Aggressive dragon

[Cheryll]

I recently adopted a three year old dragon. His old owners were not feeding him and not showing him love. I am trying to pace myself with him. I know he probably has some of his aggression due to their mistreatment, but I don't really know what steps I need to take to help him relax around me!!! When I put my hand in his tank he get agitated and tries to swipe me with his tail. I keep trying, and eventually he will let me rub his head. If I try to pick him up he becomes aggressive again. I will love him even if he never let's me hold him, but I would appreciate some advice on how to tame him!!!

 

[PatsyB]

He could just need some time to adjust to his new home and learn that you aren't going to hurt him and you are actually helping him. You can put something in his tank that has your smell on it, like a t-shirt or a scarf or something so he gets used to your scent. Give him some space, don't force him to interact with you. When you pick him up scoop with your hand from under his chest and front legs and support his back legs with your other hand. A really good thing to do, it worked for me and i've read other people said it worked for them too, interact with him right before you turn his lights off at night. Usually even before the lights go out they start to find their sleepy spot for the night and start tucking in. It's that time when their defenses are down so you can start by petting him for a little bit and maybe holding him for a few minutes inside his tank. As he gets comfortable with it you can increase the time you hold him, 3 min, 5min, 10min etc. Once he's real comfortable you can start taking him out and holding him for a bit.

 

[Hdrydr31]

Glad to hear that he now has a loving home! I think in time he will settle.. if he has a favorite food item maybe try with tweezers to feed them to him and if he takes them try to increase to hand feeding...the item of clothing is a great idea to put where he sleeps, and the interaction when he's sleepy...talking to him.. Time and going slow is the key thing.. You need to gain his trust and if he was neglected it will be time... Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[Cheryll]

We have been hand feeding him. We also have started picking his log up while he is sitting on it and putting it on my lap. He let's me pet him a little more than he used to. Definitely progress!!! He does not like me to pet him anywhere except the top of his head and his back though. But I think with some patience he will realize that I am not going to mistreat him!!! Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[MillieD]

It sounds like you are doing as much as you can to make him feel safe and calm. Keep feeding him by hand (even some veggies) and I'm sure he will soon trust and love you. If you put your hand in and wait for him to be calm and move it slowly closer until you can pick him up, he will feel more in control and might let you hold him.