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If you own a bearded dragon, the inevitable question will likely cross your mind – “Do bearded dragons love their owners?”
Bearded dragon are fascinating creatures and scientists are constantly discovering new information regarding their behavior. However, there’s still a lot of questions surrounding these docile reptiles.
So, circling back to our original question – do we know if bearded dragons love their owners?
Yes, bearded dragons do love their owners. In fact, bearded dragons become attached to their owners similar to a dog or cat. Bearded dragons have been proven to be able to recognize their owners voice & scent and will likely be more comfortable will them over strangers.
Keep reading to learn more!
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They Enjoy Being Handled by You
It’s no secret that bearded dragons are sociable creatures. In fact, they’re largely considered to be the most docile reptile in the world. It’s no wonder why these reptiles have become the #1 pet reptile in the United States.
But, how do we know if our bearded dragon’s enjoys being handled? Well, it’s simple. If they simply chill in your hand or rest on your shoulder without squirming or puffing up – they’re in a state of comfort.
Furthermore, if they fall asleep in your presence, especially while being handled – it shows they’re extremely comfortable around you. If they viewed you as any form of threat, they would stay awake and be very alert.
They Watch You
Bearded dragons are curious creatures. Whether you’re resting in bed or on your computer – bearded dragons are known to watch their owners.
It’s not exactly known why bearded dragons do this behavior. However, it’s commonly speculated that they do this because they’re entertained by watching their owners. Some even speculate that they watch us because they’re waiting to be handled by you.
They Prefer You Over Strangers
Sometimes, bearded dragons will have a strong preference for a certain person. Typically, this person is the one who primarily takes of them and handles them most often.
For instance, when my girlfriend handles my bearded dragon, he’ll oftentimes squirm, and his beard will turn black. This is because he doesn’t like being handled by her. However, my bearded dragon never shows this behavior while I’m handling him.
This is very similar to the behavior of a dog. Dogs usually love most people. However, they typically have a strong preference for one particular person. This person is usually seen as the “pack leader”. Bearded dragons seem to exhibit similar behavior in this regard.
They Lick You
Now, don’t get me wrong, bearded dragons lick things for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include mating, hunger, and exploration. However, when a bearded dragon licks their owner – it’s typically a sign of affection. Check out our article on other signs of affection in bearded dragons!
So, the next time your bearded dragon licks you – know that they’re saying “I love you” in bearded dragon language. Pretty wholesome, isn’t it?
They Enjoy Resting on Your Shoulder
This one goes hand-in-hand with handling. If your bearded dragon enjoys hanging on your shoulder and chilling – it’s a strong sign that they’re extremely comfortable with you. It shows that they trust you enough to keep them supported on your shoulder without falling.
However, it’s important to note that just because your bearded dragon doesn’t like hanging on your shoulder doesn’t mean they don’t love you. It can be scary and they can feel as if they’re going to fall and injure themselves.
Here’s a cool little carriers you can use:
How to Get Closer with Your Bearded Dragon
If you’d like to build trust with your bearded dragon and develop a closer bond, here are some tips you can practice.
Handle Them Daily
Although it can be a lot of work if you have a busy schedule, it’s important to handle your bearded dragon as often as possible. If possible, try to handle them for at least 5-10 minutes daily. However, If that’s not possible, try to handle them on a weekly basis.
This is by far the best way to develop a bond with your bearded dragon. The more you handle them, the more comfortable they will become around you.
Take Them Outside
It’s no secret that bearded dragons love warmth. Taking them outside will allow them to bask and the sun. Simultaneously, you’ll be bonding with your bearded dragon.
Furthermore, your bearded dragon will be able to get some natural UVB rays from the sun – a pertinent aspect of their health and bone development.
You don’t have to take your bearded dragon outside daily, and you definitely shouldn’t take them outside when it’s cold. However, if you can take them out every so often, they will definitely enjoy it.
Additionally, you can take your bearded dragon out places. Personally, I like to take my bearded dragon to the beach and occasionally to the pet store. I have a carrier for bearded dragons that makes it easy to carry them around wherever I please. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend picking one up. It’s well worth it!
Here’s the one I own:
Talk to Them
It may sound silly, but bearded dragons seem to enjoy being talked to. Of course, this is simply my personal observation.
You can say things such as “Hey *insert your beardies name*“. Eventually, they will start to recognize your voice and associate it with your presence. It’s a great way to bond with your beardie!
Final Thoughts – Do Bearded Dragons Love Their Owners?
So, do bearded dragons love their owners?
The answer is an astounding YES. Bearded dragons become attached to their owners, no different than how a dog or cat would.
If you’re worried your bond isn’t strong with your bearded dragon, there’s plenty of thing you can do to improve your relationship. One of the most effective ways to strengthen your relationship is to handle them regularly, talk to them, and take them with you when you go out.
Overall, we hope you learned something new! If you have any more questions regarding bearded dragons or other reptiles, feel free to search it in the box at the top right of your screen!
As always – stay safe and Happy Herping!
