10 Secrets To Train Your Bearded Dragon (Easy Tips!)

You’ve just brought home a new bearded dragon, and you’re eager to start training it. But where do you begin? Bearded dragons are intelligent creatures that can learn a variety of tricks, from simple commands like “come here” to more complex ones like “roll over.” With patience and consistency, you can train your bearded dragon to be a well-behaved and obedient pet.

The first step in training your bearded dragon is to establish a bond with it. This means spending time with it each day, handling it gently, and talking to it in a soft, soothing voice. Once your bearded dragon trusts you, it will be more likely to cooperate with your training efforts. Start with simple commands, such as “come here” and “sit.” Use a treat to reward your bearded dragon when it follows your commands. As your bearded dragon progresses, you can gradually introduce more complex tricks.

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your bearded dragon to learn new tricks, but with patience and perseverance, you’ll be amazed at what your bearded dragon can learn. So don’t give up! With a little time and effort, you can train your bearded dragon to be the perfect pet.

Establishing a Suitable Habitat

Creating an optimal habitat is essential for the well-being and trainability of your bearded dragon. Here’s how to establish a suitable environment:

Enclosure:

Choose a spacious enclosure that allows your dragon to move around freely. A 40-gallon tank or a 4’x2’x2′ enclosure is recommended for an adult dragon. It should have secure ventilation to ensure proper airflow and prevent respiratory issues.

Substrate:

Use a moisture-absorbent substrate that is safe for ingestion, such as reptile carpet, paper towels, or a mixture of sand and topsoil. Avoid substrates like cedar shavings or cat litter, which can irritate their respiratory system.

Heating and Lighting:

Bearded dragons require a basking area of 105-110°F (40-43°C) and a cooler end of 85-90°F (29-32°C). Use a combination of a heat lamp and a UVB bulb for both warmth and essential vitamin D3 synthesis. Ensure the bulbs are placed securely above the enclosure, not directly inside it.

Humidity:

Bearded dragons generally do not require high humidity levels. However, providing a humid hide is beneficial for shedding and hydration. Place a moist substrate, such as sphagnum moss or paper towels, in a covered hide.

Water:

Provide a shallow water dish that is large enough for your dragon to soak in. Change the water daily to ensure it remains clean and fresh.

Hides:

Bearded dragons need multiple hides for security and temperature regulation. These can include rocks, logs, caves, or commercial hide boxes. Provide a variety of hides in different sizes and locations to cater to their comfort and privacy needs.

Item	Description
Enclosure	40-gallon tank or 4’x2’x2′ enclosure
Substrate	Reptile carpet, paper towels, sand/topsoil mixture
Heating	Heat lamp, basking area of 105-110°F
Lighting	UVB bulb for vitamin D3 synthesis
Humidity	Moist hide with sphagnum moss or paper towels
Water	Shallow water dish
Hides	Rocks, logs, caves, commercial hide boxes

Providing Adequate Food and Water

Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that require a varied diet to stay healthy. In captivity, they should be fed a combination of live insects, vegetables, and fruits.

Live Insects

Live insects are an essential part of a bearded dragon’s diet. They provide a source of protein, fat, and calcium. The most common insects fed to bearded dragons are crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms. These insects should be gut-loaded with a nutritious diet before being offered to the bearded dragon.

Insects should be offered to bearded dragons in a shallow dish. The dragon will typically stalk the insect and then lunge at it. Make sure to remove any uneaten insects from the cage after a few hours.

Insect	Size	Quantity
Crickets	1/2-1 inch	10-20 per day
Dubia roaches	1-2 inches	5-10 per day
Mealworms	1/2-1 inch	5-10 per day

Vegetables

Vegetables should make up about 50% of a bearded dragon’s diet. Leafy greens, such as collard greens and dandelion greens, are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Other vegetables that can be offered to bearded dragons include carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes.

