Bearded dragons are intelligent and can be quite interactive when raised with care and attention. The real question is, can you take your beardie on a walk in public? Well, the short answer is, yes, you can. In fact, bearded dragons quite enjoy their time out and about. Bearded dragons can be trained to walk with a harness and leash, but it takes some time. Let’s look at the benefits of walking beardies, choosing a leash, and the safety precautions you should follow when taking your reptile out.
The Benefits of Walking a Bearded Dragon
You might not get your bearded dragon to wag its tail or get excited when you mention “walkies”, but they can become great outdoor companions. Before you train your beardie to walk on a leash, remember that not all bearded dragons like to be exposed. Some might thrive while walking about in the grass, but others shy away and become stressed. If your beardie is up for a rendezvous, there are many benefits to walking them on a leash.
A beardie is a curious reptile who likes to explore their environment when they feel secure. Walking them on a lead provides a healthy form of exercise, keeping them strong and limber. Walks are also excellent for bonding, even if your beardie needs to take a break or you have to carry them home. Another benefit of getting your beardie to roam on a leash is exposing them to different sights and sounds, making them more social and tame.
Safety Precautions When Walking a Beardie
To walk your dragon with the utmost care and protection, the first step is to invest in a harness and leash. Harnesses are recommended because they fit snugly around your reptile’s body. The purpose of using a harness over a collar is to prevent them from escaping. A regular collar runs the risk of constricting their delicate throats, and they might slip their heads out, which is disastrous in busy public spaces.
The next safety precaution when walking a beardie is to keep activity at their pace. Do not force your reptile to walk or run if they’re hesitant, particularly during their first few adventures. A beardie will not walk like a dog on a leash. They prefer to relax when they find a comfortable spot. Be sure to look out for other animals, such as dogs, that might irritate, scare, or harm your beardie. Everything should be done gradually as they warm up to being outdoors rather than expecting them to be extremely active from the get-go.
How to Choose the Best Leash for Bearded Dragons
Choosing the best possible harness and leash set for your beardie is an extremely important step when you decide to walk them. Harnesses provide security and allow you to manage your reptile’s movements. When shopping for a beardie’s leash set, the harness should consist of a soft and non-chafing material to avoid skin irritation. The harness must fit snugly but without digging into your reptile’s skin.
You can find harnesses for beardies online or use tiny harnesses for cats, small dogs, and puppies, provided they fit. While there are few DIY harnesses that bearded dragon owners have produced, they’re not the most secure option. For the comfort and safety of your beardie, invest in durable accessories that fit well and won’t break with force or pressure. In addition to a harness and leash set, you can also find extensions and accessories that attach to bracelets you can wear around your wrist. This added layer of protection will keep your bearded dragon with you even if a disaster strikes with the leash itself.
Monitor Your Beardie for Stress While Walking Them
While walks can be entertaining and healthy activities for bearded dragons, always look out for signs of stress. Beardies can become overwhelmed by a public environment, so take your time and be patient when training them to wear a harness. To protect your beardie, be aware of darkening of the beard or chin area and puffing themselves up. Another indication that your reptile companion is unhappy is sudden behavior changes such as retreating or becoming frenzied.
Some beardies might spontaneously and frequently eliminate, which is a sign that they’re not feeling relaxed and safe. If you detect these changes while walking your bearded dragon, it’s time to pick them up and make your way back home. Always start training with short distances and carefully observe the beardie’s behavior to prevent stressing them out.
Other Types of Enrichment for Bearded Dragons
If your beardie doesn’t like the idea of a leash or public walks, there are other activities they can enjoy. From watching TV to taking a bath, enrichment for bearded dragons takes different forms depending on their personalities. One of the most enjoyable activities for these reptiles is climbing. You can recreate a woody habitat by adding branches that allow beardies to climb upwards. Some keepers will take their beardies outside into the garden to explore low-growing shrubs or trees. In addition to branches, introduce rocks and flat stones to their enclosure where they can spend time climbing and basking.
If you feel comfortable with your bearded dragon, allow them to free roam inside your home, provided you keep a close eye on their whereabouts. Some beardies enjoy swimming, whether in the pool or the bath, so introduce them to water for activity and fun. Lastly, spend time interacting with them by keeping them close. Beardies form incredible bonds with their owners, so let them climb on your arm or settle on your shoulder.
These lizards truly make great pets for first-time reptile owners!
