How to Train a Bearded Dragon: Teaching Commands and Tricks

Did you know bearded dragons can learn tricks, respond to their names, and even use a designated potty area? Here is all about how to train a bearded dragon. May it be rewarding and fun!

Scientific studies have illuminated the mental capabilities of our bearded dragons. Research shows that our reptiles possess a level of intelligence that facilitates their ability to learn and respond effectively to training methods. For example, a study conducted by Herndon in 2021 delved into the social and physical traits of bearded dragons, underscoring their capacity for learning.

1. Laying the Foundation for Effective Bearded Dragon Training

1.1. Socializing Your Bearded Dragon

Socializing your bearded dragon is the first and most important step in building a bond. This process helps them feel comfortable and trust you, setting the stage for all future training.

Start by simply being present. Spend time near your bearded dragon’s enclosure doing everyday activities like reading, watching TV, or chatting with friends. These small, consistent interactions help them get used to your presence without feeling overwhelmed. Herndon (2021) emphasizes that bearded dragons have a remarkable capacity to learn and adapt, so this stage is crucial for building trust.

Once they seem relaxed with you around, it’s time to take things up a notch. Let them explore a safe area under your watchful eye. Bearded dragons are curious and love to investigate, but keep an eye on them—they’re quick to find hiding spots under furniture. Make sure the room is warm enough to prevent them from getting too chilly, as their activity depends on external temperatures.

Safety first! Always check that the space is secure with no gaps they could slip through. Bearded dragons are adventurous but not street-smart. And don’t forget hygiene—these reptiles can carry salmonella, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.

With patience and consistent care, your bearded dragon will gradually start to see you as a friend, not a threat. Remember, every bearded dragon is unique, and their personalities will shine as they grow more comfortable around you.

1.2. Incorporating Spatial Learning Techniques

Bearded dragons are smarter than many people think, and one of their standout skills is the ability to associate specific locations with positive outcomes. This ability, called spatial learning, is a powerful tool you can use to strengthen your bond with your bearded dragon.

How to Use Spatial Learning in Training:

• Create “Reward Zones” in the Enclosure: Choose a specific spot in your bearded dragon’s enclosure for treats or playtime. For example, always leave their favorite snack in the same corner. Over time, your bearded dragon will associate this area with positive experiences like tasty rewards.
• Add a Visual Cue: Make it even easier for your bearded dragon to learn by placing a consistent visual marker—like a brightly colored mat, a small platform, or a toy—at the reward zone. This helps them connect the visual cue with the reward, reinforcing the behavior.

Why does this work? Research by Elsenberg et al. (2024) shows that reptiles like bearded dragons thrive when their environment includes clear and consistent signals. By tapping into their natural ability to learn through association, you’re training your bearded dragon and building a system they understand and enjoy.

1.3. The Impact of Temperature on Training

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded creatures, which means their activity and ability to learn are directly influenced by their environment’s temperature. Understanding this connection is key to successful training.

Why Temperature Matters: Bearded dragons are ectotherms (cold blooded), relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. If they’re too cold, they become sluggish and less responsive, making training sessions ineffective. On the flip side, being comfortably warm keeps them alert and ready to engage.

What Science Says: Research by Black and Tattersall (2017) found that adult bearded dragons consistently prefer surface temperatures around 35°C (95°F) for optimal activity. Neonates (babies) take a bit longer to develop these preferences as they explore their environment. This temperature “sweet spot” ensures they’re both comfortable and focused, which is important for learning new behaviors.

How to Train in the Right Conditions:

• Monitor Room Temperature: If the room where you’re training falls below this temperature range, consider using a portable heat lamp or training closer to their basking area.
• Time Your Sessions Smartly: The best time for training is shortly after your bearded dragon has basked and warmed up. Avoid sessions during cooler parts of the day, as they might not be at their most active.
• Limit Time Out of the Cage: If the room temperature is significantly lower than their preferred range, keep training sessions brief to ensure they stay comfortable.

1.4. Recognising and Managing Stress

Stress can impair a bearded dragon’s ability to focus and retain information, making it harder for them to engage in training. The study by Stockley, Wilkinson, and Burman (2020) sheds light on how certain interactions, particularly prolonged handling, can elevate stress levels in our reptiles.

1. Identifying Stress Indicators: Bearded dragons exhibit several signs when stressed. These include:
   • changing to a darker color,
   • glass surfing (scratching at the glass of their enclosure),
   • hiding more than usual,
   • aggressive behavior,
   • decreased appetite, and
   • irregular bowel movements.
2. Reducing Stress During Training:
   • Short Sessions: Limit training to 5–10 minutes to avoid overstimulation.
   • Consistency: Maintain a predictable schedule for training and daily care to reduce anxiety.
   • Comfortable Environment: Make your bearded dragon’s enclosure much like its natural habitat, with proper hiding spots, temperature gradients, and enrichment activities like rearranging decorations or adding safe objects for exploration.

2. Bearded Dragons Training Techniques

Training a bearded dragon is all about understanding their unique behavior and tapping into what motivates them. Training bearded dragons requires you to give positive reinforcement and staying consistent. Make training a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your beardie.

Start with the Basics: Before diving into tricks, spend time building a foundation of trust. Let your bearded dragon become comfortable with your presence and learn to associate you with positive experiences. Offering treats during interactions is a great way to reinforce this bond.

Make It Fun: Once your bearded dragon feels secure, you can start introducing simple tricks. These could include:

• Waving: Teaching them to lift a foot as a “wave.”
• Shoulder Sitting: Helping them feel at ease perched on your shoulder.
• Potty Training: Encouraging them to use a designated spot for bathroom breaks.