Fruits

Fruits can be offered to bearded dragons as a treat. They should only be given in small amounts, as they are high in sugar. Some fruits that can be offered to bearded dragons include blueberries, strawberries, and bananas.

Maintaining Optimal Temperature Levels

Bearded dragons, native to the Australian desert, are ectothermic reptiles, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Providing your bearded dragon with the correct temperature gradient is essential for its overall health and well-being. Creating a temperature gradient involves establishing a warm side and a cool side within the enclosure.

Basking Spot

The basking spot is the warmest area within the enclosure and should be located at one end. It should provide a surface temperature of 95-105°F (35-40°C) during the day and 75-85°F (24-29°C) at night. This area mimics the natural sunlight that bearded dragons bask in their native habitat. A basking bulb or heat lamp can be used to create this zone.

Warm Side

The warm side of the enclosure should maintain a temperature of 85-90°F (29-32°C) during the day and 70-80°F (21-27°C) at night. This temperature gradient allows the bearded dragon to move between different zones to regulate its body temperature. Heat panels, under-tank heaters, or ceramic heat emitters can be used to maintain the desired temperature on the warm side.

Cool Side

The cool side of the enclosure should provide a temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C) during the day and 65-75°F (18-24°C) at night. This area offers a respite from the heat and allows the bearded dragon to cool down. It is important to provide a hiding place on the cool side where the dragon can retreat to.

Temperature Zone	Daytime Temperature	Nighttime Temperature
Basking Spot	95-105°F	75-85°F
Warm Side	85-90°F	70-80°F
Cool Side	75-80°F	65-75°F

Handling Your Bearded Dragon Safely

Approaching Your Bearded Dragon

When approaching your bearded dragon, move slowly and calmly. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises, as this can startle them. Speak to them softly and gently to let them know you’re present.

Picking Up Your Bearded Dragon

To pick up your bearded dragon, gently slide one hand under their belly and the other hand under their tail. Support their entire body, including their head and tail.

Holding Your Bearded Dragon

Hold your bearded dragon close to your body, with their belly facing you. Use one hand to support their chest and the other to gently hold their tail.

4. Preventing Bites

Bearded dragons typically bite only when they feel threatened. Here are some tips to prevent bites:

Handle your bearded dragon regularly to build trust.
Avoid handling them when they are hungry, tired, or shedding.
Never grab them by the tail, as this can cause them to become aggressive.
If your bearded dragon does bite, remain calm and gently place them back in their enclosure.

Situation	Response
Bearded dragon approaches you	Stay still and allow them to come to you.
Bearded dragon is hissing or puffing up	Slowly back away and give them space.
Bearded dragon is licking you	They are likely trying to taste you. Allow them to continue.

Routine Veterinary Checkups

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for the health and well-being of your bearded dragon. These checkups should be scheduled every 6 to 12 months and should include:

Physical Examination

The veterinarian will thoroughly examine your bearded dragon, checking for any signs of illness or injury. This includes examining the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, and tail.

Weight Measurement

Monitoring your bearded dragon’s weight is essential for assessing their overall health. Veterinarians will track their weight over time to ensure they are gaining at an appropriate rate.

Parasite Screening

Bearded dragons may be susceptible to internal and external parasites. Veterinarians will perform fecal examinations and external inspections to detect any potential infestation.

Bloodwork

Bloodwork can provide valuable insights into your bearded dragon’s overall health. It can assess organ function, detect blood sugar levels, and identify potential underlying issues.

Nutritional Examination

Veterinarians will assess your bearded dragon’s diet to ensure it is meeting their nutritional needs. They can provide recommendations for any necessary adjustments.

Radiology

In some cases, X-rays or other imaging modalities may be necessary to diagnose or rule out medical conditions, such as respiratory problems or bone disorders.

