Dragons are extremely good when it comes to climbing, especially to places that are high enough?
With that being said, of course, a bearded dragon can be trained to sit on your shoulders. As a matter of fact, they enjoy sitting there. But, it must be a necessary practice to keep a hand on them whenever they try to move around your shoulders.
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Some also have a habit of falling asleep while being on the shoulder. Thus, there is a fear that they will lose their grip and fall.
Why Does my Bearded Dragon Like My Shoulder?
If you notice your bearded dragon staying on your shoulder or chest for long periods, it goes on to suggest that the lizard is happy and that it is starting to like you. Spending time there is their own way of showing appreciation and respect.
It is a sure sign that it is comfortable in the company of its owner. Nevertheless, it also shows that trust in the owner has increased to a point where the beardie wants the person to be around.
How to Train a Bearded Dragon to Sit on Your Shoulder?
When your bearded dragon sits on your shoulder, it means that trust is built between the two of you. Bonding is a necessary element in this picture.
Make use of food to get your buddy to sit on your shoulder. Training and patience are the keys to this process. Gaining their trust is the first step to be taken. Only then comes the training part.
- The first step here would be to get hold of a short table with which you can keep your knees rubbing against it so that your beardie can make its way towards them without any difficulty.
- Next, you will want to keep a food item in your lap. Further, this will make the bearded dragon come in the direction of the food (onto your lap).
- Observe how your beardie is responding to the training. Is it in a negative or a positive way? In the process, do not let the lizard feel stressed in any way.
If you execute the training in a proper manner, there is no doubt that the little animal will find comfort in you and thus climb onto your shoulders. In fact, there are high chances for it to even place itself on your back.
Will a Bearded Dragon Poop on Your Shoulder?
If you think of the possibility that the bearded dragon will poop on your shoulders, then yes it is quite true. Thus, getting them to go through potty training is a good idea.
One of the biggest reasons why they commonly poop on your shoulders when you place it over them is mainly because they are scared of you.
In order to avoid that, it is necessary to spend quality time with your pet before potty training them. It proves beneficial especially when they are in their infant stage of life.
Also, another factor that plays an important role here is trust. This is essential before starting their potty training sessions. You shouldn’t start potty training until your beardie is showing signs of comfort, trust, and affection.
Other Suggestions to Train Your Beardie to Sit On Your Shoulder
1. Take Them Out
Training your bearded dragon won’t be very efficient if they are in a bad mood. Bringing them out in the sunlight is enjoyable and healthy for them and can put them in a better mood.
2. Patience Is a Virtue
Be very patient while handling/carrying them on your shoulders or back. It could take time to train them to do so. Also, try to stay very still while they’re moving on your body.
3. A Quick Health Check
Make sure that your bearded dragon is in a healthy condition. Take care that a proper amount of light and nutrition reaches them and that they have good background hygiene.
Bearded dragons should not turn black from their neck. If that does, learn that it is stressed.
4. Visit Their Vet
In fact, your bearded dragon is a pro at hiding its injuries. So, a routine visit to a vet becomes inevitable.
Final Thoughts
Thus, from this article, you can get to learn how to train a bearded dragon to sit on your shoulders. The process is a straightforward one. Remember that training your beardie to sit on your shoulder may require some amount of patience and effort!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Hold Your Bearded Dragon?
An owner should include holding a bearded dragon daily in their routine. Research says that regularly holding them makes them happy as well as used to people.
What are the Signs that Tell Me if My Bearded Dragon is Happy?
The following are signs that tell if your bearded dragon is happy or not:
- They willingly sit on your lap, shoulder, or back for a longer time.
- They allow you to pick them up without any objection.
- They show no aggression at all.
- They appear to be healthier and more alert.
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Bearded Dragon?
Generally, it takes almost a couple of weeks before you see positive results regarding potty training. All bearded dragons have different results and their own pace. You must hold your horses to get satisfying results.
Do Bearded Dragons Like Being Petted?
Bearded dragons have always been looked upon as antisocial animals. That is a false impression. Almost all bearded dragons like to engage with their owners. Not only this but they also adore being scratched on their head, and chin.