When it comes to bearded dragons, they might not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think about a cuddly creature.
Despite their scaled and spiked exterior, bearded dragons are actually quite affectionate animals.
In this article, we are going to be looking at the bearded dragon to find out if they don’t mind a good cuddle
now and then, as well as how to go about being affectionate with your reptilian companion.
Let’s get started.
Do Bearded Dragons Like To Cuddle?
The answer is yes! Bearded dragons do enjoy cuddling. However, as with any other pet, it’s important to remember that every dragon is different,
and whilst some might love getting up close and personal when it comes to being affectionate with their owners, others may prefer to keep a distance.
Once you are aware of your bearded dragon’s temperament, you can make an informed decision about whether your dragon is going to respond positively to cuddles or not.
If your bearded dragon does not seem to want to interact with you in any way, then perhaps it’s time for a change of scenery.
A new environment could help to stimulate them a little more and result in them becoming more interested in interacting with you.
You could do this by getting them into a larger enclosure so that they have more space to move around and explore.
That being said, some dragons aren’t ever going to be the snuggly, cuddly types, but that’s okay! There are plenty of other ways that you can show your bearded dragon affection without physical contact.
How Can I Show My Bearded Dragon Affection?
There are many ways that you can express your affection for your bearded dragon.
As mentioned above, every dragon is different, and so you need to know the animal’s temperament before you can discern how to go about giving that particular bearded dragon affection.
If your dragon is the sort who likes to cuddle, then there will be no problem showing him or her that you care by providing a safe place where he or she can curl up on your lap or under your arm.
Whether it’s a full-on cuddle or a simple head pat, the bearded dragon is sure to appreciate your attention.
If, however, your bearded dragon doesn’t seem to be too keen on cuddles, try using non-physical methods such as making funny noises, whistling, or singing to your bearded dragon.
Your dragon will also love receiving treats from you, which can be given either through hand feeding or via a food dispenser.
Some bearded dragons also love to play with toys, especially those made specifically for reptiles.
Toys should always be chosen carefully, though, as some toys can be dangerous for lizards. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for toy safety before purchasing one.
What Are The Benefits Of Being Affectionate With My Bearded Dragon?
Being able to provide your bearded dragon with affection has many benefits.
It helps to create a bond between you and your bearded dragon, helping to improve trust between owner and pet and strengthen your relationship.
Additionally, studies have shown that having pets around can reduce stress levels and anxiety.
A bearded dragon might be a somewhat more unconventional pet in comparison to a dog or a cat, but they can still be loyal and loving pets that can easily become members of the family.
How To Safely Handle A Bearded Dragon
As with any other type of pet, it is important to ensure that you handle your bearded dragon safely.
This means ensuring that you wash your hands thoroughly after handling your bearded dragon, as well as avoiding touching your face while doing so.
You should also avoid holding your bearded dragon by his or her tail, as this can cause injury.
Instead, hold your bearded dragon firmly by the body, or if possible, use a suitable reptile cage.
When picking up your bearded dragon, make sure that you pick him or her up gently and slowly.
Sudden movements could spook your bearded dragon and cause him or her to panic or jump out of your arms.
Make sure to never grab your bearded dragon by the neck, either, as this can lead to serious injury.
Finally, never leave your bearded dragon unattended, as they can easily get out of their enclosure and wander off into unknown territory.
How To Get Your Bearded Dragon To Come To You
Food is a great incentive when it comes to training your pets, and bearded dragons are no exception to this.
By offering your bearded dragon tasty treats, you can encourage them to come to you when called.
Pinpoint their favorite snacks for the best results, and keep an eye on what they eat.
Once your bearded dragon knows that certain foods are associated with coming to you, they’ll begin associating these foods with being picked up.
Reassurance is also a key feature to remember when training your bearded dragon.
If you call your bearded dragon over to you, and he or she ignores you, don’t worry – just repeat the command until your bearded dragon eventually responds.
Try not to shout at your bearded dragon when calling him or her over, as this may scare him or her away. Instead, speak softly and calmly.
Let them roam freely when they do climb onto you. Don’t restrain your bearded dragon, as this could result in injury.
Their claws can be a bit sharp, though, so make sure to wear a sweater or make sure that your arms are well covered when playing with your bearded dragon and cuddling them.
Where Is The Best Place To Cuddle My Bearded Dragon?
The best place to cuddle your bearded dragon is somewhere where both you and your dragon friend can feel comfortable.
Ideally, you should choose a spot that is warm enough for your bearded dragon but cool enough so that he or she doesn’t overheat.
Some people like to cuddle their bearded dragons on top of their beds, while others prefer to sit on the floor next to their bearded dragons.
In general, the best place to cuddle a bearded dragon is in a quiet room where there aren’t too many distractions. That way, you can both relax!
Are Bearded Dragons Fans Of Blankets?
Blankets are a wonderful addition to a bearded dragon’s life, especially during cold weather months.
It is recommended that you provide your bearded dragon with a blanket to snuggle under during colder days.
However, make sure that you only give your bearded dragon a soft cotton blanket, as some synthetic materials can irritate your bearded dragon’s skin.
Also, make sure that you remove all loose threads from your bearded dragon’s blanket before giving it to your lizard friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Bearded Dragon Likes Me?
If you have been around bearded dragons long enough, then you will know how affectionate they can be towards their owners.
While most bearded dragons love nothing more than bask in the sun, they still enjoy spending time with their human companions.
As we talked about above, each dragon has a different temperament, which means that some lizards are more outgoing than others.
So if you want to know whether your bearded dragon likes you, simply watch his or her behavior.
For example, does your bearded dragon approach you by himself or herself?
Or do they seek out your attention whenever possible? These are all signs that your bearded dragon loves you.
Do Bearded Dragons Like To Be Handled?
This relates back to what we discussed about cuddling your bearded dragon and how each individual reptile will be different in terms of the kind of affection that they are comfortable with.
The same can be said for general handling, as some bearded dragons will be more comfortable being handled than others.
This is why it is important to get to know your bearded dragon first before attempting to handle him or her.
You can start by gently petting your bearded dragon and slowly working up to touching him or her.
Once you find out what your bearded dragon likes, you will be able to better understand how to interact with him or her.
Are Bearded Dragons Hard To Care For?
While caring for bearded dragons is not difficult at all, it does require a bit of patience.
There are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind when taking care of your bearded dragon, such as feeding them properly, making sure that they stay clean, and keeping an eye out for any potential health problems.
Fortunately, these tasks are much easier to accomplish once you have gotten to know your bearded dragon.
Final Thoughts
Cuddling your bearded dragon is a great way to show your lizard friend that you care for him or her.
Just remember to take into account the temperament of your pet when cuddling your bearded dragons.
Some might not be as fond of too much affection, while others may love to cuddle up to you.
As long as you keep the health and happiness of your bearded dragon at the forefront of your mind, then you should be fine!