Procedure	Frequency
Physical Examination	Every 6-12 months
Weight Measurement	Every veterinary checkup
Parasite Screening	Annually or more frequently if needed
Bloodwork	Every 1-2 years
Nutritional Examination	Every veterinary checkup
Radiology	As needed

Enrichment and Stimulation

Creating a stimulating and enriching environment for your bearded dragon is crucial for their well-being and happiness. Here are several key ways to provide enrichment and stimulation:

Variety in Diet

Offer a diverse range of live insects, leafy greens, and fruits to meet their nutritional needs and stimulate their hunting instincts.

UVB Lighting

Provide adequate UVB lighting for calcium absorption, which is essential for healthy bone development and immune function.

Basking Area Temperature Gradient

Create a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with a basking area of 100-110°F (38-43°C) and a cooler end of 80-90°F (27-32°C), allowing your bearded dragon to thermoregulate.

Hiding Places

Provide multiple hiding places, such as caves or burrows, where your bearded dragon can feel secure and retreat when needed.

Rocks and Branches

Add rocks and branches to their enclosure for climbing and exploration, promoting natural behaviors and preventing boredom.

Interactive Toys

Introduce interactive toys, such as balls or tunnels, to engage your bearded dragon’s senses and provide mental stimulation. Supervise your pet during playtime to ensure their safety.

Type of Enrichment	Benefits
Variety in Diet	Stimulates hunting instincts and provides nutritional balance
UVB Lighting	Supports calcium absorption and immune function
Basking Area Temperature Gradient	Allows thermoregulation and promotes natural habits
Hiding Places	Provides security and reduces stress
Rocks and Branches	Encourages climbing and exploration
Interactive Toys	Stimulates senses and provides mental enrichment

Monitoring Health and Well-being

Keeping a keen eye on your bearded dragon’s health and well-being is essential for their longevity and happiness. Regular monitoring will help you detect any potential issues early on, ensuring prompt treatment and the best possible outcome for your beloved pet.

Daily Inspection

Make it a habit to visually inspect your bearded dragon every day. Check their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for any signs of discharge or infection. Examine their skin for any changes in color, texture, or the presence of parasites. Healthy dragons should have clear, bright eyes, clean ears and nose, and smooth, unblemished skin.

Weighing

Weigh your bearded dragon regularly to track their weight and growth. A sudden loss or gain in weight can indicate health problems. A kitchen scale can be used to accurately monitor changes in their mass.

Monitoring Temperature and Lighting

Bearded dragons rely on specific temperature and lighting conditions to thrive. Ensure that their terrarium has a warm side and a cool side, with appropriate basking and UVB lighting. Incorrect temperatures or inadequate lighting can lead to health issues.

Fecal Sample Examination

Collect a fecal sample from your bearded dragon every 3-6 months for examination by a veterinarian. This helps detect the presence of parasites, bacteria, or other health concerns that may not be evident from visual inspection.

Body Condition Scoring

Assessing your bearded dragon’s body condition can provide insights into their overall health. Use a body condition scoring system to objectively evaluate their muscle mass, fat reserves, and hydration status. A healthy dragon should have a score between 3 and 5 on a scale of 1 to 5.

Veterinary Checkups

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for detecting and treating health problems in their early stages. Schedule yearly exams with a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care to ensure your bearded dragon’s well-being.

Common Health Issues

Bearded dragons can be prone to various health issues, including metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and digestive problems. By monitoring their health closely, you can increase the chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Common Health Issues and Concerns

1. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

MBD is a condition caused by a calcium deficiency or an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in a bearded dragon’s diet. It can lead to soft or brittle bones and deformities. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty moving.

2. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are common in bearded dragons, especially when they are stressed or exposed to cold temperatures. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge.

3. Gastrointestinal Problems

Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and constipation, can be caused by improper diet, parasites, or stress. Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in stool consistency.

4. Parasites

Bearded dragons can be infected with a variety of parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, and coccidia. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of parasite but may include weight loss, diarrhea, and lethargy.

5. Skin Infections

Skin infections, such as scale rot and bacterial infections, can be caused by improper husbandry, such as inadequate humidity or excessive temperatures. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and blisters.