Tips for Successful Training:

• Keep Sessions Short: Aim for 5–10 minutes to avoid overstimulating your bearded dragon. Short, enjoyable sessions help them stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
• Be Patient and Repetitive: Repetition is key. Bearded dragons thrive on routine, so practice tricks consistently.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Even the smallest progress is a step forward. Reward them immediately with their favorite treat to reinforce the behavior.

2.1. Starting with Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone to train a bearded dragon. This technique involves rewarding your bearded dragon for desired behaviors, which can be anything from responding to their name to performing specific tricks. Treats, gentle handling, and verbal praise can all serve as rewards. As highlighted on Quora, consistency in using treats and praise can significantly enhance the training process.

2.2. Teaching Simple Tricks

To train a bearded dragon begin with basic commands or actions that align with their natural behaviors. Hand targeting, where you guide their movement with a small object like a stick, can be a great starting point. This trains them in a specific action and aids in establishing communication between you and your bearded dragon.

3. Tricks to Train a Bearded Dragon

3.1. How to Train Your Bearded Dragon to Come When Called

Have you ever wished your bearded dragon would come to you when you call their name? The good news is, with a little patience, positive reinforcement, and the right techniques, it can happen. Bearded dragons are smarter than many people think, and their ability to recognize patterns and sounds makes training possible and fun!

Step 1: Start with a Familiar Environment

Bearded dragons feel most secure in familiar surroundings. Begin training in their enclosure or a quiet, safe space where they won’t be distracted or stressed. Research by Stockley et al. (2020) shows that minimizing stress is needed for reptiles to focus and learn effectively.

Step 2: Use Their Name Consistently

To teach your bearded dragon to come when called, you need to build a strong association between their name and positive outcomes. Say their name in a clear, calm tone during your training sessions. Remember that it is the sound they understand, not the word. So the sound must always be the same.

Step 3: Reward Immediately

Reinforce the behavior right away! When your bearded dragon turns their head or takes even the smallest step toward you, offer a favorite treat like a mealworm or dubia roach. Research shows that immediate rewards strengthen the connection between actions and outcomes (Elsenberg et al., 2024). Praise and a gentle touch can also be great reinforcements.

Step 4: Gradually Increase the Distance

Once your bearded dragon responds reliably to their name up close, increase the challenge. Start calling them from a bit farther away, keeping the environment distraction-free. Keep rewarding every successful response to reinforce the behavior.

Step 5: Stay Consistent

Training sessions should be short—about 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Bearded dragons work well with routines, so practice regularly and always use the same tone and phrasing. As Black and Tattersall (2017) noted, consistent conditions improve reptiles’ ability to adapt and learn new behaviors.

With repetition and patience, bearded dragons can learn to come when called.

3.2. How to Potty Train a Bearded Dragon

To potty train a bearded dragon you first need to observe their habits and, like all training, be patience. It takes time to teach your bearded dragon to use a specific area for their bathroom needs.

Step 1: Observe Their Bathroom Habits
Bearded dragons are creatures of routine and often choose a specific spot in their enclosure for defecation. Spend a few days observing where your dragon prefers to go. This natural preference will be your starting point for training.

Step 2: Create a Designated Potty Area
Once you identify their favorite spot, set up a “potty area” in that location. Place something easy to clean that they can poop on going forward, like:

• A shallow container with paper towels.
• A small tray filled with a safe, absorbent substrate.
• A puppy pad for simplicity.

Step 3: Stick to a Routine
Bearded dragons are great with consistency. Keep their routines. Feeding at similar times, keeping lighting and heating going on and off at regular times and so on will also help with knowing when they are likely to poop.

Step 4: Be Patient and Persistent
It takes time for your bearded dragon to make the connection between the potty area and their bathroom habits. Gently guide them to the area as needed, and reward them with a small treat when they use it successfully. Repetition is key to reinforcing the behavior.

Step 5: Maintain Cleanliness
Clean the potty area regularly to keep it hygienic and prevent odors. A clean environment ensures your bearded dragon continues to use the designated spot.

4. Training a Bearded Dragon in a Nutshell

We know that bearded dragons are smart and can learn, we can use this skill of theirs to train them.

Training a bearded dragon is a rewarding experience that enhances the bonds that we share. By using insights from scientific research and tailoring our approach to their unique behaviors, we can create a positive, enriching experience we all enjoy.

The Keys to Success:

• Be patient and consistent. Progress takes time, but each small step strengthens the bond between you and your bearded dragon.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors, and always reward good efforts immediately.
• Create a safe, comfortable environment that supports their natural instincts and learning capabilities.

References

• Black, I. R. G., & Tattersall, G. J. (2017). Thermoregulatory behavior and orientation preference in bearded dragons. Journal of Thermal Biology, 69, 171–177.
• Elsenberg, J., Müller, J., & Langsdorff, A. (2024). ReptiLearn: An automated home cage system for behavioral experiments in reptiles. Journal of Comparative Reptile Behavior Studies, 15(3), 45–67.
• Herndon, Sydney. (n.d) Intelligence of Bearded Dragons Intelligence of Bearded Dragons.
• Stockley, V. R., Wilkinson, A., & Burman, O. H. P. (2020). How to Handle Your Dragon: Does Handling Duration Affect the Behaviour of Bearded Dragons (Pogona Vitticeps)? Animals, 10(11), 2116.
• How do I train a bearded dragon? (n.d.). Quora. Retrieved January 2, 2024