The Top Ways of Training Your Bearded Dragon

So, you want to know about bearded dragon training? Great! You’ve come to the right place!

Any pet owner will tell you, one of the best things about having a pet is the companionship it brings.

With a little bit of training, your bearded dragon can be a great and fun companion, and all it takes is a little bit of incentive for your beardie.

The best incentive for training your bearded dragon is food and therefore it is best to perform these training techniques when your beardie is hungry.

Why Train Your Beardie?

There are a few reasons why training your beardie is a really good idea.

Initially, you may just consider some cool party tricks which you would like to show off but there are also some functional things which you can teach your beardie.

These things can keep them safe and help to increase the bond between you and your beardie.

So, other than fun and safety, here are a few more reasons to train your beardie:

Mental Stimulation

Any animal kept in a tank can suffer from boredom, this can lead to a plethora of health issues. Keeping your beardie’s mind active is a great way to prevent boredom which can lead to increased anxiety and eating issues.

Physical Exertion

When a beardie starts to grow older, their metabolism begins to slow down. This can lead to your beardie becoming a little overweight. Physical activity is a great way to help a fat beardie lose weight.

If you are struggling with this you will want to check out these weight loss tips for a fat bearded dragon.

Stress Relief

It is a well-known fact that bearded dragons are sensitive creatures and can quite easily get worked up over very little things.

When they are distracted from these things, their bodies are able to relieve the chemicals that are causing the stress. Some of the activities below are great ways to achieve this.

Emergency Recall

As naturally inquisitive creatures, bearded dragons will like to go and explore.

They can sometimes be unaware of the dangers surrounding them, therefore being able to call them back to you is a really good way to ensure they remain safe.

So now we have identified the importance of training your bearded dragon, let’s not wait any longer and let’s get into the ways you can train your bearded dragon.

Training Your Bearded Dragon to Trust You

This is the first thing you will want to learn, it will set the foundation for any other training which you want your beardie to learn.

This method is one that requires a little bit of patience but it will bring with it a huge amount of reward in the way of affection.

Step 1

Place one mealworm at a time inside the tank next to where you are watching. Begin by using feeding tongs, particularly if you have an angry bearded dragon.

After a few days of doing this, your beardie will associate your presence with food.

Step 2

The next step is to keep your hand in view of your beardie and wait until he/she collects the tasty treat. If they do keep repeating this method for a couple of days.

If not go back a step and try again after two days’ time.

Step 3

Now your dragon is happily eating within the presence of your hand you are going to casually stroke him/her on the back of the neck.

If this goes well, move to step 4, if not go back to keeping your hand close, but don’t attempt to touch again for a couple of days.

Step 4

Casually stroke the dragons back after about every five mealworms fed. Simultaneously, you will want to start speaking to your beardie in a soft and gentle voice.

You will want to start repeating their name every time you present your beardie with some food.

This will help to establish foundations for future training.

Step 5

As long as the dragon is not snatching at the food and if you are confident to do so, start to present the mealworm held in the palm of your hand. This will be a really great progress when successful at this step!

Step 6

Repeat this for a few days and if your dragon is relaxed, then increase the stroke to after every other mealworm, until you are stroking them after each mealworm fed.

Step 7

After a few days, and as long as your dragon is relaxed, then you can introduce stroking without any mealworms present. Take it slow and calm.

Step 8

A slow and steady approach is essential, don’t rush, and this system will pay dividends in the long run.

Note: After handling your beardie or any food, ensure that you wash your hands to prevent the spread of any bacteria.

Using feeding tongs is a really good way to maintain hygiene if you are worried about touching live worms.

bearded dragon feeding tongs

Train Your Bearded Dragon to Come

Not only is this a fun aspect of owning a bearded dragon, but training your dragon to come when you call them is potentially a life-saving trick.

If you followed the tips for training your beardie to trust you, then you have already laid the foundations for this next element of training. So let’s now get right to it.

Step 1

When you feed your dragon, say their name or your chosen phrase such as ‘Smaug come’ and then feed them the treat.

Step 2

Continue to do this for every worm which you give. Gradually, you will see that your beardie is eager to come to you when you call his/her name.

Step 3

If you have a safe area to practice in, you will want to start increasing the distance that your beardie travels when called.

Move to the practice area, a place that allows more space between you and your beardie.

Then, keeping the food in your hand, begin to move around, and call him/her over for the food.

Step 4

Consistency is vital; use this training for your bearded dragon every day for at least a week.

Step 5

This is the final stage and it is proof that your beardie is truly trained. You will occasionally call your beardie over and offer something other than food, this can simply be affection such as a stroke on their back.

Or, if your beardie has a favorite toy then reward him/her with this.

If you don’t have a large open space and you are worried about your beardie escaping, then perhaps consider getting a leash and harness for your beardie.

You can still perform the recall training but with some added safety.

Bearded Dragon Leash

Training your bearded dragon to come when called is not only fun and stimulating, but it could literally save their life. If for some reason they are out of the tank and danger occurs you can call them straight to you.

Or, in an emergency, you can call, and your dragon will come running.

Train Your Beardie to Fetch a Ball

Training a bearded dragon to play fetch is another way of stimulating your dragon whilst having fun at the same time.

It is also a pretty cool party trick which you can show off to your beardie’s top fans! Let’s find out how it’s done.

Step 1

Just before you feed your beardie, call them over and roll a ball from one hand to the other in front of them. Do this so that they can see the concept of a rolling ball.

Once you are sure that they have acknowledged this, go ahead and feed them.

Step 2

Feed them as usual for a day or so, rolling the ball out and then back to yourself and then feeding your beardie a treat.

Step 3

For this stage, you will want a bit of room. So, in a safe area outside of the tank, roll the ball gently towards your beardie. Feed a treat if they approach or touch the ball.

Step 4

If your beardie is confused at this stage and fails to touch the ball, don’t worry and just be patient. It is key not to stress out your beardie.

Simply go back to doing something which you know they can do without the ball, like coming when called.

At the next meal time try again with the ball.

Step 5

It can take a few weeks of practice, but with patience, your dragon will soon be fetching the ball.

Summary

These are just a couple of tricks which you can train your beardie to do. They can be great party tricks and are a great way of keeping your beardie amused.

I hope you found these bearded dragon training tips useful. Its a matter of practice and reward-based training. Have Fun!

Like this article? Pin it on Pinterest

bearded dragon training

  • About Matthew Cantell

    I was just 15 years of age when I first met a bearded dragon. It was at my friend's house and I instantly grew an immediate attraction to, what has now become, my favourite animal on the planet! Making fantastic pets for both children and adults alike, they each have their own personality and are certainly full of character. There are, though, some important things that we should all know when it comes to caring for these amazing animals!
  • Affiliate Disclosure

    Bearded Dragon Guru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Bearded Dragon Guru also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. Bearded Dragon Guru is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

  • Bearded Dragon Infographic