6. Toe Rot

Toe rot is a bacterial infection that causes the toes to become discolored, swollen, and necrotic. It can be caused by trauma or improper husbandry practices.

7. Impaction

Impaction occurs when a bearded dragon ingests a foreign object, such as sand or gravel, that cannot be digested. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

8. Tail Loss

Tail loss is a common occurrence in bearded dragons and is often caused by stress or mishandling. While the tail can regenerate, it may not grow back to its full length.

Common Tail Loss Causes
– Stress from handling or environmental changes
– Physical trauma from falls or bites from other animals
– Disease or infection that damages the tail
– Natural shedding of the tail as a defense mechanism

Behavior Management and Training

Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or petting reinforces them and makes them more likely to be repeated.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant consequence when a desired behavior occurs, such as releasing pressure from the tail when the dragon remains calm, strengthens the behavior.

Punishment

Applying an aversive stimulus (e.g., a gentle spray of water) to deter undesired behaviors should be used sparingly and only if other methods have failed.

Habituation

Repeatedly exposing the dragon to a stimulus until it no longer reacts reinforces the idea that the stimulus is not a threat.

Desensitization

Gradually increasing the intensity or duration of stimuli to teach the dragon to tolerate them calmly.

Target Training

Using a target stick to guide the dragon’s movement and reward them for touching it, teaching them to move in specific directions or to interact with objects.

Leash Training

Familiarizing the dragon with a harness and leash and gradually increasing the duration and distance of walks, teaching them to explore comfortably while on a leash.

Clicker Training

Associating a click with a reward to mark the exact moment a desired behavior occurs, making it easier for the dragon to understand what they are being rewarded for.

Socialization

Exposing the dragon to different humans, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive way to build confidence and reduce stress in social situations.

Long-Term Care and Commitment

1. Ownership Commitment

Bearded dragons are long-lived pets, living up to 10 years or more in captivity. Before acquiring one, consider the long-term commitment required for its well-being, including regular feedings, habitat maintenance, and veterinary care.

2. Financial Responsibility

Bearded dragons require a substantial financial investment, including the cost of purchasing the animal, a proper enclosure, essential equipment (lighting, heating, substrate), and ongoing expenses such as food, supplements, and veterinary care.

3. Adequate Space

Bearded dragons need a spacious enclosure that meets their specific needs, including a temperature gradient, access to natural sunlight or UV lighting, and ample room for exercise.

4. Time Commitment

Bearded dragons require daily attention, including feeding, cleaning, handling, and observing their behavior. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time caring for your pet.

5. Environmental Considerations

Bearded dragons are native to arid environments and require specific environmental conditions, such as low humidity, proper temperature, and a suitable substrate to maintain their health.

6. Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary checkups are essential for maintaining your bearded dragon’s health. Seek a qualified reptile veterinarian who can provide specialized care and advice.

7. Insurance Coverage

Consider pet insurance for your bearded dragon to cover the costs of unexpected medical expenses, such as surgery or emergency treatments.

8. Socialization and Handling

Bearded dragons can be social and friendly pets, but require careful handling and socialization from a young age to build trust and familiarity.

9. Research and Education

Continuously educate yourself about bearded dragon care by reading reputable sources, consulting with experts, and joining online forums or attending workshops.

10. Emergency Preparedness

Develop an emergency plan in case of power outages, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect your bearded dragon’s well-being. Consider having a backup power source and a designated safe place for the animal.

How to Train a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are popular pet reptiles that can make great companions. They are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some training to ensure they are well-behaved and socialized. Here are some tips on how to train a bearded dragon:

Start by handling your bearded dragon regularly. This will help them get used to your presence and become more comfortable with being touched. Begin by picking them up for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
When your bearded dragon does something you like, such as eating from your hand or staying in a certain area, reward them with a treat or praise.

Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your bearded dragon to learn what you want them to do, but if you are patient and consistent, they will eventually learn.